Review

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Lesbian pulp fiction comes alive in San Diego!

By Maggie Grainger

May 15, 2006

San Diego--Terry Logan (Jo Anne Glover) is a lesbian and she makes no bones about it in Pulp! the latest offering from the Moxie Theatre Company, now playing at the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights.

While this statement might not seem overly shocking in this day and age, it was back in the conservative 1950s where the play takes place.

Inspired by the lesbian pulp fiction novels of the time, the show looks back on an era when men and women had to hide their true sexual desires from the public’s judgmental eyes.

Things get complicated when Vivian Blaine (Liv Kellgren), a rich socialite and owner of the bar, returns from Paris. Logan is instantly smitten and Bing is instantly jealous over her lover’s new obsession with the straight Blaine.

Throw in Pepper’s own frustrations over her crush on closeted Winny (Terri Park), the best sharpshooter in Chicago and a controversial drag cabaret actress, some song and dance, lots of whiskey and cigarettes, and you have the makings for one fabulously campy ride.

Pulp! works on all levels – it’s fast (an hour and a half with no intermission), funny and a good old-fashioned romp that looks back on a bygone decade.

The acting is superb and all five actresses take charge of their respective roles without trying to outdo each other. John, as the ultimate femme fatale, struts across the stage in costumes that look like they’ve literally been ripped from the covers of the notoriously sexy pulp novels and adds just enough attitude to Bing that one can’t help but love her and hate her at the same time.

Glover is also strong as Logan. The mostly overtly butch character, Logan has been around the block and isn’t afraid to talk about who she is. She also gets the most action out of all the characters, using her no-nonsense attitude to bed any woman she desires – except Blaine.

Kellgren is absolutely regal as Blaine, a sort of mother figure to the girls. She, too ,oozes pure sexiness as she fights off Logan’s advances and tries to suppress herself.

Thorn and Park’s chemistry is also strong as the two naive friends try to navigate their feelings for each other in a world that looks down on their lifestyle. Park’s character must come to terms with the fact that she is the most honest with herself when she is onstage in drag and that her crush on a fellow male sharpshooter might just be her way of trying to mask her true feelings.

The only weak aspect of the show is the music numbers. Although the show isn’t a musical, the characters do sing several songs. Aside from Kellgren, it is obvious that the women do not have much musical training, which brings down some of the otherwise vibrant jazzy numbers.

All in all, Pulp! is a sassy, sexy show that will appeal to everyone, gay or straight, single or taken. The plot is fun, the costumes are sensational and the story of these five women and the bar they call home will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned themselves or their happiness.

Pulp! plays now through June 11 at the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights. For show times and ticket information, call  (619) 220-0097.

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