Is it a surprise that Chauncey Miles is a Republican?
The other characters in the play “The Nance” seem to think so. The cast comments here and there about the party alliance of the star of the show, played by Richard Gray. Chauncey Miles is, after all, a gay man – and one who performs in burlesque shows, both of which are under attack in the play’s 1930s setting.
In fact, the political debate between Chauncey and Sylvie, played by Ann Cornelius, basically becomes a backdrop for the story. Chauncey chastises Sylvie for being a Communist, while she challenges him to fight for his lifestyle and profession.
Chauncey is, however, a complex character. He embodies Walt Whitman’s “Do I contradict myself?/ Very well, then, I contradict myself,/ (I am large, I contain multitudes.)”
Chauncey performs as a “nance” on stage – a comedy act meant to parody gay men. While most nance actors are straight, Chauncey is not. He claims offstage the very identity he pokes fun of onstage.
The play is, in a way, a period piece – exploring the world of 1930s burlesque, the theatre world and New York. The story takes place in a time when gay men had to meet in secret – and faced relentless stereotyping, derogatory remarks and even violence.
Even while the plot focuses on this specific slice of history, city and life – Chauncey seems to take on more of the role of an Everyman. We can’t help but cringe at some of his choices, because perhaps we’ve made the same mistakes. Especially challenging to watch are the ways he treats too-good-to-be-true boyfriend Ned, played by Drew Highlands.
We share both Chauncey’s hope for a reprise – and his cynicism that anyone will come to his aid.
