Theater Online - New York Theater Reviews

Mutant Sex Party opens with Clay (Erik Van Wyck) whom we presume to be an escort and an older politician we know only as John (Tom Demenkoff). The politician begs for abuse and gets increasingly frustrated and angry as the exact abuse he is requesting is not delivered. Ultimately Clay delivers abuse in his own fashion, as he becomes increasingly cruel and physically abusive John gets aroused and achieves sexual satisfaction after being kicked in the gut and thrown to the floor.

It is just one of many scenes and fantasies the two create with absolute conviction.

As the action and sexual scenarios continue we learn that Clay is not a prostitute but a speechwriter for John who is currently under investigation for insider trading. As John gets more and more frightened of what the "real world" can bring his desire for the Sadistic fantasies increases. The audience is constantly on the edge of their seats wondering, "What's real“ What's a fantasy?"

At the end we are challenged further as we learn that Clay is more than he appears, and John possibly even less.

This is a dynamic roller coaster of a theatrical experience with both actors throwing themselves into the roles both physically and emotionally. They approach their roles with absolute conviction.

Mr. Manning has written a complex and challenging play that is very political in nature. Don't let the title fool you; this is about mutant politics as much as sex. We are reminded that while lying and cheating are accepted in politics a blowjob can ruin a career.

The scenic design by Paul Gelinas is very well done and the hand of the director (Hamilton Clancy) almost invisible as he has he has helped to craft this vehicle as a slice of reality.

This is an all around excellent production and highly recommended.