Scot Zeller’s “H@ppy F@ggot” Solo Show is an enthralling blend of wit, emotion, and masterful storytelling. Zeller commands the stage with a presence that is both magnetic and relatable, effortlessly drawing the audience into his world. The importance of his story is more resonating now than ever, sharing the layered nuances of the queer experience as a young man growing up in the 80s. He displays beautifully his collective separatism and his personal journey to self-discovery.
The playing space is tight, sharpening the audience’s focus on Scot, whose single-chair set evolve the form of his storytelling. Zeller is an explosion of energy, bringing a raw intensity that makes it feel as if the character is confronting his demons and experiencing each moment in real-time. His expressions, crafting and simplicity in his staging, is artistic genius. He brings together each personality and chapter to life, creating a vivid tapestry of narratives that range from the poignantly reflective to the hilarious incontestable nature of growing up in a time before the social media internet age.
The show’s pacing is impeccable, with Zeller skillfully navigating shifts in tone and tempo. His ability to balance moments of deep introspection with bursts of comedic relief keep the audience engaged and emotionally invested throughout. Zeller’s dazzling script addresses gay rights issues and the AIDS crisis with a reflective sharing without the sober polemic story that often makes the tale inaccessible to a person outside of the lived experience. He paints his life as one that is full of energy and excitement, like any 20-something trying to discover who they are by breaking away from a small town juxtaposed with the unique trauma of being a gay man in a time where so many in his generation were lost.
Born just before the Stonewall Riots in NYC which would serve as a catalyst for the gay rights movement and ultimately bring increased acceptance and tolerance, Zeller’s story is dolefully timed as society still has a long way to go in integrating the normalcy of a queer story into the American backdrop of historical anecdotes. Zeller’s story in 2024 is still groundbreaking and courageous chronicling a gay man’s journey into his place in a world that saw his existence as a crime. It still feels daring and unique. Scot’s chronicle is representative and prideful historically, but also presently for those of us in the LGBTQIA community. He encapsulates this deep responsibility for visibility in each segment of his story, flowing seamlessly into the next, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of theatrical timing.
Zeller’s script is a highlight, offering sharp, insightful commentary on universal themes of belonging and coming of age while maintaining a personal touch that made the account uniquely his own. The dialogues were crisp, the monologues stirring, and the immersive elements added a layer of spontaneity that kept the performance fresh and unpredictable. He successfully staged in an emotively engaging fashion a connective piece at the end joining each member of the audience. Over the years, I’ve been to a few shows where the audience sits among the actors, but never as holistically or effectively as Zeller does.
I was excited to return as a spectator myself to the Atwater Water Village Theater for the Second Annual Hollywood Adjacent Festival knowing I would be amazed by such great storytelling at the hands of the captivating leadership of Director/Producer Kimleigh Smith. One can not be remised to acknowledge what lies behind the scenes to excavate such an extraordinary account in Solo Show format. Smith is gifted in leading us away from whatever might have been preoccupying us in our own lives and are immediately drawn into the vision of her artist’s world. As Zeller accounts, her exceptional insight, creativity, and dedication transformed his performance into the audience’s unforgettable experience. Smith’s ability to bring out the best in her performers is unparalleled; she has an uncanny knack for understanding the essence of a story and enhancing its emotional depth and impact.
Overall, Scot Zeller’s solo show is a facinating theatrical experience. The minimalist set design and subtle lighting complemented his performance perfectly, allowing his talent to shine without distraction. The candor of the stage setup emphasized the power of his narrative and the strength of his story. This is a first-rate production without a hair out of place. It’s striking. I can’t wait to see where his show goes next.
