Frank Anthony Polito is a Brooklyn-based actor and playwright. He can be seen in the films One Angry Man with Jackie Mason, One True Thing with Meryl Streep and Renee Zellweger, and Hitch with Will Smith.. ...read more!.
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Drama Queers!
by Frank Anthony Polito
Published by Kensington Books
Reviewed by Guy Wegener (direct link to review)
Drama Queers! is the sequel to Frank Anthony Polito’s highly acclaimed debut novel, Band Fags! Knowledge of the previous novel isn’t necessary to enjoy this latest outing (pun intended). It would, however, add to the enjoyment of Drama Queers!
In Drama Queers!, Polito focuses on Bradley Dayton, a secondary character from Band Fags! and like the titles of both novels suggest, Bradley is dealing with his sexuality. But unlike the main character in Band Fags!, Bradley accepts his homosexuality and actually embraces it most of the time. But like all teens, he has other issues he’s dealing with like work, friends and praying he gets cast as the lead in the school’s drama productions.
Drama Queers! is delightful and I enjoyed being transported back to the eighties (I was a sophomore when this story takes place, so I could relate.) And yet, I was a bit confused by the numerous cultural references from that era. While I was delighted when Polito referenced my favorite show, “Doctor Who,” as well as one of my favorite comedians (Judy Tenuta), I had to wonder if teens today would understand the plethora of 80’s pop-culture references. Don’t get me wrong, I loved taking a trip down nostalgia lane, but will anyone younger than thirty appreciate it like I did?
That being said, Drama Queers! is hilarious and emotionally charged. The characters have a vulnerability that is honest and refreshing. However, I think it suffers from not knowing who its audience is and attempts to walk the line at being for both young adults of today and an older readership that experienced the era in which it’s set. I don’t think it’s successful at being both.
What it does succeed at is being entertaining and endearingly honest. And like my favorite television show, “Doctor Who,” Drama Queers! transported me back in time to an era that holds a place near and dear to my heart. Armchair Interviews says: A novel many will enjoy.
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