The Beebo Brinker Chronicles (Play Review)

On Thursday, October 15th “queer” history came to life at The Re-Bar. The Beebo Brinker Chronicles opened to an enthusiastic house that included Queen of Lesbian Pulp Fiction, Ms. Ann Bannon, herself. Featuring the talents of Rhonda J. Soikowski as Beebo, Polly Wood as Laura, Tom Stewart as Jack, Christopher Dodge as Charlie, and Opal Peachy as Beth with appearances by producers Cherry Manhattan, Sasha Summer Cousineau and Donna Stewart, The Beebo Brinker Chronicles, is a hot and sexy piece of dramatic camp.

Okay, so what exactly is “dramatic camp”? You know it took me awhile to figure that out but if you go to the show with that descriptor in mind if will save you a touch of confusion. The show walks a fine line between real and over the top. This was off putting (for me) at first. A “drama queen” at heart, I like having my heart tugged on at shows, and the back and forth took me by surprise. Still when I realized, “Duh! This is pulp fiction” it all made sense. It is a genre of art we are no longer familiar with and to see it on stage, well it took a few scenes to get used to. Still once you’re on that train with Laura, the ride is pretty smooth.

The show started off with a classic “noire” scene between the characters of Beth and Laura. Laura wants Beth to run away with her, and Beth leaves her for Charlie. This ‘betrayal’ sets the story in motion and the unresolved romance will haunt both characters through the next nine years. We see the first repercussions of this in some fairly intense dramatic scenes between Beth and her husband, Charlie. Beth is a confused, closeted lesbian, who in my opinion is little more than a selfish child. Charlie is a caring if naïve, all-American boy who knows his wife is ‘queer’ but has hoped throughout their marriage that his love and their children would be enough to hold her. As the story unfolds we find this is not the case.

Immediately however, the show shifts from drama to light hearted camp. We are introduced to Laura and Jack, and shortly after to Beebo. T. Stewart as Jack is an over the top eccentric and interesting contrast to the seriousness of his “Mother.” Polly Wood as Laura is a serious tortured soul, caught up in her romanticized college relationship with Beth, and at the same time coming into an awareness of her sexuality. Soikowski as Beebo is charming, boyish and in a word incorrigible. The three form a sort of ‘love’ triangle, and through the rest of the play the journey and changing relationships provides the major story arc.

Producers Cherry, Sasha and Donna all make appearances in the show. The scene between Marcie (Cherry) and Laura was heart wrenching (and I am told spoke deeply to a number of young lesbians in the crowd), Donna as Lili was a total scene stealer (loved it!), and Sasha as a tortured lesbian author was smoldering, callous, calculating and terribly funny. Each added some wonderful moments in the play, providing motivation for growth and change.

The primary actors each brought talent and heart to the table.  Rhonda was delightful, sexy, pitiable and frustrating all where she needed to be.  Erin drew the audience in, and really made them feel.  Opal expertly portrayed the frustrated, slightly unstable, and childish Beth. Her performance was fine enough that I didn't much care for her by the end of the night, and I really should get to know her because I understand she is actually a lovely person!  It was easy to sympathize with Christopher's Charlie.  BTW, Christopher also played the character of Burr, and his portrayal of both the positive and negative sides of the naive/egotistical straight boy was nicely done.  As a certified "Dutch Boy" I relate with the character of Jack, and though I would have liked him to easy up on the bluster once in awhile, I enjoyed Tom's take on Jack.

The play itself is not a perfect construct. It is three books condensed into a two hour production; and as such, there are gaps that I wanted filled, character development I wanted elaborated on, etc. I’d like to see someone take the source material and put it on the screen, a mini-series would be appropriate… someone pitch it to HBO. With the exception of the ladies in this production no one does staged sex better (and yes there are some hot sex scenes in the play). The staging and sporadic narrative bits gave the play a sort of graphic novel feel that I found very interesting and intentional or not, approaching each scene like a graphic “panel” was smart. Kudos Katjana, for choice or instinct!

At its heart The Beebo Brinker Chronicles is about growing up through heart break. Laura matures through the loss of Beth, her experience with Marcie, the trials with Beebo and relinquishing her stubborn self-dependence. Beebo matures, when for the first time in her life she experience lasting love than suffers true loss. And Beth, well… the play ends with the hope that Beth too can grow, and learn from her own heartbreak.

Ladies and gentlemen, I do hope you get a chance to see The Beebo Brinker Chronicles, playing at The Re-Bar every weekend through October 9th. It has the power to make you laugh, cry, and most importantly to remember and think. As Ms. Bannon shared in her post-performance address to the audience, this play and the passion its members bring to it would have shown her friends who had struggled through the real life trials of 1950/60s gay life, that their hardships would not be forgotten and perhaps even been worth it. We are not where we need to be, but we are worlds apart from where we were. That is thanks to people like Ann Bannon and the women (and men) she knew in her youth. Brava divas!

Loves,

Fosse Jack

PS: I wish that Stage Manager, Leslie Manning was in the Re-Bar booth more often.  The technical aspects of the show went off without a visible hitch.

Behind the Scarlet Curtain - Beebo Brinker Pulp Cabarets

I sit in the empty room of ACT’s Bullitt Cabaret. I am early. It is not unusual, I’ve been early all my life. I like it this way. I like the chance to sit in a lonely room, with only the shadows of performances gone by to keep me company. It is a special time for me, who so longs to be among others, to find peace in a moment of solitude.

I think back on last night, the opening of this wonderful cabaret series I have had the fortune to be a part of. I think back to the laughter, the cheers and applause, and most gratifyingly the rapt silence. It is a wonderful thing to remember. It is not solely what is on stage however, that will make these memories special. It is the interactions backstage that I cherish above all. To have moments with those I love, and moments where I come to love others, is a blessing that in this uncertain age is more precious than petroleum.

From snuggling with my dear friend Polly Wood on the chaise backstage, to talking shop with Jesse Belle-Jones and Lady Tatas, enjoying some mutual “love, love” with Diva Le Diviant, and getting to know one of my burlesque idols, Ms. Lilly Verlaine, I will always treasure the memories of the Beebo Brinker Cabarets!

(written on 26 August 2011)

The experience with Beebo Brinker, first at Re-Bar and then this past weekend at ACT, has been a wonderful blessing in my life. Through it I have come to know individuals within the community better, come to see friends become dear friends, and learned more of and participated in ‘queer history.’

In meeting Ms. Ann Bannon last night, I was introduced to a part of history that I had never before known. Yes I have known older gay men, but they have rarely spoken of those days. Perhaps it is harder for them to remember. But to meet a pioneer, a woman strong enough and brave enough to at first be a part of it, and then to relive it, that is truly special.

I would like to thank Katjana, Donna and Sasha for this amazing opportunity. I would like to thank Leslie and Lauren, and our Stage Kittens for all of their hard work. I would like to thank Donna and Rhonda for making our scene HOT, and I would like to thank everyone who came to see the show. It would not have been possible without you. Thank you all, and thank you to the wonderful performers who shared this opportunity with me: Fuschia, Lily, Polly, Jesse, Tatas, Angel, EmpeROAR, and everyone else.

Finally, I must thank Ann for having the courage to do what she did. Because of you and those like you, I need not feel ashamed of the Love that I CAN name.

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Upcoming Show: The Best of Beebo Brinker at ACT

I am tickled pink to announce that I have been asked to join the stellar cast for The Beebo Brinker Chronicles' three night engagement at ACT.  First, as an actor, performing at ACT is an awesome milestone for me.  Second, as a burlesquer working with this crowd again makes me feel like a total pro.

For those of you who have not made it to the Beebo Brinker Pulp Cabarets over the past four months, this is you chance to see the best and sexiest acts that have been put together as part of the six-month ongoing theatrical event.

OMG, I just realized that I'll be in the same show as Lily Verlaine! Meep! I'll have to remember to bring a paper bag, cause I just my hyperventilate back stage.

Okay, so back to the main course of this dish.  Headliner Fuschia FoXXX will be there, as will several of the cast members of the actuall play, The Beebo Brinker Chronicles, including Rhonda Soikowski (Beebo Brinker) and Polly Wood (who will be playing Laura).  As Beebo Brinker, Rhonda is one sexy butch.  I mean, she reved my engine a little and thats saying something.  As for Miss Polly Wood; words cannot express how excited I am to see my dear friend on stage in an acting role again. 

The performer list also includes my fairy godmother, the Sexual Intellectual, Jesse Belle-Jones, the Debutante of Derriere, Lady TaTas, and the Exposing Composer, EmpeROAR Fabulous!!! Of course the glitter soaked trifecta of producers: Diva la Diviant, Lyla Le Coeur and Cherry Manhatten will be strutting their stuff.  I did mentiion Lily Verlaine, didn't I.  Swoon.

As for my involvement, come see an encore reading of hot lesbian sex as voiced by a pseudo-twinkie gay male.  I mean come on, how often to you get so get to see something like that?

It's coming up soon friends.  Three nights at ACT, August 25th, 26th and 27th.  Hope to see y'all there!

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Behind the Scarlet Curtain: Beebo Brinker

Last night, I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the Beebo Brinker Pulp Cabaret at The Re-Bar.  Producers, Diva le Diviant, Lyla la Coeur, and Cherry Manhattan invited me to prodvide the voice to the character of Jack Mann, Beebo Brinker's lesbian-savvy gay male friend.  It was a great honor to be a part of this ongoing theatrical event, and I am excited to see the events coming up in August (a three night engagement at ACT!) and September (the premier of the Beebo Brinker Chronicles).

This show marked a milestone in my burlesque career, as my first appearance on The Re-Bar stage (well the first performance... my first time on that stage was getting frisked by Tricky Dick, ;-P) and the experience was super exciting.  The talent that I worked with last night was amazing.  Jasper McCann, Polly Wood, Trojan Original, Miss Elaine Yes, and more.  I loved every moment backstage.  The sense of camaradiere in this community is genuine and heart warming, and I am constantly humbled by the talent that surrounds me. 

That being said,  I am constantly amazed at how technically challenged The Re-Bar can be.  Every show that I've seen there has suffered from sound and lighting 'malfunctions'.  It makes me so mad to see people I respect and care for watch their hard work crumble when a music cue is fumbled, or they are left in the dark.  As I have already said though, I am part of an awesome group of professionals who handle said malfunctions beautifully... I just wish they didn't have to deal with this sort of sloppiness every time.

Ok, that's off my chest... back to the otherwise positive experience.

The 'dressing room' was exactly how I imagine old cabarets, and jazz clubs being like.  Buzzing with performers getting ready, mirrors scattered haphazardly, chairs, couches and tables along the red, gold flecked walls, and an atomosphere filled with grity-romantic energy.  It was thrilling, and I could barely contain my excitement.

The crowd was large and excited, the energy in the bar intoxicating, and the response at the end was thoroughly satisfying. (Lily Verlaine complimented me! Swoon!)  The scenes that Lyla la Coeur, Rhonda Soikowski and I performed together went over very well.  The over the top physicality, and hot girl on girl action provided by these two beautiful women, were definite crowd pleasers... as were The Trojan Original's efforts to distract me during the second reading.  Good Lord, my knees nearly buckled when he grabbed my hair.  Haha! 

I am super excited to see more of the Beebo Brinker events.  August 25th, 26th and 27th at the Central Heating Lab, ACT are the dates for the Best of the Cabarets! Fuschia FOXXX, Polly Wood, Jesse Belle Jones, EmpeROAR Fabulous!!! and Miss Lily Verlaine will all be performing.  Then in September the crew returns to The Re-Bar for the Seattle Premiere of The Beebo Brinker Chronicles (a play!) staring Rhonda Soikowski as Beebo Brinker, with Polly Wood as Laura.  It is going to be awesome!

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Beebo Brinker Pulp Cabarets

This past Thursday marked the launch of a six month series of events which will include four monthly cabarets, a special engagement at The ACT (Central Heating Lab) and finally the Seattle premiere of the theatrical adaptation of the collected pulp-fiction novels of Ann Bannon, called The Beebo Brinker Chronicles.  The events collectively promise to be "THE gay event of the summer."  Thursday night's cabaret showed that it does have the potential to fulfill that promise.

The theme of the evening was Greenwich Village of the 1950s.  Lyla la Coeur, Diva le Deviant, and Cherry Manhattan (the driving production team) brought together musical, theatrical and burlesque talent, including the Hot Pink Motion Machine, Fuschia FOXXX, the cabaret's headliner.  Other performers included Whisper De Corvo, Ginger Snapz, Angel Alabaster, and jazz artists The John Terpin Trio which along with its featured performances provided instrumental riffs when necessary (a nice touch).

The highlights of the evening began with the pre-show video. Looping through clips of Betty Paige dressing Tempest Storm, old black and white commercials for cosmetic products, an "educational" film telling us that girls who date around aren't as popular as they think they are, and waiting at home for your one guy is the mark of a desirable female (not to mention instructing men to ask their sweeties out well in advance so they have plenty of time to spruce up), juxtaposed with girl on girl wrestling and ending with an dance performance of a Hindu goddess slaying a demon in battle; the film made a clear statement about social expectations.

The first solo act of the evening was Whisper De Corvo, who debuted a new number, which I'd like to call Whisper's Cotillion. The act blended grace, comedic pantomime, and of course, sexy strip tease.  For those of you who have never seen Whisper perform, allow me to make some comparisons.  With a face like Audrey Hepburn, the stature of Bea Arthur, and the curves of Marilyn Munroe, Whisper fills the space with both her statuesque frame and her cheerful personality.  Her style is comedic, playing to the audience's lighter side, and her strip techniques skirt the boundaries of innocence and down right dirty.  Her performance on Thursday night was well played, and the audience seemed to truly enjoy it.  Evoking laughter and cat calls, Whisper was a good choice for the opening burlesque act of the show.

Speaking of pantomime, the most "artsy" piece of the night was a three part installment that blended a sensual reading of some of the novel's sexier bits, by Rebecca Olson, and the light hearted, teasing, interaction of two 50s "housewives" as portrayed by Lyla and Cherry.  The first two pieces also included Fuschia FOXXX as an awkward (very awkward) young woman who struggled with her attraction to Lyla's character.  Funny, and in some ways sad, the story told in these scenes was one that highlighted the socially taboo nature of lesbian lust.

Fuschia would return to the stage in the second act to close the show, presenting a sideshow classic , a "hermaphrodite " number.  Dressed as both the French maid and her employer, Fuschia made good use of a feathered fan to hide one half of herself while each character performed.  The physical nature of this piece was intense, and both halves of psyche anima and animus showed their strength through movement.  This number  was both artistically impressive and a definite crowd pleaser, and was an excellent close to the show.

One last thing of particular note was the continuing usage of the Beebo Brinker literature to introduce the various performers.  Diva, in a cherry print dress that hugged her curvacious frame and red, 50s style glasses, read selections of the novel with excellent use of flare and breathy accentuations.  In each case she inserted the performer into the role of Beebo's lover.  This was a brilliant vehicle, expertly driven by the Diva, and I hope it is one that will return in the following cabarets.

Early on the bar was set, the standard high but achievable, and the performers met all expectations.   The few critiques I would have to offer are largely things out of the control of the performers. I do hope that the producers will talk to the spotlight operator whose constant fidgeting with the light was more than a little distracting.  Sound was decent though at times the pauses between introduction and "music go" were uncomfortably long.  Those technical matters aside, Thursday's show was quite strong, and I look forward to attending the future installments.

The Beebo Brinker Pulp Cabarets will be playing through July at The Re-Bar, with the next scheduled for Thursday, May 26th.  The guest artists? Fuschia FOXX will be joined by The Shanghai Pearl and Lady TaTas.  For those who missed the first cabaret, I recommend that you mark you calendars now.

Loves,
Fosse Jack