At Benchmark, ‘FOMO: Formerly Mormon’ tackles the problem in a solo show
In a truly captivating 75 minutes, we are introduced to Frankie in Benchmark Theatre’s current production FOMO: Formerly Mormon. In this short running time, Frankie bares his soul as he navigates Mormonism and homosexuality simultaneously. Written by and starring Frankie Lee and directed by Rebecca Gholson, this one-person play premiered at the Denver Fringe Festival and now takes to the Benchmark stage for a longer run.
There is no doubt that Frankie is homosexual. He has the sex app Grindr on speed dial and is continually drawn to spur-of-the-moment trysts when beckoned. Without first considering this type of behavior might be a detriment to joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Frankie jumps headfirst into the commitment of becoming a full-fledged missionary spreading the word of the church to potential converts.
Throughout the play, Frankie speaks directly to his “gay angel” and the church’s bishop providing another level of understanding about the struggle that he is suffering on both sides. He wants what being a Mormon has to offer but cannot deny his true essence of being a gay man. Perhaps he is swept up in youthful exuberance, but as time goes on it becomes more and more traumatizing to mesh the two “callings.” Does he follow the path to Mormonism or is he true to himself accepting what he feels defines himself as a real man? This question is answered at the conclusion of the play with a sense of satisfaction that he has chosen the right path.
Frankie Lee commands the stage single-handedly without faltering for a moment in a very physical performance that he tackles impressively. And although it is never expressly conveyed, I assume that the true heart of his outstanding performance is because it is autobiographical.
Lee has also penned a well-written script expressing both tender moments as well as those that scream for attention. Often, one-person plays can be problematic, but FOMO: Formerly Mormon is an easy ride because of Lee’s performance and beautifully crafted dialogue.
As directed by Rebecca Gholson, the audience is swept up by the fast-moving action of the play established from the opening scene. She highlights both the large moments as well as the tiny moments that draw the audience in on both levels. Frankie is called upon to converse with a bishop of the Mormon church in one moment and simulate sex acts in another — and Gholson handles such extremes with great aplomb.
As advertised as an alternative to holiday entertainment, FOMO: Formerly Mormon is definitely not holiday fare, but it is extremely entertaining. In a mere 75 minutes, we travel the road with Frankie through a psychological journey that is both revealing and uplifting. It is a fine way to spend time in the theatre, and thankfully Benchmark has grabbed the production from Denver Fringe Festival and given it an extended platform.
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