The bond between mother and son is a very special one. Some would say that it’s sacred. Unfortunately these rules don’t apply for stand-up comedian Bertie and her son Matt.

Because for them, nothing is sacred.

Another highly anticipated GayFest! entry, Mother Tongue is the story that asks the question; Can a mother and her child be too close?

In this raucous comedy, written by FJ Hartland, Bertie (Peggy Smith) has a killer stand-up act which primarily consists of brutal male bashing humor that can, at times if you’re a guy, feel like being punched in the gut by Mike Tyson.

Though the humor will captivate the audience initially, where they will draw sympathy is from Bertie’s usage of her son Matt’s (Andrew Dean Laino) love life as extra material for her act.

And that is in no way funny at all.

When a chance meeting between Matt and the older, handsome Cale (Bill Egan) leads to a potential relationship Bertie leaps at the opportunity to express her feelings to Matt about what kind of man Cale may be based off of her own experiences.

And Cale is appropriately named as he provides a very flavorful pairing to this humor and heart sandwich. Equal parts comedy, drama and therapy Mother Tongue explores the depths of a concept we all strive to achieve in our lives;

Love.

Love can leave an indelible mark on our psyche and change us in ways that we never could imagine. What Mother Tongue does is take a close look into the lives of three individuals who are all recovering from and indulging in the effects of love. Matt and Cale’s relationship begins very lightheartedly, but the journey they take through the ups and downs of meeting a new suitor pair deliciously with Bertie’s comedy routine. And through all of Bertie’s sharp-tongued humor lies a deeper story that she tries to hide through a barrage of quick-witted jokes.

But please, this by no means makes Mother Tongue an undercover drama. It is the perfect mix of laughter and tears, beautifully executed by a cast that is willing to hold nothing back as they navigate through the story with candor and credibility.

What happens when a mother and son are so close that the boundaries on their relationship borderline invisibility?

Mother Tongue happens. And it’s a welcome, refreshing addition to the GayFest lineup. One that provides enough drama to keep you satisfied, and still leaves your sides hurting from laughing at the witty, cunning dialogue.

Especially when Miss Bertie informs you why men are like snowstorms.

You don’t want to miss this one.

For dates and times of upcoming shows go to the GayFest! website: http://www.quinceproductions.com/gayfest.html