Remember the Mammaries at The Little Red Studio
It's not often you get a press release which utilizes the phrase "flesh avenue," as a sad reflection of the state of the union if you ask us. My Time with the Lady, the newest play at The Little Red Studio, promised a tell-all evening of behind-the-scenes tales told by a one-time bouncer at Seattle's most famous peep show, The Lusty Lady. Our love for The Lusty is long and true, matched in intensity only by our sorrow at the loss of the last vestige of Seattle's seedy past and home of the greatest collection of dirty puns in known human history. So lets's just say we were pretty pumped to hear all its naughty little secrets.
The play is a one-man show written and performed by the previously mentioned bouncer, Ron Richardson. It also features Kirsten Lauzon, who spent the entirety of the play back lit behind a wide screen slithering her shadow like nobody's business. Lauzon lets her body do the talking, whereas Richardson uses a series of confessional style stories in outlining his eight years spent at the self described "Temple of Poon." And they're pretty juicy little tales.
Act One is a background on Richardson's life, a quick snapshot of an eighteen year old from Walla Walla whose five-item bucketlist included working at a strip club. We learn about this club, the owners and operations that drive the place; but where things get really interesting is when Richardson talks about the girls. Funny and realistic, he brings the ladies to life in a hilarious and heartfelt way that allows them to be at once sexual volcanoes and human beings. Big ups to that; it's no easy feat and was appreciated.
For a play about sex work, it seemed surprisingly family friendly. Then comes Act Two. Things get pretty sexy in the second half, and since we're huge enemies of spoilers, we won't give anything away, but will note that the word 'adorable' has never had such punch.
The Little Red Studio is charming. They have delicious and affordable steaks, the drinks were strong and the seats were comfortable. The play was funny and touching, and the audience (including some former dancers) loved it. Leave your moms at home, grab a friend who likes a dirty yarn and check it out.
Sat 8/28, Sun 8/29 // The Little Red Studio 400 Dexter Avenue N. // Tickets $15
