Harry Davis’ Two Hander Delves into Male ‘Perfectionism’

by Barry David Horwitz

What a groundbreaking play by Harry Davis! The young local playwright digs deep into depicting bodybuilding, male bonding, toxic masculinity, and the pursuit of “perfection.” Davis poses crucial questions his play attempts to unravel. How does a character who has been dumped by his girlfriend struggle his way back after a breakdown?

“Push/Pull” explores these urgent themes with wit and humor at Central Works, stunningly directed by Gary Graves and beautifully performed by Andre Amarotico and Mark Kropschot. It’s so much fun watching them try to repair Clark after his mental breakdown. He comes to Nolan to try bodybuilding to cure his broken self-confidence. They make a curious duo—with Nolan a tall, built, cut bodybuilder getting even more jacked to compete in competition, a show in himself.

Clark just needs a friend and someone who will rebuild his lost confidence. But is Nolan the one to do it? Is he stable enough himself? The scenes of their working out together as they navigate their differences prove engaging, exciting, and entertaining—even comic and heart-warming.

Slowly, their characters reveal themselves in shocking ways—as they waver from lovely comradery to tragic confrontation. We are intrigued by their budding connections and how they might help each other. Gorgeous exhibitionist Nolan is a joy to behold—he poses, he lifts, he obsesses—a real window into the body and soul of the sport. He idolizes a poster-boy on the wall, he tries to escape a dreary job and a nasty father. Nolan tackles enormous weights in his garage gym and does some homophobic stuff online. Kropschot gives us a window into a lonely and lustful world.

Amarotico’s character Clark tries to match his friend’s devotion. He waffles and winces—not the most reliable friend. He obsesses over the girlfriend and even runs into her and fancies rejection again—oh, the lure of rejection. He is slowly recovering; he depends on his physically extraordinary and beautiful friend whom he has known since grade school.

Nolan was his protector and his guide—now they are trying again—the ups and downs are fascinating and never dull—thanks to director Graves and a tight, exciting script. The issue of gay love creeps in, making us wonder. Davis captures our attention, leaving us breathless.

We want to know more—that’s a problem with one act only. It’s 75 minutes—hardly time enough to develop these grand themes, great characters, and tempting ideas to their full force. Especially with the looming gay theme, we long for more to unwind in an absent Act Two. It’s well worth returning to these guys and giving us a second act. “Push/Pull” cries out for further development. Otherwise, it risks anti-gay interpretations.

We want more—we want the reversals and the untangling of a real Second Act. Let’s hear more from Harry Davis on his intriguing plot, these lives, these guys. We want two acts, an intermission, and time to see new views. Hey, all directors: Bring on Act Two, please.

“Push/Pull” by Harry Davis, directed by Gary Graves, stage management by Natalia Rivera-Ramos, costumes by Tammy Berlin, scenic design/construction by Joe Nemeth, sound by Gregory Scharpen, lighting by Gary Graves & Liora Jacob, at Central Works, Berkeley. Info: centralworks.org – to April 6, 2025.

Cast: Andre Amarotico (Clark) & Matthew Kropschot (Nolan).

Banner photo: Nolan (Matthew Kropschot) wants to get his body-building Pro-card, and asks his school-friend Clark (Andre Amarotico) to help him win the amateur competition. Photos: Robbie Sweeny