Steam Punk – as in Victoriana science fiction meets techno wizardry – is the quirky new style of Cirque de Soleil’s show, Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities arriving in Tysons Corner on July 21th. The story, set in an alternate yet familiar past, features a voyage Jules Verne would have envied. Think leather goggles, steam train gadgets and a spectacular array of tricked out props.
The tale of Kurios takes us on a journey into a deeper realm neatly hidden inside the larger-than-life curio cabinet of the “Seeker”. Within this Dr. Caligari-like cabinet he finds a hidden, invisible world where he encounters bizarre curiosities that begin to animate.
Unlocking this Pandora’s box unleashes a collection of otherworldly characters who step into his makeshift mechanical world. The outlandish, yet quite benevolent, creatures turn his world upside down with a touch of poetry and and a ton of humor in an attempt to ignite the Seeker’s imagination and discover a parallel universe. Heart-stopping and brilliantly imagined, it’s a magical journey worth taking.
Written and directed by Michel Laprise, Kurios leads us into the birth of technology during the late 19th century and on a journey into the fantastical minds of the inventors of the great Industrial Age. Laprise, a former actor, director and artistic director, who started his own theatre company in Montreal and trained at the National Theatre School of Canada, has been with Cirque for the past 16 years. He also worked with Madonna on her Super Bowl XLVI halftime appearance and later directed her MDNA tour. He recently sat down with this writer for a brief interview.
You were a Special Events Designer on Cirque’s specialty shows. How did you transition into becoming a director of a large scale production?
I had ten years of theatre myself and pitching to raise money. The department grew and they offered me the job.
How would you describe the story of Kurios?
It’s about a scientist, The Seeker, who looks through the portal at a time when electricity was bringing the world together.
There are 46 artists in Kurios. How are the artists chosen?
In the beginning they were pre-selected through 3-minute demos, and later improvisation auditions. Later I discovered that by directing them, the artists performed better, allowing us to really see their skills. It became a workshop where I honed my director’s abilities.
How long does it take to put together these complex productions?
It took two years of choreography and theatricality and being in the training studio each day to get ready for Kurios. In addition, on site we have a director, two coaches and a captain who continue training the artists every afternoon.
What’s different about this show?
When we started to create it we had heard from our audiences that we were becoming predictable. So I eliminated everything that was habit and predictable. We took out traps and turntables, and the artists are now closer to the stage and the audience can connect to the characters. We also do a tribute to Shelley’s Dr. Frankenstein. It all came out of an 80-page scenario.
Talk about the cool steampunk props?
The props speak to the art of recycling. I wanted it to look low-tech to make it very genuine. This show uses 426 props – the most props of any Cirque show ever.
What’s new about the music?
We have the A Team! The composer, Raphael Beau, comes from Paris and every note is a vulnerability.
What are you working on now?
Last October I started working on my next show for Cirque in Buenos Aires where I spent three months putting together Soda Stereo. It’s based on the legendary Latin rock band and debuts in 2017.
‘Kinky Boots’ National Touring Company. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
A beacon of hope shone down mightily onto the stage at Kennedy Center’s Opera House this week. It was more than hope, really. It was a balm for the soul of Orlando’s LGBTQ community and their friends and supporters around the world. A clearing of the clouds, if you will – if only for a few hours.
In this timely story of tolerance, love and self-acceptance, Lola (J. Harrison Ghee), a black drag queen from the seedier side of London, performs with her chorus line of queens. When, in a stroke of fate, she meets Charlie (understudy, Adam Kaplan, who appeared to be struggling in the role), the reluctant scion of a fourth generation shoe factory in the hinterlands, she schools him in ‘dragdom’ and what it means to be absolutely fabulous in six-inch high-heeled boots. When she alludes to the challenge of strutting her stuff in ladies’ boots, ill-designed to support the weight of a man, Charlie becomes sympathetic to her plight.
(l to r) Macho Don (Aaron Walpole) the floor manager and George (Jim J. Bullock). Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Intrigued by Lola, soubriquet “Kinky”, and the idea of making boots for a niche market, he offers her the job of Head Designer at his factory. Unfortunately, it’s run by a crew of narrow-minded blue collar workers. Lola, bullied by the male workers tries to fit in by wearing suits instead of dresses – a transition that falls flat. Hoping to present Lola’s racy designs at the shoe show in Milan, the workers, especially the females of the crew who are enamored of Lola’s femininity, get on board. Macho Don (Aaron Walpole) the floor manager and George (Jim J. Bullock) the numbers cruncher remain reluctant. And therein lies the rub.
Contrary to what you may imagine, the romance in Playwright Harvey Fierstein’s six-time Tony Award winning musical is not between Charlie and Lola, but with Charlie’s fiancée, Nicola (Charissa Hogeland), who has grander ideas for their future in real estate development, and one of his employees Lauren (Tiffany Engen) who believes in his dreams. Guess who wins out.
Jerry Mitchell, who received the Tony Award for his choreography in the original Broadway production, both directs and choreographs this production, along with famed Costume Designer Gregg Barnes, Scenic Designer David Rockwell and Lighting Designer Kenneth Posner.
Lola (J. Harrison Ghee) and her Angels in ‘Kinky Boots.’ Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Ghee is a force of nature. Fierce and fabulous with a leggy, Amazonian frame that complements an astonishingly versatile voice, he delivers a show-stopping performance tinged with raw emotion. The duet with Kaplan in “Not My Father’s Son” is especially spell-binding. And Engen too, will steal your heart with her solo, “The History of Wrong Guys”. And should you ever question what drives men wild, Lola (aka Simon) sets us straight in “Sex Is in the Heel”, adding, “Red is for sex, and sex shouldn’t be comfy.” Got it?
‘Kinky Boots’ National Touring Company. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Through it all, pop diva Cyndi Lauper’s show-your-true-colors score is as sustaining as a hummingbird’s heartbeat and her emotionally-stirring ballads and electrifying show tunes add up to a winning night of crazy, funny, wonderful theatre.
Highly recommended for, according to Lola, “Ladies and Gentlemen, and those who have yet to make up their minds.”
Through July 10th at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW, Washington, DC. For tickets and information call 202 467-4600 or visit www.Kennedy-Center.org.
Jordan Wright June 18, 2016
Photo credit: Jordan Wright
Special to DC Metro Theater Arts
Indique Redux; Asia Nine Bar & Lounge – An Asian Oasis Endures and Thrives; Italy in the Box; Simit + Smith – A New Turkish Bakery and Café; Chickpea Mediterranean Grill; Q Barbecue’s Secret Corn Pudding Recipe
Indique Introduces New Dishes, New Décor
Chef K. N. Vinod and Co-Owner Surfy Rahman
Chef and Co-Owner K. N. Vinod along with Co-Owner Surfy Rahman recently re-launched their modern Indian cuisine restaurant with a totally revamped menu that included street food, family style dishes and classics with a modern twist, as well as gorgeous handcrafted Indian art and an updated décor.
Orange Shreekandh made with orange, saffron, cardamom, Grand Marnier, pistachio and mint from Indique
As a staple of the Cleveland Park community for over 12 years, the upscale Indique has always been at the forefront of Indian cuisine in DC and, Chef Vinod, one DC’s most most celebrated chefs is a well-known frequent guest at the Smithsonian Resident Associate Programs. His annual contributions to the prestigious Sunday Night Suppers series, hosted by Alice Waters, Joan Nathan and Jose Andres, cannot be understated.
(l-r) Tellisherry Cocktail — Shrimp Puckka Shots
For Rahman it’s a family affair. His sister-in-law sourced the new china, furniture and glassware; his daughter accompanied her father to India for fresh inspiration; and his two sons, Rahul Vinod and Sahil Rahman, who intend to follow in their father’s footsteps, are looking forward to a DC opening of their fast casual Indian concept called Rasa Indian Grill.
Indique
Rahman hired Carlie Steiner of Stir Bartending Co. to create a stylish cocktail menu for Indique which she based on Indian spices and herbs. Her delicately spice-infused drinks use house made tonics made with garam masala and another that incorporates a blend of Indian herbs and spices such as fresh curry leaf, coriander and fenugreek. Unique ingredients like toasted mustard seed and tamarind chutney contribute to an exotic and aromatic profile. Addictive bar snacks included.
In a few weeks Indique will add a Happy Hour menu and Saturday and Sunday brunch. Check the website for deets. www.Indique.com
Asia Nine – Penn Quarter Perennial
Asia Nine
As one of the longer lasting Asian-owned restaurants in Chinatown’s Penn Quarter, Asia Nine has rightfully basked in its reputation. It’s proximity to the downtown action – theatres, Verizon Center, museums and more – is yet another draw. But this cozy, hip spot doesn’t rest on its laurels. It continues to turn out an amazing variety of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean and Japanese dishes for the adventurous diner.
Softshell Crab Sushi
Start with a refreshing Hibiscus Mojito or Lychee Martini. No passport required. Want sushi? There’s maki sushi, nigiri sushi and vegetarian sushi. Honey roasted duck? Coming right up. Your dinner partner is craving Thai curries? There are three types – green, panang and lemongrass. Noodles, your thing? There’s everything from pho to udon. All made to order.
Steamed buns
Chef owners Natalie Tantivejakul and Rod Yomanee both immigrated individually to America from Thailand. Natalie is from Bangkok and Rod is from a small town in the south named, Na-Korn. The couple met and later married when Natalie hired Rod to be a chef at her first restaurant, Rice & Spice in Lorton, VA. With roots from both the North and South of Thailand, Natalie and Rod are able to create menus that reflect both cooking styles as well as their favorite dishes from all over Asia. In addition to two Asia Nine locations, they now have Rice & Spice Thai Cuisine restaurants in Alexandria and Fort Belvoir.
Fried Shrimp and Pho with Udon Noodles
This week Asia Nine announced a new Saturday brunch service from 11am to 3pm. The menu includes plenty of egg dishes, like kapow, bipimbap as well as the ubiquitous street food, pa thong ko, a deep-fried donut-style confection served with fresh fruit and sweetened condensed milk for dipping.
N.B. They’re especially welcoming to large groups with advance notice, the restaurant prides itself on getting everyone served and out in time for curtain up.
915 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20004 or their newest location at 254 Crown Park Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20878 www.AsiaNine.com
Simit + Smith
Turkish Bakery and Café Opens in the Heart of Georgetown
Cary Pollak with Jordan Wright
Simit + Smith is a two-story Turkish-inspired eatery housed in a charming historic townhouse. Arriving on the ever-burgeoning bread and baked goods scene, the Istanbul-based company surprises the adventurous eater with authentic Turkish savory breads and rolls. The star of the show is simit, a baked, not boiled, ring-shaped bread eaten throughout the day in both Balkan and Mediterranean countries. Its texture is moist and light on the inside. The dough is briefly dipped in a grape molasses and water mixture which helps the two types of coatings, sesame seeds or multigrain, stick to the bread, giving it a delectably crunchy crust. Simit is the Turkish name, but it is also known by different names and comes in many varieties in Greece, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Lebanon and Israel.
Turkish breads from Simit + Smith
You’ll find three varieties of simits here – original, whole wheat and multigrain. To prepare these delightful puffs of bread for the oven, the first two varieties are the ones that are coated with sesame seeds. The third is dipped in a multigrain mix that includes sesame, rolled oats, flax, poppy and sunflower seeds, and millet. On a recent visit to the new Georgetown branch, both company President Zulfikar Bekar and Business Development official Dina Careccio pointed out that the simit is lighter on the inside and crunchier on the outside than its cousin, the bagel. All are handmade and preservative-free.
The company’s name is the result of an effort by the Turkish-based parent company to portray “a synthesis of Turkish/Mediterranean food culture and American food culture.” They felt that the simit is something very familiar in Turkey, as is the name Smith in the U.S., so they chose a name that is blends East meets West.
Street cart in Turkey
While the simit gets top billing, there are other Turkish breads to explore. Acma (pronounced ACH-mah) also is in the form of a bagel, but is more akin to the light, eggy dough of brioche. The un-holey pogaca is baked with different fillings, the most interesting of which is black olives and tangy,Turkish kasseri cheese. Lamahcan is their version of pizza that’s topped with marinated minced meat with spices, sumac, onion, parsley with a wedge of lemon on the side.
A light fare salad from Simit + Smith
The DC menu differs from the one in the New York area largely in that more “simitwiches” are available in the Big Apple, though the DC outlet has a variety of homemade sourdough bread sandwiches including a roasted chicken sandwich with cheddar cheese, sundried tomatoes, mixed greens and honey mustard sauce, and a Doner (sirloin) Kebap sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and Café de Paris sauce, a butter-based sauce commonly paired with beef. A vegan sandwich also is on the menu. Choose from an array of salads – Aegean Feta, Chicken Orange, Quinoa Salmon or Caesar served with the doner kabap. (Hopefully the menu will widen to include some of the spreads like baba ganoush, Nutella and hummus which they serve in their three New York and two New Jersey restaurants.) Be sure to try their real Turkish coffee and Turkish chai tea, too.
Last year the simit was listed in Zagat’s “9 Snack Foods You Need to Try in 2015” (albeit with an inaccurate claim that boiling is part of the preparation process). The article predicted that this tasty treat will soon be seen around country and lucky for us, they chose Washington, D.C. as their first outpost beyond their U.S. home area!
What says amore more than a surprise box filled to the brim with Italian gourmet delicacies and landing on your doorstep? Arriving without a card or return address, I had no one to thank, or share it with, before racing to the kitchen to prepare what it had in store for me. All I had to do was boil water, toss the jar of Ligurian pesto from Niasca Portofino onto the artisanal basil tagliatelle from Pastificio Camp’Oro, then shave bits of aged pecorino from Famiglia Busti on the whole divine mess of pastaal dente.
The resulting homemade supper from Italy N The Box
The nifty brown box also included truffled potato chips from Tartuflanghe, which will wind up crumbled over roasted lemony green beans, and a delightfully fragrant Prunotto Mariangela Moscato wine jelly, which will find itself married to vanilla yogurt. I wasn’t going to mention the three different flavors of chocolate Camardo truffles – rum, coffee and hazelnut – since I left no evidence of their existence. But now that you know, I recommend you get your own, because I have no intention of sharing something that should not be made public anyway. Check out www.Italynthebox.com for all their other products.
Chickpea – A New Mediterranean-Style Fast Food Spot
Bright red umbrellas punctuate the patio seating
From the team who brought you DRP Pizza (in Del Ray and Belle Haven) and Stomping Ground the bakery/coffee shop/Southern menu eatery along Mount Vernon Avenue beside the farmers’ market, we now have Chickpea. This new spot, as cute as its name, is beside the playing fields along Route 1 near Crystal City. You can’t miss it for the bright red umbrellas on the large patio. Open only a few months, its already catching on with those on the go. Because sometimes you just WANT IT NOW! No waiting, no table service, no tipping. Okay, a contribution to the small glass jar by the register would be the kind thing to do. Grab a tray and get in line.
The hardest part is choosing from the tons of options at Chickpea
It took me awhile to figure out the system and make my choices, but the dish I concocted was very tasty. You begin by selecting a base from among brown or parsley rice, toasted quinoa, a giant oven-baked pita, spinach, arugula, mixed greens or romaine. I was feeling healthy just reading the menu. I mixed arugula with romaine. Next is protein – lemony chicken cooked with wine, fresh herbs and garlic; spicy chicken with yogurt, peppers and herbs; chargrilled beef kofta; pulled lamb shank, which they slow roast; or falafel, crunchy little chickpea balls flavored with garlic and cilantro. I had the lamb shank and it reflected the long, slow-cooked flavors you’d expect.
Slow roasted lamb shank with toppings served on vintage enamel trays at Chickpea – baba ganoush and hummus sit to the side at Chickpea
Toppings are next and there are tons to choose from. You can add whatever you like from among lettuce, tomatoes, feta, olives, sumac onions, cukes, fresh mint, tabbouleh, grilled veggies and more. Stay focused because your fourth decision will be spreads and here come the classics – tzatziki, baba ganoush, harissa, green chili chutney, two kinds of hummus or a creamy roasted garlic sauce. All made in-house. Not wanting to overwhelm the dish with too many flavors, I asked for mine served on the side so I could enjoy it separately with a side order of pita chips.
Freshly made lemonade , pomegranate ice tea and a refreshing infusion of mint, lemon and cucumber water are some of the delicious drink selections at Chickpea
Lastly you’ll opt for one of three vinaigrette dressings for your very large bowl of deliciousness – lemon-oregano, Greek or red wine.
I have tried one other Mediterranean fast food spot that couldn’t hold a candle to Chickpea. Try it. You’ll love it. It’s just outside Old Town, a few blocks from downtown Del Ray and thankfully there’s plenty of parking.
If you can’t get to one of Q Barbecue’s four locations in the Richmond area, here’s some inspiration just in time for summer grilling. We asked pitmaster Tuffy Stone for this fan favorite side dish and he willingly obliged. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your chargrilled protein, or just on its own with a salad of summer tomatoes, cukes and garden greens. Tip of the Day: Be sure to use the same, or similar, high quality ingredients in this classic Southern tribute to the king of summer vegetables – corn.
Head shot of Tuffy Stone aka “The Professor”
Tuffy, aka ‘The Professor’, is a barbecue ninja. Oh, and I should mention he’s also a classically trained French chef. Working with his team “Cool Smoke”, the Lynchburg native and über pitmeister has won countless awards for his smoked meats.
Q Barbeque’s Ribs
He has appeared on the TV show BBQ Pitmasters and was a judge on Season Three. Last October he dazzled the barbecue world with a win at the 2015 Jack Daniel’s Invitational BBQ competition in Lynchburg, TN.
Q Barbeque’s Famous Corn Pudding
To give his corn pudding authenticity, Tuffy uses freshly shucked corn and Patrick Henry Yellow Cornmeal, milled by Ashland Milling Company of Virginia. If you’re serving a crowd, just double or triple the recipe. www.QBarbeque.com
Suma Restaurant + Bar is an New American style restaurant located near Bethesda Row. Suma translates to “born in the summer”. Boasting an outdoor 20-seat patio with sectional sofa and basket-woven chairs, the indoor dining room comfortably seats up to 57 people. The large windows give off an airy feel to restaurant, while French doors bring in more natural light.
Suma Patio
Chef Gene Sohn has been in the DC hospitality industry all his life. Eschewing a path to business school, he chose to become a chef. Moving up in rank and responsibility from dishwasher to Chef de Cuisine, he worked for the Robert Wiedmaier Restaurant Group including the prestigious Marcel’s and the ever-popular Mussel Bar in Bethesda for almost 8 years. Eventually he teamed up with Jay Evans, the former General Manager of Mussel Bar – Bethesda, and Jennifer Day to open Suma. Sohn aims at mastering simple, classical dishes with a modern twist.
Suma Restaurant Interior
Suma Art Decor
The restaurant is modern with an art deco vintage theme. Some of the quirky artifacts include a Japanese Pagoda, green pear-shaped candles in a lantern, decorative lamps with spiral-patterned shades, metal sculptures, and a golden glass bowl. In one of the corners of the restaurant a Vermouth Bianco poster oversees the room. Booths sport a honey brown pattern and lighting comes via vintage lightbulbs. Six bar stools create an intimate feel to the small spot.
Vermouth Bianco
Suma Bar
The menu reflects the chef’s seasonal approach. In lieu of bread service, expect a plate of homemade pickled vegetables – spicy cucumbers, onion and cauliflower.
Pickled Platter
For my appetizer I chose Maryland Crab Dip – a slightly creamy, mix of fresh lump crabmeat with butter and Old Bay and topped with panko bread crumbles. It arrived in a cast iron skillet on a wooden plank with slices of warm baguette. I found it to be light and savory with no discernible filler.
Maryland Crab Dip
Of particular pleasure are the Deviled Eggs garnished with goat cheese, bacon bits, and chives and served over chipotle aioli.
Deviled Eggs Close Up
On the day I visited the specials featured Lobster Bisque, Salmon Burger, and Seared Tuna, all of which sounded delicious but I had my eye set on the Pan Seared Halibut, an entree of line-caught halibut fillet lightly seasoned with salt and pepper and dressed with a buttery tomato and caper sauce. Light in texture, it was accompanied by lemon-accented whipped Yukon potatoes and asparagus. The dish was perfectly prepared and delicately seasoned.
Pan Seared Halibut
Desserts were luscious sounding – Vanilla Creme Brulee, Banana Nut Bread Pudding, Chocolate Chip Brownie, Mango Sorbet and Pistachio Parfait – and it was difficult to decide. I opted for warm Vanilla Creme Brûlée made with freshly scraped vanilla bean pods and topped with a scoop of creme fraiche – a shareable portion that was light and not too sweet.
Creme Brulee
Suma Restaurant + Bar, 4921 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814. 301 718-6378. For information and reservations visit sumabethesda.com. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily (except Monday’s). Happy hour is from 4-7 pm and brunch on the weekends is from 11 am-4 pm. Happy Hour specials include $2 off drafts, wine by the glass, all products from Maryland, and $1 oysters. The restaurant is three blocks south from the Bethesda Metro station. There is not a private lot but there are multiple public parking garages within a 0.5 mile radius.
Last Friday the magnificent Wentworth Mansion served as backdrop for Southern Living magazine’s 50th anniversary celebration in Charleston, South Carolina. The iconic shelter magazine, rated as the largest regional lifestyle publication in the nation, paid tribute to its past by acknowledging its history of recipes and tradition with “A Taste of the Decades”. Southern Living Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans presided over the festivities greeting guests who strolled the grounds during the cocktail reception before sitting down to a lavish five-course dinner. Wine pairings were provided by Moet Hennessy.
Executive Chef Marc Collins, of the adjacent fine dining restaurant, Circa 1886, designed the five-course Lowcountry menu to reflect each decade of the magazine’s classic recipes. Collins a major player in the founding of Charleston Wine + Food, clearly was inspired by the culinary challenge.
Southern Living’s 50th Anniversary Dinner “A Taste of the Decades”
“Spam” disguised as Quiche Lorraine
Hors d’Oeuvres
Charleston Press Club Meat Balls ‘93
Shrimp-In-A-Pickle ‘86
Fried Green Tomatillos, Jalapeno Jelly ‘97
Paired with Domaine Chandon Étoile Brut
Napa Valley, California (Founded in 1973)
Heirloom Tomato Aspic with Blue Crab
The 60’s
Heirloom Tomato Aspic
Blue Crab, Lemon Mayonnaise, Roasted Garlic Purée, Baby Basil,
Smoked Cheddar Croutons
Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon 2015
Cape Mentelle, Margaret River, Australia (Founded in 1970)
Brent Barrett (Georges) with Sam Brackley, Jay Westin, Isaiah Young, Ethan Kasnett, Darius Delk, Phil Young. Photo by Christopher Mueller.
A marabou boa-filled extravaganza blew into town with Matthew Gardiner’s La Cage Aux Folles. As glitzy as Vegas, as chi-chi as its French Riviera setting, and as campy and flamboyant as Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein intended, this six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy hits all the right notes. Director Gardiner doing double duty as choreographer, takes on the story of two gay men with a nightclub in Saint-Tropez, where, as we all know, anything goes. At least that’s what Cole Porter taught us.
Georges, the straight-looking one (Is there an app for that?) and the club’s emcee, is played by Brent Barrett, who looks and sings like a young Robert Goulet. His paramour and right-hand man/gal is Albin, stage name Zaza, whom actor Bobby Smith portrays like the metamorphic stages of a caterpillar to a butterfly and the killer instincts of a shark.
DJ Petrosino (Jacob) and Paul Scanlan (Jean-Michel). Photo by Christopher Mueller.
Georges has a son, Jean-Michel (Paul Scanlan), the result of a quickie with a showgirl in a one-night-only heterosexual fling. The problem is the dear boy wants to introduce his dewy-eyed fiancée, Anne (Jessica Lauren Ball) and her ultra-conservative parents to his father and jet-setting mother. What ensues is a sort of gay version of Meet the Parents, with Georges, Albin and their snippy maid Jacob (DJ Petrosino). “I thought I hired a butler!” quips Georges. Keep your eyes on the hilarious Petrosino who is a first class scene stealer.
Bobby Smith (Albin). Photo by Christopher Mueller.
It takes place within the confines of their first floor nightclub and second floor home, with an occasional stroll along the shore to reminisce. Scenic Designer Lee Savage has upped the wow factor by giving us an insider’s view of the drag club’s green room. Two dressing rooms bracket the stage and we become voyeurs to the cross-dressing performers, primping and preening in various stages of undress.
Ethan Kasnett (Chantal). Photo by Christopher Mueller.
But this show is not all show. There are no lip-synching Diana Ross lookalikes in this line up of gender-bending chorines. This is the real deal. Hey, even Jesus makes an appearance, but I’ll keep the surprise. No one here is, to borrow a phrase, ‘resting on pretty’. Gardiner has cast some extraordinary performers with pipes that can go from alto to soprano in a New York minute, fantastic dance skills (Did he really? OMG to the full splits and high kicks) and GQ-worthy bodies too. Big applause to the supporting cast of Les Cagelles: Sam Brackley, Darius R. Delk, Ethan Kasnett, Jay Westin, Isaiah W. Young and Phil Young. How they transform themselves into glam divas is alone worth the price of admission! Extra ‘chicken cutlets’ (gel inserts) all around. And an additional hats off to Frank Labovitz’s over-the-top, ab fab, feathered and sequined costumes, and Anne Nesmith’s endless assortment of towering wigs.
But there’s a plot here too and notwithstanding the lights (kudos to Jason Lyons) and sound (hats off to Lane Elms) we are treated to one of the year-to-date’s best performances by Bobby Smith, in a tour de force portrayal of Albin, the headlining drag performer whose boundless love and sacrifice teaches us the ultimate truth of what “family” really means.
Highly recommended for its tender love story and comic relief in the midst of our turbulent times.
Through July 10th at Signature Theatre (Shirlington Village), 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206. For tickets and information call 703 820-9771 or visit www.sigtheatre.org.
