Raye Goh (Day) and John Fisher (The Colonel)
“Fallin” at Theatre Rhinoceros (The Rhino) delivers a Queer, captivating, action-packed, spy adventure. Dynamic award-winning playwright, actor, and director John Fisher, “The Colonel,” cleverly blends today’s political climate with sci-fi elements including invisible cloaked assassins, and clones.
“Fallin,” a sequel to Fisher’s acclaimed play “Billy,” follows two adept queer CIA assassins in a humorous spy-spoof satire . Fisher pairs again with versatile Raye Goh, no-nonsense lesbian “Day.” The team’s mission: save the world from nuclear destruction. First, retrieve Day’s stolen phone and its secrets. Adding to the intrigue is Senator Bevis, cunning Claire Elliot, a sexy, self-serving rogue who constantly shifts her presidential allegiance. She attempts to seduce Day for information.
Claire Elliot (Senator Bevis) and Raye Goh (Day)
The dark, multi-level set encases the intimate Castro theater on 18th Street. The team maximizes the set to perform daring escapes and an incredible “under the train” maneuver that leaves the audience spellbound. Day and The Colonel deftly scale and cling to walls that surround the audience. Hidden steps lead them to a ceiling look-out. At one point, they even grasp an audience members’ chair legs to save themselves from a falling plane.
A large background screen enhances tension, pace, and mood of the play, with visuals complemented by varying musical scores and songs. Lighting Designer Colin Johnson and Sound Designer Raphael Buenaventura creatively sustains this atmosphere throughout the performance. Buenaventura skillfully portrays four distinct characters, including a Cloak, Brian, Maxi, and a hysterical parent.
Raphael Buenaventura as Cloak
Day and The Colonel stay consistently in sync during every theatrical maneuver — whether jumping, rolling, running, climbing, or fighting hordes of enemies. The working chemistry between the two leads is palpable. Day is militant and serious. The Colonel is playful and charming, often asking for a kiss. To The Colonel, the kiss, in essence, symbolizes love that is asexual and gender-free. He compliments Day’s smile, and they share a light-hearted moment, joking about having “same-sex sensitivities—raising two dogs.”
Raye Goh (Day) and John Fisher (The Colonel)
“Enlightening” best describes the symbolism portrayed by the queer characters in this play. They honor the often-unrecognized contributions of queer individuals in real-life CIA, FBI, and NSA offices, whose efforts have been instrumental in saving lives.
“Fallin” is a gripping, exciting satire packed with intrigue. An eye-opening experience. Come. See the twist at the end.
“Fallin” –written & directed by John Fisher, produced by Crystal Liu, sound design by Raphael Buenaventura, lighting design by Colin Johnson, costume design by John Fisher and Crystal Liu, at Theatre Rhinoceros, 4229-18th Street, San Francisco. Info: TheRhino.org – to September 15, 2024.
Cast: Raphael Buenaventura, Claire Elliot, John Fisher, and Raye Goh
Photos by Scott Sidorsky