After sell-out seasons in Chicago and New York, the fabulously funny '5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche' will have its Australian premiere in Brisbane next month.
It's 1956 and even amidst the red scare, there is only one thing that scares Susan B. Anthony Society For The Sisters Of Gertrude Stein more than an impending communist attack; meat in their quiches!
So get your forks ready because after taking North America by storm, the Broadway smash will hit Australian shores as part of Queensland's Melt Queer And Arts Festival. This parody of sexual repression will have audiences rolling in the aisles and looking at quiche in a whole new way. Sean Bryan, producer, tells us why if you love to LOL – this show is for you!
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After becoming a cult hit in both Chicago and New York, how does it feel to finally bring '5 Lesbians Eating Quiche' to Brisbane as part of the very first MELT festival?
It's felt like sitting on a very big secret which I now get to share with everyone! I first saw the show when it premiered in Chicago in 2011 and I knew instantly this show was something special and that I had to bring the outrageous hilarity to Australia. When Brisbane Powerhouse approached my co-producer at Imprint Theatrical's Nathanael Cooper and I, we both knew that this was the perfect moment to introduce Australia to the Susan B Anthony Society Or the Sisters of Gertrude Stein.
For the readers that are unaware, what is '5 Lesbians Eating Quiche' about?
'5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche' is the very funny story of a women's society forced to confront the future during their very civilised 'Annual Quiche Breakfast'. Essentially an attack by the Communists on the United States at the peak of the Cold War has left our five widows trapped in their newly renovated community centre and as cabin fever sets in – the secrets come out!
Sean BryanPart of the popularity of the off-Broadway show is due to it's engagement with the audience, can you tell me how '5 Lesbians Eating Quiche' makes them a part of their society?
From the minute the audience arrives at the theatre doors they're going to become a part of the sisterhood. I don't want to reveal too much, but let's just say the widows are very welcoming.
There has always been a love of 1950s fashion in popular culture, as show producer, can we expect to see lavish costume and set pieces that are true to the period?
We've had a great time researching costume and set design for this production. It's such a fascinating era, and there's a really interesting juxtaposition we're exploring between the beauty of the women and their clothing and the harsh practicality of the setting, a community centre that's been renovated to fall out shelter standards.
Even though the show is set in North America during the Communist scare, are there any messages that audiences can take away from '5 Lesbians Eating Quiche' that apply to modern times?
Yes, it's a very funny show but at it's heart '5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche' focusses on acceptance and tolerance. It deals with the secrets we may keep because others may fear our differences, and teaches us that by surrounding ourselves with a supportive group of people we can get through anything. You're also going to go home with some great quiche recipes!
'5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche’s explosive and funny script is what lured Sophie Rose to the stage. A familiar face on the comedy scene, Sophie has helped produce comedy shows and appeared as Sam Simmons’ offsider in his recent Brisbane season. Prior to discovering her love of quiche, Sophie has been a successful model and extra.
Sophie RoseCan you tell me about the character you play in '5 Lesbians Eating Quiche'?
I play Ginny Cadbury, the newest and youngest member and secretary of the Susan B Anthony Society For The Sisters Of Gertrude Stein. She's dithery, sweet, British and endearingly naive but not to be underestimated when it comes to her passion for quiche. You'll see what I mean.
What is it like to be working with an all-female cast?
Lush. Have a look at them! All super talented and cool.
What attracted you to being involved with '5 Lesbians Eating Quiche'?
You mean apart from my absolutely glorious co-stars, fabulous director and LOL filled script Probably the opportunity to eat bulk amounts of free quiche.
What do you think Australian audiences will love about '5 Lesbians Eating Quiche'?
It will make you laugh the entire way through. It's over the top hilarious in the best kind of way.
Euphemisms aside, are you a fan of Quiche yourself? Can a quiche be good without meat?
Oh please. You've asked the only real life lesbian in the play. I've been eating quiche for years. Don't get me started on the meat.
