“Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche”, written by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood, and cleverly directed by Michael Shaw is a difficult property to label. Is it a drama? Definitely Not! Is it a comedy? Definitely Yes! And, it’s also a satire with elements of farce thrown into the mix for good measure, and what an intriguing title for a play written by two men for five women.
Feist (Dale) perform in the Dezart Performs’ production of 5 LESBIANS EATING A
QUICHE at the Pearl McManus Theater in downtown Palm Springs through November
23rd.
The story of five self-proclaimed lesbians, who are attending the Annual Quiche Breakfast meeting of the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein, is set in 1956. It’s a period in America’s past that only those old enough to remember the Russia vs. America cold war and the A-bomb scare and paranoia that ruled the hearts and minds of the American public can appreciate. Sounds pretty frightening doesn’t it? Well, in the hands of the ensemble cast led by a radiant Yo Younger, all that underlying fear is turned into a squealing comedy/farce about Quiche and “the egg”.
It’s really not that important to understand what the characters are saying, it’s more rewarding to see and enjoy what the actors are doing on-stage (although it would be nice if the squealing could come down a notch). There is a wink to the audience here, as well as direct dialogue to the audience during the show along with double-takes, and includes an over-the-top moment by Phylicia Mason during one of the scenes. Suffice it to say Kristine Water as Wren the Events Chairwoman; Adino Lawson as Vern the Building and Grounds Chairwoman; Phylicia Mason as Ginny the group secretary; and the aforementioned Yo Younger as the Society President, stay in the moment, despite all the on-stage silliness. If they believe it. We believe it too. I have never attended a meeting of the Susan B, Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein (if there even is such a group), however, if I do, I doubt I’ll find those ladies as lively as the members on stage at the Pearl McManus theatre in Palm Springs.
(Ginny), Yo Younger (Lulie), Adina Lawson (Vern) and Allison Feist (Dale) watch in the
award-winning 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE playing at the Pearl McManus Theater
in downtown Palm Springs through November 23rd.
The technical team for this production led by Producer/Sound designer Clark Dugger; Set designer J.W. Layne; Lighting designer Phil Murphy; and Costume designer Joyce Jenkins, who produced colorful eye-popping costumes right out of the 1950’s is first rate. I almost expected to see a cameo appearance by Doris Day, complete with Pill Box hat.
“5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche” runs through November 23, 2014 at the Pearl McManus Theatre, Palm Springs, CA. Call the Box Office at 760-322-0179 for reservations and ticket information.
