Reviewed by: Sandi Durell
It’s 1956, the Commies have landed but the five members of the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein are celebrating their annual quiche breakfast after choosing the best quiche submitted. In this playful, over the top, edgy comedy, directed by Sarah Gitenstein, and presented by Tony Award winner John Arthur Pinckard (Clybourne Park, Silence! The Musical), the Society seems to be another name for five lesbians who finally come out of the closet.
The play was a hit at last year’s NY Fringe Festival and has now found a cult home at the SoHo Playhouse. The five gals (Rachel Farmer, Megan Johns, Thea Lux, Caitlin Chuckta and Maari Suorsa) call themselves widows, until they happily realize they’re all lesbians and give up the façade to enjoy their newly found pleasures. In fact, since we’ve all been given name tags upon entry, we’re all included in their group.
Now this is really important – – The group was founded by a lady pioneer who came across some hens in the forest which is why eggs are so vital (quiches = eggs) and nary a piece of meat may ever be a part of a quiche. Lots of double entendres are uttered throughout the one act play and the audience just eats it up.
The play is written by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood (ha, two men!) and there’s some kissy kissy going on and one of the gals takes off her dress (but she has a long slip on underneath – it’s the 50s you know). The ice cream-colored costumes are fun by Nathan R. Rohrer with set design by Kevin McClintock.
There’s a lot of absurdity and silliness and moments when you wonder why you’re even there sitting through this. There are some emotionally driven stories giving the why and wherefore, but what’s left after a nuclear blast takes place – – – lesbians and quiche!
SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam St. NYC Photo by Sheridan
