Sex Tips for Straight Women From a Gay Man

If you haven’t heard, Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man is not getting much respect from critics, but I don’t understand why. Some are calling it unsophisticated or not actually helpful or packed with sex jokes, etc., but isn’t that EXACTLY why audiences are going? I’m pretty sure people know what they’re getting into with a title like that. They’re expecting phallic jokes and a strip tease, especially audience members who are already fans of the book on which it’s loosely based. So I think these critics need to let their hair down a little bit, lighten up, and trust that the folks attending Sex Tips are just there to drink a few drinks and have a good time. They’re not looking for intellectual stimulation. Perhaps other kinds in fact…

Sure, there are cheap jokes. Sure, the characters aren’t fully developed, but it’s an 80-minute play about sex. Let’s be honest; people are there to laugh about penises. Despite the weak sections of the show, it’s jam-packed with laughs and led by a talented cast. You’ve got the very funny Jason Michael Snow, recently out of The Book of Mormon, who has an excellent knack for ad-libbing, a trait incredibly crucial in this type of environment. He stars as Dan Anderson, the co-author of Sex Tips the book, and is this month’s guest at a community college “Meet the Authors” event. Said event is being moderated by the straight-laced Robyn, played by Lindsay Nicole Chambers, of whom I am a big, big fan from the excellent web series, Submissions Only, created by Kate Weatherhead and Andrew Keenan-Bolger. Watch it, you won’t be sorry, especially you theatre people out there. And then there’s the third character, Stefan (played by Andrew Brewer), who’s a kind of stage assistant slash European scientist slash male model slash stripper. Basically, he’s so pretty it hurts to look at him. We watch as Dan gives Robyn advice about her love life and perhaps helps her nab the hunky Stefan. And don’t forget about the audience participation. People who sit down front in the “Wet Zone” beware – you may very well be up on stage at some point during the show.

I also want to give a shout-out to my pal Matt Franzetti, the fantastic company manager. He’s famous, guys.

So if you’re looking to laugh at dirty jokes, host a bachelorette party, have a night out with friends, or embarrass your significant other on an unusual date, then why not I say? Audiences are having a blast, and you too may be fully at attention.

Sex Tips for Straight Women From a Gay Man
Written by Matt Murphy, Directed by Tim Drucker
777 Theatre, Open-ended
Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel
Pictured: Lindsay Nicole Chambers and Jason Michael Snow