BWW Reviews: SATAN IN HIGH HEELS Is Sexy, Campy Fun

In the new stage play, Satin in High Heels, quirky meets clever. Adapted from the 1962 cult classic film of the same name, the show opened at Dixon Place on October 30th and will continue performances at Theaterlab NYC on November 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Written by Robbie Robertson, he admits to falling in love with the film and watched it a number of times. Robertson said, "On repeated viewings, I realized the movie actually captured a unique moment in cinematic history-ushering in the sexual revolution that would soon influence mainstream cinema." He began the adaptation process of rewriting dialogue, adding scenes, developing characters and changing the ending while still maintaining the best aspects of the original source materiAl. Robertson succeeded in creating a play with comedic qualities that work on every level. The plot themes are timeless; seduction, greed, power, and revenge as the love and longing for one cunning and seductive woman creates conflicts between family members and business associates.

Directed by Mark Finley, the staging is simple and effective. Folding chairs are moved into place to become anything from a bar to a taxi. With a video screen backdrop and emphasis on fine acting, the mood is set for a number of locations from a carnival, to a living room and a nightclub. Every now and then, sound effects accompany the action on stage and only add to the humor; the dialing of a telephone, glugging of a drink, or a breaking glass.

The individuals in the play are deliberately exaggerated and the caricatures are just right. There's washed-up showgirl, Sabrina, played by Mary Louise Mooney; Pepe, the stringent, humorless nightclub manager played by Virginia Baeta; her snarky assistant, Paul, played by Robert Locke; and of course the sexy and scheming, Stacy Kane played by Karen Stanion who embodies the qualities of a "Lady Satan."

Choreographed by John Paolillo, the dancing in the show compliments the humorous scenes. There's a real break-out moment when Larry, played by Paul Caiola, tries to seduce Stacy with his singing and dancing and actually succeeds.

The action in Satan in High Heels is often predictable, but that does not take away from the hilarious moments that make it all happen. Bawdy is good-to-go here, and we hope that Satan in High Heels is a stage show that will go far beyond its first weekend showing.

For more information on the show, visit, www.sataninhighheels-theplay.com. Satan in High Heels will be performed at two different venues - October 30 at Dixon Place (161A Chrystie Street, between Rivington and Delancey) and Nov. 1-3 at TheaterLab NYC (357 West 36th)

Photo Credit: Nir Arieli

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