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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (March 7, 2003)
march 7.2003 « Ju st out ,4 3 eatingout eatingout eatingout e a lin go u t i mm mm REVIEWS Seduced by a siren Step aside, E vita— a new Argen-diva shines at Miracle Theatre by T im o th y K r a u se cross the river from the main drag of Dar- celle XV, Miracle Theatre has set up camp with Sirem, Queen of the Tango. This Latino farce from Arizona playwright Guillermo Reyes is as elaborate as the tango itself. Like a hawdy and tumultuous clip show strung together from film noir classics, Sirena follows a police detective on a homicide case. In his search for the criminal, the Sergeant finds the dame— in this case, Sirena, a gay Argentine transvestite whose trail is littered with the bodies of ex-husbands. Sirena is sultrier than a summer night in Buenos Aires, and it takes only one look for the Sergeant to fall for this leading lady— “as long as she’s dressed like a lady.” But Sirenas stone- cold heart won’t succumb. The Sergeant tries to move on hut is pulled hack by Sirena’s dance of T h e re ’s alw ays a dam e: W hat detective death, one that leads to a vigorous courtroom could hold his own against Sirena, Queen intercourse before a lusty lesbian judge. of the Tango? Will Sirena finally give up her torch song nights to go straight? Or will the Sergeant he Making her Portland directorial dehut, Sacha her last tango partner before this femme fatale Reich sets her “edgy oddballs’’ amid a funny hut is led to the slammer? feverish atmosphere charged with sexual ambiguity. Andres Alcala, last seen as Molina in Miracle The agile cast handles multiple (many cross Theatre’s Kiss of the Spider Woman, inhabits the gender) roles with exuberant flamboyance, show’s namesake role. He’s a temptress with per including those of psycho secretary (Andy fect opposing rhythms of graceful wit and biting Buzan), golem boytoy (Timothy Scarrott), anal banter. (Not to mention a shapely figure and fash detective (Paddric M. Fitzgerald), slimy lawyer ion to cry for—even Chicago’s Renée Zellweger (Dan Palma) and a hitter, probably closeted dis trict attorney practicing to he another Helen couldn’t make prison stripes this glamorous.) Gamble (Laura Faye Smith). JH Rafael Untalan plays the Sergeant— a smokin’ gumshoe who’s not just another het M iracle T heatre , 525 S.E. Stark St., presents erosexual heel, and he gives this eventual bisexual an attractive mix of virility and sensi Sirena, Queen of the Tango 7:30 p.m. tivity. He, too, was last seen in Spider Woman Thursday and 8 p.m. Frulay and Saturday through and, like Alcala, carefully straddles the thin March 15. Ticket are $13'$ 15 frmn 503'236-7253 or gretchen@milagro.org. line between homo homage and dick dreck. cuban creole cuisine y cantina cubana ~ 503 w burnside ~ RUEN THAI GOURMET PIZZA R ESTA U RA N T mi«ro b e e r s on T a p Fresh Traditional Thai Food in an Intimate Romantic Setting Dine-ln, Carry Out, Delivery Vega*» friendly 1411 NE Broadwav 503-287-1014 fx: 503-287-1094 M-Th 11-9:30 Fr-St 11-10 Sn 11-9:30 delivery available 3342 SE Belmont ~ (503)233-5444 www.beautifulpizza.com / 7 j / I r ^ r t* N i s> Problem child and C0H0 Productions’ latest is banal and belabored by T im o th y K r a u se s much as Miracle Theatre’s Sirena is candy for the pedestrian masses, C 0 H 0 Produc tions’ Child of Pleasure is an acquired taste for an emdite few. In this historical comedy, Drammy-winning gay Portland playwright William S. Gregory undresses the wit and wisdom of Ninon de L’Enclos, a French prostitute cum philosopher. Scarred from her broken, upper-middle-class home, she embraces the alternative, Epicurean lifestyle, wrapping herself in a world fond of luxury that seeks pleasure over pain. This haven is soon interrupted, however, by the startling return of her deadbeat dad with whom she dredges up the past, fights the pres ent and ultimately reconciles the two. A story familiar to many queers, hut still no fairy tale. Child of Pleasure is the first in a trilogy of plays hy Gregory examining the ahead-of-her- times Ninon through modem eyes. Instead of such a drawn-out affair, the cycle might he bet ter conceived as a one-night stand, with Child an effective introduction to this freethinking strumpet s entire life. As it was, at least one audience member nodded off, and the night’s best line was heard from backstage at intermission when some gig gling female voice wildly implored to her girl friend (one assumes), “Put your dress on!" To his credit, Gregory’s language is graceful ly lyrical. He thoughtfully explores how our personal philosophies are shaped and tested by the people and events in our lives. The play’s conflict between estranged parent and adult child, however, is stilted and its overwrought wit a hit trying. Who knew the rebellious life of a 17th century whore could be so dull? As Ninon, buxom and beautiful Emily Sahler Beleele provided a solid pivot to a world that spins out of her control. Gary Norman is droll as her fawning fey foil. But Curt Hanson’s portrayal of Ninon’s disruptive father is un convincing, and jabs from Paul Floding as Ninons playwright pal are painful. What succeeded, however, were the show’s production elements. Set designer Frederick Zal and lighting designer Jesse Smith provided plush environs, while costumes designed by Margaret Chapman nearly stole the show. JT1 C 0 H 0 PRODUCTIONS’ Child of Pleasure continues at 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through March 15 at C 0 H 0 Theater, 2257 N.W. Raleigh St. Tickets are $16-$I8 from 503-220-2646. i Vinner ; ‘Barfare and cocif ads Tire Red Velvet L ounae- TVeebfend breakfast Cfosed 'Tuesday even irujs 2411 SE Belmont Portland 503.232.4458 H s i a n C a f e Curries. Noodles. Dumplings.Cocktails and More.. 4 -r»« lid »4* Asian street food in all its glory" -■W illam ette W e e k HOI S.E. Nilwiukii D m if e # ! 11,. Portland Oh: 230-0730 l U K l ) 1 t ....................I I
