“It All Started at the Radisson Inn,” the latest from Fringe favorite Michael Wanzie, sounds downright scandalous when you hear a brief description of it given the taboo subject matter, but once you see it you’ll realize it is one of the sweetest, most endearing romantic comedies to grace a Fringe stage.
The show stars Zach Lane as straight guy Brett who has a chance encounter with gay man Connor, played by Mike Van Dyke, at the Radisson Inn. When Connor shares a hit of ecstasy with Brett at Connor’s 40th birthday party in exchange for a little foot play, an arrangement begins that soon turns into a not-so-common relationship. Connor introduces Brett to master/slave fantasy role play and opens him up to a world he didn’t know he had been longing for. It’s the perfect arrangement except for the fact that they have to keep it a secret from Brett’s fiancé, Julie (played by Dina Najjar).
The show is part “Odd Couple,” part “The Graduate” and all Wanzie, who wrote and directed the show. His dialogue is quippy and hysterical, and it is presented to perfection by this trio of actors. As Brett and Connor’s relationship develops on stage, you start focusing less on what fetishes the characters are into and more on the love that is building between them. “It All Started at the Radisson Inn” will keep your attention with the laughs but will have you remembering this one long after it’s over because of its heart.
“It All Started at the Radisson Inn” plays in the Gold Venue through May 30. For more information visit OrlandoFringe.org.
