Review of Drama Queers!

Filed Under Books | June 5th, 2009 

A review of Frank Anthony Polito’s new novel, Drama Queers!

Drama Queers! by Frank Anthony Polito
Drama Queers! is Frank Anthony Polito’s latest novel.

I was a little worried about whether or not I would enjoy reading Frank Anthony Polito’s Drama Queers! as it apparently fills in the blanks to his first novel, Band Fags!. There was also a more personal reason, namely that I wasn’t sure that I wanted to reminisce about the 80’s, which is when this story takes place.

Fortunately, a previous introduction to Bradley Dayton, the closeted protagonist in this story isn’t a necessary requirement. As Bradley’s story danced merrily along, and unfolded in a breakneck teenager of the 80’s fashion, I felt like Bradley and I were old friends sharing the trials, tribulations, heartbreaks and triumphs of the day. Is that too wordy? Basically, I felt like I was one of his friends he was personally recounting his school year to. The ever present references to the music of the 80’s also made for a pleasant trip down memory lane.

The story itself is basically about the life of a closeted seventeen year old who’s life’s ambition is to become an actor. The story is set in the little suburb of Hazel Park, Michigan in 1987/1988, with the action mainly revolving around “Hillbilly High”, a gay bar in Detroit and the local burger joint. The action consists of Bradley pursuing his dream of acting by trying out for various drama club productions, Juilliard, dealing with his past relationship with his best friend and discovering a new love interest; all this and working two jobs to pay for his habits and trying to save up to go to Juilliard (if he gets accepted). Oh yes, and add in the closeted gay teen part who has known he was gay forever but is still afraid to let it all out.

It sounds kind of awkward when I write it out but it actually blends together beautifully; almost like an 80’s teen film or 80’s teen TV show — the good ones of course. I’m deliberately avoiding naming any particular director or show though. However if you read Drama Queers! I’m sure you’ll see some of the similarities.

Yes, I really enjoyed reading Drama Queers!. It was a very entertaining read and I’m now really keen to read more from Frank Anthony Polito. Guess I better get myself a copy of his first novel now.

More About the Author: You can find out more about Polito and his works at his site: www.frankanthonypolito.com.

Related Post: Oh My, Band Fags & Drama Queers!