We’ve all been there. Mystified by a member of the opposite sex. They’re confusing, they’re frustrating and they’re under our skin. And it’s just these feelings that inspired Robert Dubac to write the one-man show “”The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?””
This wonderful blend of theatre and stand-up comedy follows Bobby through a heart-wrenching and hilarious evening as he waits for his former fiancee to call. While he waits, he spends the time trying to figure out what it is that his fiancee wants.
But not to worry: Despite the name, this show is not two hours of male bashing. There is plenty of fun poked at both men and women. However, Dubac feared, “”If I called it ‘Female Logic: An Oxymoron?’ I might be picketed.””
While Bobby tries to figure out what it is that his fiancee, and women in general, want, he tries to deal with the truth that really all he knows about women came from other men, some of whom know more about women than others. Five of these men also make an appearance throughout the show.
The first of these is The Colonel, a veteran of both Korea and Vietnam, who is the proud father of seven girls. Despite his love of his children, he is the most chauvinistic of the men. He spends his time working crossword puzzles because they are “”the only battle where truth is the ultimate victor.””
The next man to make an appearance is Jean-Michel, the philosophy-studying exchange student. He spends most of his time pondering how women relate to “”abstract fatalism”” (the study of how everything important in life relates to death).
Fast Eddie is the funniest of all of the men. Having been heartbroken, he now spends his time loving and leaving any woman he meets. He spends much of his stage time talking about women he calls “”DPs”” or “”Doormat Phenomena.”” He says, “”I give them what they want and then introduce ’em to the sidewalk. Yeah, they whine about always falling for the wrong kind of guy but the right kind of guy doesn’t make ’em quiver. They hate what’s good for ’em and love what they should hate.”” Perhaps his most important contribution is pointing out that women are “”mysteries, aren’t they?””
The most lovable of the men is Old Mr. Linger who spends his time fishing in a lake with no fish and laughing at life. Many wonder about the secret to his old age, but he has to tell you himself.
The final man to take the spotlight is Ronnie Cabrezzi, the guy from the Bronx who readily admits to knowing nothing about the opposite sex. However, rather than trying to figure it out, he just goes with what he knows, which is simply to be sensitive and openhearted.
This production is filled with constant laughter and heartfelt sincerity. The somewhat sensitive subject matter is handled with such care and affection that no one can really take offense. This show is wonderful for a night out with friends, or even a date (if you dare).
Perfect for anyone and everyone (provided they fall into the category “”mature audience””), this production should not be missed. The show runs Oct. 21-26 at the San Diego Civic Theatre; tickets cost between $19 and $50.