Jeffrey Solomon’s award-winning play “Mother/Son” was inspired by his Jewish mother’s poignant and often hilarious journey out of the closet as the parent of a gay son.
Jeffrey Solomon’s award-winning play “Mother/Son” was inspired by his Jewish mother’s poignant and often hilarious journey out of the closet as the parent of a gay son. The story traces her evolution from grief stricken mother turning up at a support group for parents of gays to marching with her son in a pride parade. Mother/SON was a critical hit Off Broadway, Chicago and Provincetown and most recently on London’s Off West End. Join Jeffrey as he plays both characters at the Rising Action Theatre until June 27th. It was a pleasure to sit down with Jeffrey and find out more about the actor and this show.
When did you know you wanted to be in show business?
Acting and writing is what I have been good at my whole life. When I was 7 I did puppet shows and I would act out the entire “Wizard of Oz” soundtrack for my grandparents. Basically, it’s all I have ever done.
What cities/states/country’s have you performed in?
For “Mother/Son” I have performed in New York, Chicago, Provincetown, London, Dublin, Edinburgh Scotland, India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. For other shows I have been in I have performed in Ireland, California, San Diego, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Arizona, Colorado and I am sure many more that I can’t think of right now.
I have written approximately 10 shows. I mostly focus on creating my own work. I love writing, acting and directing, so I really don’t have the time to audition for other shows.
What gave you the inspiration to write this show?
It all started when my mom marched with me in the 25th anniversary parade of the Stonewall riots. I think it’s an amazing journey my mom took and all other parents take as they make the ultimate expression of family values by accepting their children for who they are. There are so many books and plays about gay people coming out, but there was nothing about the parent’s journey.
How long did it take you to create this play?
It took me about 2 months to write it. I knew if I wrote a solo piece I could get it up on its feet quicker. The first reading was in March and the first performance was in September, which is incredibly quick in the theater world.
Yes, I am very fortunate that this play has been seen around the world for 13 years. I think of it as a gift my mom left me. I have done many other plays since, but there is something about this play that I love to return to and share with audiences. I think it has lasted so long because there is always a demand for parents to accept their gay children. It’s a universal subject that will be around forever. In addition, the play has been used in corporate training and PFLAG has used it.
Has the play received any awards?
At the Absolut Gay Theater Festival in Dublin I won the best actor award and in the Colombus Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival I won best male performance and the play won audience favorite. In addition, I just did a run of the play in London, where it received a 4 star rave and Critic’s Choice in Time Out.
Who will enjoy seeing this production?
Well it’s a very funny play and anyone who has/had a Jewish mother or an over involved mother will definitely relate to it. I think all gays and lesbians and their friends and families will love this show.
Catch “Mother/Son” at the Rising Action Theatre on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm, with two additional shows on Saturday, June 26th at 10:30 pm and Sunday June 27th at 7 pm. To purchase tickets go to RisingActionTheatre.com or call 1 800-595-4849.
Groups call 954 561-2225.
