A love story set in forbidding circumstance, LAVENDER BLUE left me with a bittersweet feeling. Weibezahl's script produces hope that true love can be maintained despite the overarching social taboos of the times. It's an interesting and disturbing glimpse behind the scenes of the "golden era" of Hollywood. Distinct characters and natural dialogue make this an easy read. I particularly like the use of a Hollywood reporter as narration. Would love to see this produced.

I have had the greatest pleasure of watching this beautiful play workshopped in my writers group, and then participating in a reading of it. Playwright Robert Weibezahl has crafted a literate, empathetic look at closeted movie stars when studios ruled with an iron hand and gossip mavens could make or break careers with with a pointed comment. I love every minute of this gorgeous play and the world it evokes, while still being incredibly character-based. Read it, produce it so I can see it!

As one of the men in this story reminds us, Hollywood is the dream factory. Not only do they bring fantasies to the screen, they create a world where the truth is colorized to match what they sell: fantasy heterosexual loves and lives. Gilbert/Burt and Ned and their love for each other is doomed from the first moment, but the way Robert Weibezahl shows us, they are doing their heart's best in a world where they can't be themselves. A heart-breaking story beautifully told.