Bed, Boys & Beyond

The tension between Asian ethnicities fails to come through as strongly in the music as is suggested in the liner notes, but the intensity of each confrontation remains. The last track ("This is How a World is Made"), and my favorite on the recording, stands as a culmination of lifetimes trying to achieve a sense of peace and, ultimately, a place in American history. It is in some ways a reconciliation of and with all parties. The music resonates tremendously because of its willingness to open wounds without romanticizing or disregarding them. (Michiko's haunting remembrance of internment provoked by reparations in "All We Can Do is Remember" and Siu Yee's hard fought conclusion that "Anyone can be a citizen. Who can tell anyway?") Since this isn't an open forum I won't indulge in the every storyline and character, but I will honestly say that there is always something to discover and questions to ask; you will find a bit of yourself, your family, or friends in every character.

As for the artists, this is as close to an AA all-star cast as you'll get, and do they deliver! This labor of love can't escape their passionate voices. Paolo Montalban makes the most of his name recognition and embraces his role as Siu Yee. But in true ensemble form, each actor commands his or her performance. Writer Robert Lee's lyrics find full depth with this cast. I also enjoyed composer Leon Ko's integration of Asian folk refrains with traditional American tunes which gave a cohesive effect to the entire production.


DAILY NEWS, New York   April 30, 2001
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One of the best revues in town. A witty and terrifically tuneful look at gay life, it's about something everyone can relate to: finding friendship and love. -- WAYMAN WONG


HERO and NEXT Magazines   April 30, 2001
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

Mainstream musical theater would be pretty dull without the many contributions made by queer composers. Gay-themed musical revues, such as Bed, Boys and Beyond, are aimed at that specific audience, but aslo have the potential for much broader appeal. Alfredo Alvarez and Jeff Dobbins' songs make the experience as universal as possible, touching on familiar themes - how one defines a lover ("Searchin' For A Euphemism"), our value ( "Gay Today"), love and sex ("Mr. Right," "men Seeking Men," "there's Always Some Guy"), and fitting in ("Here In Chelsea," "The Misfit's Lament," "Coming Out") with a mix of humor and hopefulness. This recording's seven-member cast succeeds in infusing the songs with sparkling energy and genuine emotion. GREG SHAPIRO


SHOWMUSIC MAGAZINE   April 30, 2001
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Opening in March 2000, Alfredo Alvarez and Jeff Dobbins' BED, BOYS & BEYOND (DINK Records 2001; 49:25) had a four-month run at Greenwich Village's Duplex Cabaret. A musical revue about the daily challenges, compromises and insecurities facing gay men, the tuneful songs make their points through lyrics exhibiting wit and truth in "Here In Chelsea," "Men Seeking Men," "Dance at the Gym," and "The Seven-Week Itch." "Here," "May I take YourHand?" and "Family Values" have warmth and poignancy. These and others are professionally and expressively sung by Chad Miller, Don Brewer, Ryan Perry, Tom Stuart, Jason Ma, James Wesley, and Thomas M. Shultheis, whose credits include numerous roles in regional and Broadway productions. Max O. Preeo,SHOWMUSIC MAGAZINE