My review of "Bordering on Love"



Two minority groups whom are constantly working towards equality and social justice are the LGBTQ and immigrant communities. Both communities face the same struggle for acceptance yet face common adversaries whom don’t believe they deserve the same rights and privileges as everyone else. In the play “Bordering on Love,” the obstacles, relationships, and trials faced between these groups are interwoven brilliantly in comedic and dramatic fashion.

Anthony (TJ O’Connell) is a rather mediocre drag queen, known as Antoinette, who never really found that special niche that would put him over the top until he discovers Marilu (Silvia Tovar), an “illegal” immigrant from Mexico.  Under Marilu’s tutelage, Anthony soon goes from a mere boy in a dress to full-fledged drag royalty. Unfortunately, on the road to drag super stardom, Anthony and Marilu both encounter hurdles, the likes of which many people in the LGBTQ and immigrant communities can relate to. Anthony has an “in-the-closet” boyfriend named George (Jeff Vinall) who is married to a woman and lives his life in total denial of whom he really is. Marilu, on the other hand, has a man (Francisco, played by Rudy Marquez) who is afraid to commit and prefers to maintain the status quo of their relationship rather than take a leap of faith into marriage. Marilu’s personal battles become intensified when the U.S. government gets word of her “illegal” status and begins deportation proceedings against her.

The play culminates with life-altering decisions to be made by Anthony and Marilu. Anthony must decide whether to continue being a part of George’s secret life, or make a stand towards self-respect and true happiness. However, the strong bond between Anthony and Marilu is tested by her potential deportation. Can Anthony do anything to save his friend from being sent away? The final outcome mirrors the very definition of friendship and their lives will never be the same again.

At the conclusion of the play I found myself entangled in the lives of the characters in a way I hadn’t imagined I would be. The acting is superb, especially by actors Silvia Tovar and TJ O’Connell, and the mixture of dramatic effect and comedic relief was done seemingly effortlessly and I credit that to “Bordering on Love” writer Evangeline Ordaz. Being a product of both the Latino and LGBTQ communities, I was able to relate to the struggles faced by Anthony and Marilu and it became all the more apparent how similar the obstacles faced by both communities really are. We all want to be loved, respected, and treated equally. Whether someone is gay or straight the intensity that defines love has no border, racial undertones, or sexual orientation and “Bordering on Love” radiantly proves this point by shattering stereotypes, and exhibiting that we are all colorful characters in this crazy game we call life.

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“Bordering on Love”

WHO: Written by Evangeline Ordaz. Directed by Armando Molina. Actors: TJ O’Connell, Silvia Tovar, Jeff Vinall, Rudy Marquez, Christian Gibbs, Kamil Haque, Anne McCarthy, Kenneth Sears.

WHERE:  Company of Angels Theatre at the Alexandria, 501 S. Spring St, 3^rd floor, LA, CA 90013

WHEN: June 2^nd – July 10^th, 2011

TIX/WEB:  http://companyofangels.org/?p=202