The Sonneteer

Nick Salamone's challenging new play, sensitively directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera, offers a complex portrait of love, alienation, death, homophobia, guilt, and the redemptive power of art within the life of an Italian-American family during five decades. The piece conjures the breadth of an epic tale, though conveyed in an intimate framework. Adding to the lyrical beauty of Salamone's fine dialogue and sharp imagery are lovely sonnets, delivered by the character of family matriarch Livvy (Sandra Purporo), who has composed them as a means of coming to terms with her wide-ranging emotions.

A tapestry of story threads is revealed. Three U.S. servicemen—homophobic Louie (Paul Haitkin), his brother Michael (Ray Oriel), and family friend Joey (Ed Martin)—travel to Europe during World War II. Michael and Joey become secretly entangled in a gay love affair, and Louie marries Livvy upon his return to the U.S. Louie's controlling sister, Vita (Cynthia Gravinese), who carries a torch for Joey, persuades Michael to marry a nurse, Ella (Victoria Hoffman), whom he doesn't love. Adding to the web of familial angst, Louie accidentally kills Michael. Appearing in the second act is Michael and Livvy's son Lucius (also played by Haitkin), a professor who is unashamedly gay.

Though the various relationships and themes need tighter focus, the play is often quite moving. Rivera's hauntingly poetic staging is highlighted by R. Christopher Stokes' beautifully textured lighting and Robert Selander's stylized set, dominated by sonnets on the walls and oddly structured panels. These well-conceived designs underline the characters' emotional chaos.

In a wonderfully understated performance, Purporo delivers the beautiful sonnets with grace and insight. Gravinese gives a compelling performance as the manipulative Vita. Oriel is highly convincing as the intolerant Michael. Martin and Hoffman are affecting, as is Haitkin in his dual roles. Though the somewhat diffuse production feels like a work in progress, there's plenty to admire here. The collaborative artists clearly share a profound vision, and the play deserves the chance to fully realize its potential.

Presented at the Davidson/Valentini Theatre, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Pl., L.A. Feb. 18–April 3. Fri.–Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. (323) 860-7300. www.lagaycenter.org/boxoffice.