Exploring Identity and Family Ties in ‘Good Time Charlie’ at the Public Theater

Ryan J. Haddad, an Obie-winning playwright, crafts a narrative that poignantly merges personal history and theatrical passion in his latest work, Good Time Charlie, currently showing at New York City's Public Theater through October 25. Known for his impactful monologues in plays like Dark Disabled Stories, Hold Me in the Water, and Hi, Are You Single?, Haddad delves into the role of the family in shaping his creative life. The play traces his connection to his second cousin, Charlie Haddad, whose journey from aspiring actor to dentist illuminates broader themes of acceptance and identity.

Since its inception in 2018, Good Time Charlie unfolds through memories spanning the late 1980s to mid-2000s, juxtaposing the struggles of both Ryans and Charlie as they navigate their sexual identities within the context of their family roots in Cleveland, Ohio. The play philosophically queries whether passion must become a profession while reflecting on Charlie's traditional life choices against Ryan's experiences amid a shifting societal landscape. The intertwining of their stories serves as a heartfelt homage to the theatre, resonating with those seeking love and understanding amidst life's complexities.

Directed by Danny Sharron, who previously helmed Hold Me in the Water, Good Time Charlie has benefitted from his consistent vision from the start of the production. “It was sort of everything that I ever want a play to be,” Sharron shared. His sentiments were echoed by cast members, including Jonathan Raviv, who has been involved from the early drafts, and Tim Bagley, making his New York debut as Charlie’s supportive partner Lou. The sense of personal investment in the story adds a rich layer to their performances.

Haddad cites Fun Home—a musical that addresses familial relationships and sexuality—as a significant influence. The presence of cast member Beth Malone from Fun Home, who plays Ryan's lesbian aunt Janice in Good Time Charlie, further deepens this connection. Like Fun Home, Good Time Charlie embraces a metatheatrical narrative, unraveling Haddad’s journey of artistic expression while maintaining his unique style. With seven actors portraying nine roles, the play intricately explores the complexities of its characters, showcasing a layered dialogue that reflects the vibrant tapestry of family dynamics.

Haddad’s love for theatre is innate but not without its challenges. Growing up in a supportive family that included Charlie, who frequently traveled to New York for cultural events, Haddad was nurtured in an environment that valued artistic expression. Even at a young age, he spearheaded productions in his backyard, fostering a strong creative spirit. A pivotal moment occurred when Charlie took nine-year-old Ryan to watch Phantom of the Opera in Cleveland, sparking a critical dialogue about dreams and the role of mentorship in their lives.

Charlie shared, “Ryan, beginning when he was a child, said this is what he wanted to do, and the whole family surrounded him and encouraged him.” His own journey was markedly different; despite his passion for theatre, Charlie faced familial pressure to pursue dentistry. The weight of their contrasting experiences emerges as a relatable tension in Good Time Charlie, where the characters navigate complexities of identity and aspiration. For Charlie, the struggle to reconcile his theatrical desires with traditional family expectations—and the added challenge of his sexuality—crafted a path rife with conflict.

Importantly, Good Time Charlie transcends mere comparison between the two cousins. Haddad portrays Charlie's evolution as he becomes a caretaker for his aging parents, which opens up a new lens to see him as a complex human rather than just a contrast to Ryan's narrative. This shift allows for a deeper exploration of caregiver dynamics and their influence both on family and personal identity.

Haddad notes, "He was entering this very challenging chapter in his life and still trying to put on a good face for everybody." This revelation added depth to Charlie's character, acknowledging that behind his desire to be in the spotlight lies a profound humanity intertwined with sacrifice and resilience. Through Charlie’s experience, Haddad thoroughly investigates the sacrifices individuals often make in pursuit of their dreams, establishing a poignant connection between the two lives presented on stage.

Ultimately, Good Time Charlie serves not just as a family drama but as a reflection on the nature of dreams, acceptance, and the impact of mentor figures in one’s life. Ryan's ability to give voice to Charlie’s unfulfilled aspirations effectively places his cousin back in the spotlight, illustrating the intricate duality of their lives. “If I can’t do it myself, at least my doppelgänger will be able to do it,” Charlie articulates with humor and sincerity, encapsulating the heart of Haddad's rich storytelling.

As Good Time Charlie continues to run at the Public Theater, it stands as a powerful reminder of theatre's potential to explore the intersections of family, identity, and artistry, inviting audiences to both reflect and connect with their own narratives.

Eve Bromberg is a critic and writer from Brooklyn, currently part of the American Theatre editorial team and pursuing an MFA in Dramaturgy at Columbia.