Psycho Beach Party
Psycho Beach Party
By Charles Busch
Directed by Frank Hilgenberg
Choreographed by Darci Ricciardi
Starring BeeJay Aubertin-Clinton, Carol Adubato and Alan Brown
Theatre Downtown
Presented at The Venue, Orlando FL</strong>
There’s not much set behind the row of heads in the front, and I do miss that over-sexed surfboard from the last performance of this show. It’s a gender bent version of the 1960’s; flat chested Chicklet (Aubertin-Clinton) wants surfing lessons, but the guys on the beach think she’s too feminine. They also think she’s a little crazy; there seems to be multiple version of her including the sexually charged “Ann Bowman.” Hunky Kanaka (Brown) sees his way clear to give Chicklet some lessons on the board, and while Chicklet is easy enough to handle, Ann Bowman destroys his manhood. Deliciously geeky Berdine (Jenny Ornstein) is Chicklet’s one real friend, and even she’s a bit freaked out. The sex knob get turned up to 11 when Mrs. Forrest (Adubato) arrives, but all works out in the end. Who would want get an STD from a surf movie?
While there is no set and the sightlines are terrible, this show pumps out silly humor and innuendo and keeps the audience laughing. Abertin-Clinton is almost cute enough to hug, and he switches effortlessly between his alter personalities. Brown’s Kanaka is the calm center; nothing seems to bother him so long as the surf is up and the girls get down. The B couple in this coconut oiled epic is Yo-Yo (Scott Gilbert) and Proveloney (Coletyn P. Hentz.) It takes them a while to acknowledge their true feelings, but it’s a revelation when they do. There’s even an alternate male lead; elegant Star Cat (Jake Teixeira) offers the girls a more intellectual style of male grossness. Star Cat competes with Kanaka; he’s clearly the more interesting and intelligent option.
It’s good to see the Theatre Downtown team in action again. This show was close to sold out and the audience energetic and positive. Wacky social commentary, true love and true lust don’t need to be separate. Try to get a seat on the side; if you don’t you’ll miss the boys paddling out to catch the big one.
For more information on Theatre Downtown, please visit http://www.theatredowntown.net
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