Making Porn' Is Funny, Bold, and Surprisingly Heartfelt

At first glance, Making Porn sounds exactly like what you'd expect—and to be fair, it doesn't shy away from its title. There's nudity, adult humor, and plenty of over-the-top moments. But once you get past the shock value, you discover there's a lot more going on beneath the surface.

Set in San Francisco during the early 1980s, the play takes audiences behind the scenes of the gay adult film industry. What starts as a fast-paced comedy full of awkward auditions, outrageous personalities, and backstage chaos slowly evolves into something much deeper. Along the way, it explores love, ambition, exploitation, identity, and eventually the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis.

Kevin Mann was especially impressed with the cast. Real-life adult film performer Drew Sebastian delivers a warm, charismatic performance as veteran porn star Ray Tanner. While his role includes the production's nudity, Kevin noted that Sebastian's natural presence quickly moves the audience beyond the novelty, allowing them to connect with Ray as a genuine, relatable character.

The rest of the cast also earns high marks. Sean Timothy Brown is convincing as a struggling straight actor who turns to adult films to pay the bills, while Mallory Kerwin steals much of the second act as his wife, Linda, whose transformation from supportive spouse to ruthless manager is both entertaining and unsettling. Maurizio Bandi and Peter Kalisch bring emotional depth to a troubled relationship behind the scenes, while Ryan Avoux adds charm as an ambitious newcomer chasing fame.

Kevin praised director Lance Phillips for making excellent use of the intimate theater space and guiding the actors through strong performances. His biggest criticism was the script itself. The first act is broad comedy, while the second shifts dramatically into serious drama surrounding AIDS, creating a tonal change that feels abrupt and, at times, jarring.

His bottom line? Making Porn isn't for everyone, and it certainly earns its adult-only label. But if you're open to mature themes and willing to look beyond the provocative title, you'll find a funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly human story that's carried by an outstanding cast and thoughtful direction.