During its Off-Broadway run, the New York Times called “Daniel’s Husband” a must-see, declaring openly gay playwright Michael McKeever’s work “a heart-yanker.” Critics on the West Coast concurred, with the Los Angeles Times calling it “an absorbing drama” with crisp humor and wit.
Years before either production, veteran of the stage Dan Kelley called it something he had to direct. A South Florida peer of McKeever’s, he attended its original run in Fort Lauderdale after its 2015 premiere, just months after marriage equality came to Florida and before it became the law of the land.
Kelley has worked professionally as an actor and director for 40 years. In the latter role he’s brought more than 100 productions to life, a process he loves but reluctantly admits has led him to become a “jaded theatergoer.”
“I don’t want to say that I’m a jaded person, but I am,” Kelley muses. “I’m a tough audience and it takes a lot to excite me.” The play did.
“Daniel and Mitchell are the perfect couple,” it is officially described. “Perfect house, perfect friends – even a mother who wants them married. They’d have the perfect wedding, too, except that Mitchell doesn’t believe in gay marriage.
“A turn of events puts their perfect life in jeopardy and Mitchell is thrust into a future where even his love may not prove to be enough,” its synopsis continues. “‘Daniel’s Husband’ is a bold reflection of love, commitment and family in our perilous new world.”
“It was compelling,” Kelley recalls his first viewing. “It was original. It was surprising. It made me cry – it made the entire audience cry. It’s also really fun because it’s like a rollercoaster ride.
“It’s funny and there are these highs, and then you take a dip before going up again,” he continues. “It’s like real life in that way, and there was a part I was attracted to playing but realized I’d aged out of it. So I said, ‘I will direct this play one day.’”
Six years and one pandemic later, Kelley – who moved from Miami to Tampa Bay two years ago – is getting his chance. Presented by the West Coast Players (WCP) in Clearwater, the regional premiere of “Daniel’s Husband” is now playing each weekend through June 20 for Pride Month.
“I directed a show for West Coast Players before the pandemic and it was great,” Kelley says. “They had a reputation as an award-winning, well-respected theater where people wanted to work and my experience was nothing but positive.”
When WCP Artistic Director Janice Crenati contacted Kelley afterwards to see if there were any productions he’d like to direct, “Daniel’s Husband” immediately came to mind. “I got her a copy and she loved it,” Kelley says.
WCP has taken a number of precautions to bring the show to the stage safely. The space began welcoming patrons back for live productions in COVID-conscious form as soon as they were able, only allowing advance ticket sales online and enforcing social distancing measures with a reduced capacity.
“It’s a small theater anyway,” Kelley says, “but they’re only selling 40 tickets per show. They’re selling well so far.”
The director cast the five-person production with local talent, actors Tampa Bay audiences will find both familiar and new. Mark William Myers plays Daniel.
“There are many great laughs and serious moments that everyone can relate to and clearly these are some very serious subjects our characters are commenting on,” Myers says. “It’s easy to be passionate with a Michael McKeever script, it’s so human and relatable. Discovering all of the nuances and levels is such a fun and rewarding experience.”
Richard Issacs, who plays Mitchell, says that’s especially true after COVID-19 shutdowns kept the majority of theaters dark.
“It actually felt like breathing again after more than a year away from the theater,” he says. “The show is composed of five unique individuals – and they all have legitimate pints of view – so it’s been interesting seeing which way the story leans at every turn.”
“We’re very anxious to bring this project to our local audience and share the experience,” Myers adds.
It’s one that Kelley promises will impact theatergoers for years to come. “Really good theater has the ability to move you, to elicit strong emotions,” he explains. “I remember when I left the theater after seeing the show and I went home to tell my partner we were getting married.”
The two haven’t married in the years since, though the domestic partners have been in a relationship for more than 35 years. His feelings were genuine at the time, however, and a testament to the power of theater.
“I had never felt that before,” he recalls, “that strong emotion, deciding to change my whole lifestyle because I saw a play. I hope it has an impact on people and makes them think.”
It’s the play’s ability to challenge audiences that McKeever touts when asked about his friend’s production.
“One of the things that I am most proud of with ‘Daniel’s Husband’ is its universal impact,” the playwright explains. “I have found that both straight and same-sex couples can relate to the two main characters and their points of view on marriage. It’s incredibly gratifying to see the message of the play resonate with so many different people.”
Kelley expects that to continue in Clearwater. “I don’t think people realized how important live theater was until it was yanked away completely,” he says. “It was one of the things in life that people really took for granted.
“People are excited to come back, and people that come to see ‘Daniel’s Husband’ aren’t going to regret it,” he promises. “It’s definitely a special evening in theater.”
“Daniel’s Husband” is playing now through June 20 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at West Coast Players, located at 21905 U.S. 19 N. in Clearwater. Visit WCPlayers.com for more information, including COVID-19 safety protocols, or to purchase tickets for $25.
