A Note From the Director

Who would have thought a play that dealt with the subject of AIDS would be named best comedy of the year in 1994? I remember being told by a close friend that he was diagnosed as HIV positive. Having been hit with this ton of bricks, I went to New York City that weekend looking for a comedy, something to get my mind off my friend's news.
Jeffrey was being advertised as a "funny and sleazy look at the New York City gay underworld." I thought 'cool, for a change, a gay play that doesn't equal AIDS'. I bought my ticket and as I turned to leave the lobby, there, on a wall sized review read these words: "How can a play about AIDS be so funny?" I tried to return my ticket - "No Refunds, No Returns." I almost threw my ticket away, I didn't want to sit through another AIDS play. And yet, I went to the performance, and I was grateful to Paul Rudnick and his play. I laughed and cried. It was the first play that dealt with AIDS that allowed us to laugh... and it felt good.
So now, almost ten years later, AXIS Theatre brings this comedy to you. It might have some dated dialogue, but the message of love and hope are still relevant to everyone in this day of AIDS and the 9/11 crisis.
Please, go ahead and laugh, and cry, but then love and live.

Terry L.