BWW Reviews: CASA VALENTINA at GableStage

It's 1962 and straight men are wearing women's clothing in the Poconos. In those days straights were called heterosexuals and wearing ladies' duds was strictly oh oh.

So here's CASA VALENTINA, Harvey Fierstein's fact based tale of one weekend at a run down resort where the tough guys cater to their girls within.

It's on stage now at Joe Adler's GableStage - an intriguing parade of ladies' fashions and the emotions that drive the men who strut in the high heels and pearls.

George and Rita run a cross dresser friendly resort. George (Wayne LeGette) prefers life as Valentina and his wife Rita (Irene Adjan) supports him completely. George is being investigated by the Post Office about a mysterious package and the couple are in danger of losing the resort to the bank. Stress. Their only hope is a loan from Charlotte (Kevin Reilly), founder of an organization that caters to their cross dressing needs. Bessie, (Roland Rusinek), Gloria (Cliff Burgess) and Terry (Howard Elfman), frequent guests, arrive for the weekend. They are joined by first timer Miranda (Ryan Didato) and old time regular The Judge, better known as Amy (Peter Galman).

CASA VALENTINA is fascinating in its discussions of the emotional surges that trap these men. They are not transgenders nor are they drag queens. Neither are they, in the main, gay, although that subject runs throughout the script. Some make the transformation with ease, others not. They reveal they're two people, the male and the female and it is only with the donning of the dresses that they attain the tranquility of the feminine. They escape. Wives, children, responsibilities fade. Watch George's face as he sits before the makeup mirror. Exultation.

There's a lot of humor in the piece, but ultimately a weekend of fun and relaxation, jokes and eating and dancing slides into fights and tears and sex.

And with the arrival of Patti Gardner as Eleanor, The Judge's daughter, comes the realization that someone always pays.

CASA VALENTINA is an interesting choice by Director Joe Adler and although a little uneven on opening night the veteran cast does well, showing a side of society that is just as relevant and alive today. Joe Adler directed on a realistic two story set by Lyle Baskin. Lights by Jeff Quinn and sound by Matt Corey. Costumes by Ellis Tillman.

See it through June 28 at GableStage at the Biltmore, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables. 305-445-1119. http://www.gablestage.org

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