A NoHo Arts theatre review of “Love & Sex on the Spectrum” written and performed by George Steeves, and directed by Megan Ford-Miller at Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest 2022.
George Steeves has a disarming charm about him. He’s authentic, open and adorable. But, he’s also brave and funny, and this show, “Love & Sex on the Spectrum,” is about as honest a depiction of dating and one person’s search for their own sexuality as I have seen.
As a gay man with Asperger’s, there really must be an almost limitless number of ruthlessly funny and awkward stories from his life. Steve regales us with some of his most awkward sexual anecdotes and with his sweet and hilarious directness, makes them very, very funny. But it’s not all fun and laughs. There are some serious moments and you can read between the lines and feel some of his pain at times. This only makes “Love & Sex on the Spectrum” all the more appealing, of course!
Growing up in the rural south, with a religious family and an older brother who had already announced he was gay, George felt a bit lost for many years. School was mostly bad, which is understandable,. So, it was through TV, movies and music that he found himself.
As he walks us through his sexual awakening, so to speak, he uses the names of his favourite boy band members in place of the actual names of his partners, to ridiculously funny results. Let’s just say that JT and the Back Street Boys would be blushing…
What I loved the most about “Love & Sex on the Spectrum” was the joy George has exploding from every pore. Even when its difficult, or dark or sad, he has such a balanced appreciation of all the things that make him who he is today. He is living life on his own terms, being everything he can and taking the struggle and owning it with laughter and grace and a deep sense of kindness. For himself and everyone who he has passed along the way.
I loved this show. I saw another of his shows a few years back at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and although he has developed as an actor, what impressed me then about him is still true.
He has a singular voice. Profoundly honest, open and utterly himself. This is what makes him funny while never making the joke about anything negative or dismissive.
He is on the spectrum and quite brilliant. And like the rest of us, just trying to figure out how not to screw everything up…too much, while he looks for love and a little sex!!
I hope George performs this show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival this year. I would love to see “Love & Sex on the Spectrum” again and would highly recommend it to anyone!