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Disclaimer:
The reviewers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheatreLouisville.org. |
Peer Reviews Pulp Reviewed by Jane Mattingly Entire contents are copyright © 2009 Jane Mattingly. All rights reserved.
Pandora's production of Pulp explores familiar themes such as seduction, secrecy, sexuality and the never-ending journey to self-discovery and actualization. This play does so in a sultry, comedic, film noir (or "theatre noir," as I should say) fashion but with a plot line that may be not-so familiar, with an all-female cast of characters. The story takes place at The Well, a Chicago women's bar owned by Miss Vivian (Raven J. Railey), where Winny (Kate Holland), Pepper (Laura Ellis) and Bing (Carrie Cooke) work. But Winny, Vivian and Bing do more than serve drinks — they're "cabaret" performers there too, but not the kind you might expect. The story centers around Terry (Susan Crocker), who meets Pepper on a train to Chicago and is taken into the enigmatic world of The Well, where she discovers not only her true love but another side of herself.
Set in the late 1950's, Pulp is essentially an old-fashioned love story but compelling nonetheless. It was very accessible and easy to watch, but it stuck with me once the house lights came back up and good-nights were exchanged. I think it would be unfair for me to reveal much else about this production, aside from commenting on the strong stage chemistry between the actors, and the music from the actors and from musical director Gayle King, who also plays the role of the bar's pianist. Watching this show was the perfect thing to do with an old friend on a cold night. The experience was comfortable and meaningful — the kind of feelings one might associate with an old movie, even though this was a new play to me and probably to most of the audience. And even if you've never experienced gay/lesbian theatre before, Pulp may be a good place to start.
Pulp Tickets: (502) 216-5502 Posted Jan. 5, 2009
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