Press & Reviews

THEATER BEAT, March 28, 2008

"Regretrosexual: The Love Story" has extended at the Hudson Guild Theatre, and it may just be the best date show in town. This expansion of the 2005 solo hit about stand-up comic Dan Rothenberg's struggle to admit his prior gay identity to the woman he loves doesn't so much advance the confessional form as give it a hilarious workout.

By incorporating the object of Rothenberg's affection -- wonderful Colleen Crabtree, who co-wrote the text and plays everybody else, including herself -- "Regretrosexual" carries unusual authenticity. Rothenberg's maturation included two years of same-sex activity in San Francisco, where he rejected his heterosexual bent for fear of losing his best friend, who had just come out. This gay period (as opposed to "phase") would be moot if Rothenberg had not met Crabtree, as psychically fragile in her way as he was in his.

A prime source of fun in "Regretrosexual" comes from its adroit delaying of Rothenberg's admission confession while it ups the emotional ante. The other great pleasure is the deft way that this real-life couple mesh under Richard Kuhlman's smart direction. Zipping around the center unit of designer Alex Hutton's simple set, Crabtree has a rare gift for instant personas, which dovetails with Rothenberg's appealing ability to give zingers an unexpected vulnerable spin. Aided by Matt Richter's witty sound and lighting effects, their mutual empathy is altogether engaging.

If there is a flaw, it is that "Regretrosexual" is almost too clever in its sly self-references. At times, the quips nearly blur the emerging interpersonal issues, which transcend gender specifics.

Yet long before the touching finale, it's clear that this loopy pair were born for each other, and watching them come to the same conclusion makes "Regretrosexual" a uniquely satisfying duologue.

-- David C. Nichols

PICK OF THE WEEK – “Touching and hilarious! The actors (playing themselves) are so likable and funny that the evening is a joy. Crabtree is especially amusing as she caricatures Rothenberg's family and friends — most painfully, his mother. Richard Kuhlman's light director's touch switches directions whenever the play begins to move toward either bathos or goofiness.”
– LA WEEKLY

“This play is a fun romp on the flip side of the typical coming out story. Rothenberg has the advantage of breaking the fourth wall to reason one on one with his audience. Crabtree bears the burden of playing every other person in Dan’s past and present: from his nagging mother, to his apathetic therapist, from his quasi-gay friend Jason, to straight lover Colleen. She spends the entire first act going through more costume changes than most Broadway productions. This duo is a wonderfully likable pair of oddkins who have found each other. This wife-husband team has developed and performs a very funny and enlightening piece that illuminated the pitfalls of sexual identity as well as the complications of being in a committed relationship. Never before has a play been the consummate champion for both Gay lifestyle and personal honesty. Go see this one; you’ll have a good time.”
– LA SPLASH

“A sure hit!
– ACCESSIBLY LIVE

“The tight, quick-paced, 90-minute piece has laughs spread throughout. Colleen Crabtree portrays herself, as well as about a dozen other characters, shar(ing) her husband's sharp comedic timing and writing skills. Crabtree adds great dimension with her versatility (and) brings ancillary roles to life, each coming off as realistic and not cartoonish. Rothenberg's standup abilities are evident when he talks directly to the audience, hitting punch lines hard, carefully dropping more subtle jokes and bringing depth to the heavier moments. This unusual story is fascinating and funny.”
– BACKSTAGE WEST


Unequivocally hilarious! A rollicking, engaging and light hearted exploration of the thing most of us take too seriously: sexual orientation. Rothenberg reveals a vulnerability that is both endearing and heartbreaking.
– SAN FRANCISCO STATION

A hilarious, well acted show on a delicate subject.
– EAST BAY VOICE, San Francisco

Rothenberg knows how to own a stage and possesses great comedic edge so that even heartbreaking issues are hilarious. An incredibly compelling piece that illuminates several topics that deserve the spotlight.
– IN LOS ANGELES Magazine

A humorous yet pointed take on the straight-girl-dates-boy-of-questionable-sexuality-saga
– SAN FRANCISCO WEEKLY

Reviews from REGRETROSEXUAL (The One Person Show)

A funny, sharply observed commentary on the strange byways that sexual confusion can lead to. Dan Rothenberg turns the usual coming out story on its ear. – LA WEEKLY

Rothenberg is engaging and witty. Guys and gals will find him adorable. His amusing journey has a beginning, middle and end that imparts mildly challenging food for thought along with chuckles.
– FRONTIERS

Rothenberg is a handsome, engaging raconteur, and he tells his particular tale with a mixture of good humor and desperation, rousing plenty of laughs along the way.
– THE PINK SHEET

Rothenberg has good timing and his impression of a young John Travolta is impressive. Also, his enthusiastic delivery keeps the story flowing at a snappy pace. Thanks to an honest performance and a tightly written script, this is a memorable and funny production.
– IN MAGAZINE

A Funny Story filled with personal anecdotes and clever observations. His confidence, comic timing and good looks make him a compelling performer. Check him out.
– SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES