Jump, Darling

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Sometimes to find yourself, there’s no place like home—especially when that’s Grandma’s house. Jump, Darling delves into the story of Russell Hill (Thomas Duplessie) and his relationship between him and his grandmother Margaret (Cloris Leachman) while recovering from a disastrous audition at a prominent drag bar. As Russell explores his identity and self-acceptance, he also begins to understand his grandmother and her need to live life on her own terms—including death.

After being verbally torn down by his long-term boyfriend Justin (Andrew Bushell) for his choice of career, Russell’s own shortcomings cause him to botch his audition as Fishy Falters and he flees the city. His destination is to see his grandmother out in the country, not knowing that Margaret has had some hard times recently living alone. Facing her own mortality and inability to get around, Margaret convinces Russell to stay with her instead of immediately jetting off to his “acting workshop” he is so desperate to get to—a ploy designed by Russell so he can take the car Margaret promised him and a sizable chunk of her money (which she doesn’t know about.) Deciding to stay, Russell finds solace at the lone gay-friendly bar in the area called Hannah’s Hovel. There he utilizes the opportunity to work on his drag routine far from the city by introducing Fishy Falters to the locals. He also chases and seeks comfort in fellow busboy Zachary (Kwaku Adu-Poku), who begins to question his own sexuality and relationship with his fiancée Sky (Sarah Camacho). Yet it is Russell’s own demons with alcohol and running away from his problems that make him finally face his fears and realize that he needs to pursue his happiness and shed the old skin of his former self.

In Phil Connell’s directorial debut and Cloris Leachman’s final role in Jump, Darling, there is an underlying theme of endings and new beginnings. Russell struggles to throw off his former persona as a potential leading actor and security in romance for something he truly wants: a spot to become the next iconic drag queen. Duplessis embodies Russell’s duality with perfect poise and grit, showing that Russell and Fishy can happily co-exist in one person. And when Duplessis adorns Fishy’s persona (where Russell feels most at ease), he is uninhibited and beautiful to watch. Aside from the constant boozing, Russell only has one noticeable flaw – letting others tear him down for embracing his true nature. The harsh words of others impact Russell so much that it is implied through the hallucinations of his own grandfather’s demise that he unknowingly attempts to take his own life—more than once.

Margaret never judges Russell for his mistakes and never quite sees this side of Russell he tries to hide from the world, but she doesn’t need to. She loves him for who he is and feels no need to speak about it otherwise. However, Russell’s mother Ene (Linda Kash) seems unsettled and won’t be satisfied until she uncovers everything that Russell tries to keep from her—going so far as to pay a visit to Justin to learn more about their breakup.  But in the end, Ene eventually accepts her son’s truth when she finally realizes he has found his place onstage as a drag queen.