The Fountain Theatre presents a revival of Last Summer at Bluefish Cove. Written by Jane Chambers. Directed by Hannah Wolf. Produced by The Fountain Theatre.
With a naturalistic and beautiful scenic design by accomplished designer Desma Murphy, The Fountain Theatre celebrates the 40th anniversary of Last Summer at Bluefish Cove at the parking lot next to the theatre. In a unique setup, this production is staged outdoors with headphones to listen to the actors, the music, and the sound effects.
It’s 1974 and Lil (Ann Sonneville) is fishing at Bluefish Cove, a remote community where queer women spend their summers together. Suddenly, Eva (Lindsay LaVanchy), a straight woman who just separated from her husband, arrives in town unaware of the lesbian nature of the community. After a brief interaction, Eva declares that she has rented one of the properties. Lil immediately feels attracted to Eva. Later at a party, Eva gets into an argument with hot-headed Donna (Stephanie Pardi), who is dating Sue (Stasha Surdyke). After learning that the women at the community are lesbians, Eva feels out of place. However, Lil’s mesmerizing personality awakens something new in Eva, something that will change their lives forever. Rae (Ellen D. Williams), Rita (Tamika Katon-Donegal), and swing (Allison Husko) are also part of the close circle of friends staying at Bluefish Cove.
The fascinating script by Jane Chambers presents meaty characters that defy the traditional and limited depiction of queer women in mainstream media. The women in the play exude fascinating layers of strengths, insecurities, and charming characteristics that brings them closer to the audience’s own experiences. One of the characters that excels in the portrayal of true friendship and caring personality is Annie (Noelle Messier), Lil’s best friend. Annie is seating next to Lil when Kitty (Sarah Scott Davis), a gynecologist turned feminist author, delivers some devastating news to Lil.
Kitty, by the way, is a character that somehow reflects the positions of lesbian groups like the Radicalesbians and The Furies Collective, which were a response to the exclusion of lesbians by feminist organizations in the 1970s. At the time, some feminists excluded lesbians from their agendas and labeled them as the “Lavender Menace”, a homophobic term first used by Betty Friedan, president of the National Organization of Women (NOW).
LaVanchy and Sonneville deliver stellar performances portraying the transition from initial resistance to ultimate surrender to their feelings, a contrasting and irresistible situation that creates remarkable drama and magnetic romanticism. Of course, the superb acting and the outstanding success of this staging is a manifestation of the fine direction by Hannah Wolf, who worked from an external approach for this project. The results show what happens when a director pays careful attention to details and creates a poignant and touching production that enhances the already captivating script.
But this play has even more substance than just a sentimental story. It captures the little known safe heavens where lesbians have retreated for support and reaffirmation of their values. It is also a snapshot of the challenging post-Stonewall times when the LGBT communities were fighting for equality in a society that persistently excluded them from their agendas. These stories need to be told to really comprehend the diversity of the human condition and, hopefully, serve as a channel for mutual respect and understanding.
Last Summer at Bluefish Cove
Outdoor Stage
The Fountain Theatre
5060 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90029
(Fountain at Normandie)
Performances: June 17 – Aug. 27
• Fridays at 7 p.m.: June 23, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25
• Saturdays at 7 p.m.: June 17 (opening), 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 12, 19, 26 (dark Aug. 5)
• Sundays at 7 p.m.: June 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 13, 20, 27 (dark Aug. 6)
• Mondays at 7 p.m.: June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21
Tickets: fountaintheatre.com
Written by Jane Chambers. Directed by Hannah Wolf. Starring Sarah Scott Davis, Allison Husko, Tamika Katon–Donegal, Lindsay LaVanchy, Noelle Messier, Stephanie Pardi, Ann Sonneville, Stasha Surdyke, Ellen D. Williams. Produced by The Fountain Theatre. Creative team: Scenic designer Desma Murphy; lighting designer R. S. Buck, sound designer Andrea Allmond, costume designer Halei Parker, prop master Rebecca Carr and intimacy director Savanah Knechel. The production stage manager is Chloe Willey, and Gina DeLuca is assistant stage manager.
