Cohen, Martin,Basile, Zellars and Kopps in "True Love Lies" at MWC. Photo: Will Blakely.

Can a gay man go straight and live happily ever after? That’s just one of the questions posed by Brad Fraser’s witty and provocative new play, which sparkles in its West Coast premiere at the Monkey Wrench Collective in Fullerton. But “True Love Lies” (which continues through August 14) is about so much more. It ponders the essence of love itself, both gay and straight, and the cost of telling the whole unvarnished truth to those we love most. Let’s face it, Fraser seems to say, we all have our dirty little secrets.

While this complex play is ostensibly a sequel to Fraser’s “Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love,” it is substantially different; it’s also a far more polished piece of writing, and an unexpectedly funny one at that. Dave Barton, who directed “Unidentified” 11 years ago for MWC’s predecessor, Rude Guerrilla, takes the reins once more; smooth and sure-footed as usual, his direction is a stylistic departure from his recent work.

Anthony B. Cohen gives a thoughtful performance as Kane, a family man who watches his life unravel bit by bit after revealing a long-held secret. Jill Cary Martin is superb as his understanding wife, Caroline; Sabrina Zellars adds spice and zest as their oversexed daughter, Madison. Rick Kopps excels as David, a face from Kane’s past. But it’s Christopher Basile who impresses most, with his portrayal of the angst-ridden teenaged son, Royce, whose acerbic humor masks the turmoil under the surface—much like the play itself. Call 800-838-3006.

Hot tip: Modjeska Playhouse offers free outdoor performances of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” a parody of the Bard’s oeuvre, July 17-18 at Kershaw Gardens in Mission Viejo.

More from Jordan:

Fullerton's STAGEStheatre revisits ‘Spring's Awakening’ & ‘Twilight Zone’
Pageant of the Masters revels in Laguna; ‘Lion in Winter’ roars in Orange
McDonagh’s dark ‘Lieutentant of Inishmore’ thrills at the Taper
Fishburne and Orlandersmith star in solo shows in Westwood, Culver City

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