BWW Reviews: DIXIE'S TUPPERWARE PARTY is a Fun, Frivolous Night Out

One person shows are a notoriously hard sell, unlike Tupperware's famous airtight bowls. I doubt anyone ever thought of combining the two with the notable exception of Kris Andersson, the writer and star of Dixie's Tupperware Party, now playing at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Though at times the touring show may not be as sturdy as the nearly indestructible Tupperware products, overall it's a laugh riot.

Andersson's show is a true, authentic Tupperware party, down to the order forms and the name tags. The only major difference is that the saleswoman is Andersson's drag persona, Dixie Longate, the most loveable ex-con/divorcee/single mom of three from Mobile, Alabama.

While most true Tupperware parties are all about the product demonstrations (and they are several here), those are secondary to the antics of our knowledgeable but heavy drinking, crass, cursing, and somehow loveable hostess. Dressed in a clean blue dress, matching hooker heels, and a red wig (imagine Dorothy, Lucile Ball, a Stepford Wife, and a call girl merged and then decided to sell Tupperware), Dixie consistently interacts with the audience, often to the embarrassment of audience members sitting in the front row or on the couches on stage. Dixie bounces around the stage and makes fun of everything from the products themselves to the audience members (one woman is told that a certain product is perfect for storing the cucumber that she has in her nightstand) to Lindsay Lohan's alleged cocaine abuse. Even as she ridicules audience members, there's a sweetness and friendliness about Dixie which lets her get away with everything. She's like a southern belle best friend who can't help but tell you that you're so dumb, you can't even properly use a can opener (which happens to be item number 977 in her catalog).

Of course, the most remarkable part about Andersson's performance as Dixie Longate is how committed he is to the character. The show relies heavily on improv, and Andersson is Dixie at all times, often delivering quips, insults, and catch phrases faster than the destruction of Paula Deen's career. At all times, Andersson's performance is as airtight as the products he pushes.

If there's a flaw to be had in the show, it's that Andersson sometimes interrupts the fun and silliness with stories about Brownie Wise, the real-life originator of the Tupperware party and the 1st woman to appear on the cover of Business Week, and other anecdotes about how Tupperware has changed the lives of many women and given them purpose. The stories are interesting and inspiring, but they don't fit the tone. As Dixie spins the yarns, you wonder when she's going to get back to the innuendos and insults that you came to see and hear.

Still, overall Dixie's Tupperware Party is a riotous and entertaining evening of theater led by a performer who completely loses himself in the character. You'll be enthralled by Dixie. While you may not need to buy more Tupperware "crap," as Dixie calls it, you certainly should buy a ticket.

Running time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.

NOTE: Recommended for mature audiences only.

DIXIE'S TUPPERWARE PARTY plays The Rollins Studio Theater at The Long Center for the Performing Arts at 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, 78704 now thru Sunday, June 30th. Performances are Tuesday - Sunday at 7:30pm with additional shows at 3pm on Saturday 6/22, Sunday 6/23, and Sunday 6/30. There is no 7:30pm show on Sunday, 6/30. Tickets start at $35. For tickets and information, please visit www.thelongcenter.org or www.dixiestupperwareparty.com.

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