Los Angeles Times - Somewhat Recommended
"... although it has a good story to tell, "The Temperamentals" gets weighed down by its comprehensiveness. There are too many scenes in which people disagree with Hay (Dennis Christopher), only to be converted with startling rapidity: "We can't do that." "Yes, we can!" "You're right!" Matthews tries to enliven these static confrontations by having the men get into a line to demonstrate their revived unity, or pump their fists in the air while chanting slogans. Sometimes they even break into song, not very well. In an absurd dream sequence, Hay confronts all the women in his life, played by the four other actors in long skirts. None of these embellishments disguises that we're basically watching a history lesson in five voices - especially in the coda, in which the characters take turns fondly telling us what happened to each other later in life."
Backstage - Highly Recommended
"...Matthews fastidiously dovetails the design elements into a stylish reflection of the time and place. Christopher deftly illuminates the journey of a philandering family man who becomes a scarf-adorned member of a determinedly "out" social set. It's a splendidly layered portrayal, enriched with credible contradictions of human nature. Bergen is exemplary as the charming sophisticate Rudi, maximizing the dialogue's sharp humor. Lewis is at his best playing courageous Dale Jennings, a former police officer fighting sexual-solicitation charges. Tartaglia is flippantly funny as campy Southern cutup Bob Hull, the lover of Chuck Rowland (adeptly played by Shunock, who's also superb portraying closeted film director Vincente Minnelli)."
Edge - Recommended
"...Erich Bergen's Rudi is a perfect match and through the pair's onstage chemistry one can easily see why Hay and Gernreich would eventually fall in love. However, at times, the play tends to slip into sentimentality and various moments at which the actors speak directly to the audience don't work as effectively as they might. Still, "The Temperamentals" manages to entertain while it educates."
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...Marans both highlights and hinders his story by constructing numerous short scenes with everyone but Hay playing multiple roles. As such, the script feels as though it had been written for the screen and translated directly to the 2nd Stage Theatre, highlighting the discrepancy between an eminently theatrical Story Theatre-like presentation and a halting narrative flow. There is nothing wrong with this bullet point approach to a docudrama, but director Matthews needs to tighten the flow by utilizing starker segues. Lighting designer Cameron Zetty provides a feel of what this production needs to be: a taut, fast-paced, film noir, black and white, cinematic experience. Indeed, the most memorable moments in The Temperamentals are the low-lit, back alley scenes, where men have to be constantly on guard lest they be found out. Marans's script is chockfull of melodrama, cynicism and sexual situations – what is missing in this Blank Theatre production is the stylistic approach that makes film noir so damn swell."
Stage Scene LA - Highly Recommended
"...The Temperamentals is that rarity, a play that works both as history lesson and as a piece of theatrical magic. For young LGBT Angelinos, its glimpse at our gay past ought to be required viewing. As for regular L.A. theater aficionados, one thing is certain. They will be lining up in droves. Order your tickets now, or be prepared to be placed on a mile-long waiting list to get Temperamental."
StageHappenings.com - Recommended
"...It is in the details of these different characters lives that is the substance of the play. While each of these actors is good in their own right they had not coalesced as actors on press night but I am sure that given playing time, they will become a unit. Already in the second act they seemed to have been more relaxed with each other."
ReviewPlays.com - Recommended
"...Harry was controlling in his efforts to build the Mattachine Society, and by his tactics, he alienated many of the members. As the story progresses, things change and by its end, the audience is made aware of what happens to the men who were brave enough to go against conventional society and begin this gay movement."
