The Temperamentals
The Temperamentals is a 2009 play by Jon Marans. It chronicles the founding of the Mattachine Society, the first sustained LGBT rights organization in the United States, and the love affair of two of its founding members, Harry Hay and Rudi Gernreich. The title is drawn from the early-20th Century usage of the word "temperamental" as slang for "homosexual". After premiering at The Barrow Group Studio Theater in April 2009, the play began previews off-Broadway at New World Stages on February 18, 2010 and premiered February 28. Producers Darryl Roth and Stacy Shane announced that The Temperamentals would close May 30. "We began our wonderful journey in April 2009 and are very grateful for the awards, honors, nominations and recognition that we have received and are receiving the end of this theater season. We would like to leave on a high note."The New York Times gave The Temperamentals a good review, calling it an "eminently likable docudrama".
The Temperamentals received a Drama Desk Award for Best Ensemble Cast. Michael Urie, who originated the role of Rudi Gernreich, received a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.
