A Passion for Panties
Steve Martin's adaptation of a 1910 German satire mostly just punches up the bodily-function jokes
If you're looking for cuisine with some substance, however, this Cookin' may not fill the bill. Caffey's script never finds much drama or consequence in his subject's story. It's shown in linear form, which after a while feels something similar to being cornered at a party by a drunk who insists on telling you the story of his life. Caffey may be enthralled by Hunter's tale, but most of it isn't particularly striking or unusual. She tries to get work at a club. She tries again. She tries to get work at another club. Then she gets work. Hurray! Time for a song. The plot does touch on several dramatic aspects of her life -- sexual abuse, her sudden realization of her homosexuality, and her mother's death. All are compelling, but focused on for about 30 seconds. Had Caffey really explored his subject's long, complex relationship with her mother -- who always found excuses to avoid seeing her daughter perform -- and her decision to switch to nursing once her mother died, this show might really be about something.
The Underpants
Written by Carl Sternheim; adapted by Steve Martin. Directed by David Arisco. With John Felix, Peter Haig, Lisa Morgan, Michael H. Small, Paul Tei, Claire Tyler, and Carl Waisanen. Presented through June 13 by the Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305-444-9293 or www.actorsplayhouse.org
Cookin’ at the Cookery
Written, directed, and choreographed by Marion J. Caffey. With Ernestine Jackson and Janice Lorraine. Presented through June 13 by the Coconut Grove Playhouse, 3500 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove; 305-442-4000 or www.cgplayhouse.org
