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THEATRE REVIEW:

“GREASE!” at the Symphony Hall & “MAKING PORN” at St. Cecilia’s & “THE BIBLE BELT AND OTHER ACCESSORIES” by Sushi, Centro Cultural & the National Performance Network

KPBS AIRDATE: February 14, 1996

Here’s a timely trio: a little piece of theatrical past, present and future. The recent past is last week’s visit from the national touring company of the musical, “Grease!” The present is “Making Porn,” a nude-n-nasty comedy here for two-weeks only. And the future is Paul Bonin-Rodriguez, whose weekend stint in “The Bible Belt and Other Accessories” proves that he’s someone to look for -- and to look forward to.

First, let’s dispense with “Grease,” the 1972 surprise hit that takes a satirical look at the dress, manners, mores and music of high schoolers at the beginning of the rock ‘n’ roll era. In its most recent incarnation, it’s become a parody of itself. This production is so brash, self-serving and two-dimensionally Crayola-colored, it isn’t fun or engaging. As greaser Danny Zuko, Adrian Zmed, a veteran of the original Broadway cast, still looks pretty hunky and sexy. But Debbie Gibson -- remember her?? -- is by no means tough or sassy enough for the role of Rizzo. The worst thing about this production is its astonishing lack of choreography. There are some novelty hand moves, but half the play takes place at a high school dance, for God’s sake, and there isn’t really any dancing. The best thing about this show is Sally Struthers, who’s heftier than you remember her in “All in the Family,” but she’s very very funny as the ruler-wielding Miss Lynch. All in all, if you missed it, you didn’t miss much.

Which can not be said for Paul Bonin-Rodriguez. His performance piece, “The Bible Belt and Other Accessories” is so well written, so lyrical and funny and poignant, that it takes your breath away at times, which distinctly gets in the way of your laughter. Co-sponsored here by Sushi Performance and Visual Art, the Centro Cultural de la Raza, and the National Performance Network, this amusing, thoroughly enjoyable piece is an outsider’s coming of age story, set in redneck, right-wing Cedar Springs, Texas.

It’s not just about the fictional John Roy Hobson, barely latent homosexual; it’s also about the Spanglish-spouting Dalinda Domingo and the deep-voiced, refined Miss Dove, first African American teacher in Cedar Springs High School. As Bonin-Rodriguez deftly wraps his body and voice around a score of diverse characters, Johnny learns a valuable lesson: “There are only two choices in life: Be or hide.” Amen. With his dancer’s moves, Silly Putty lips and amazing insights, Bonin-Rodriguez should have an open invitation to San Diego. Catch him the next time he’s here -- which I hope will be soon.

You only have through this weekend to get a load of “Making Porn,” written, directed and featuring Ronnie Larsen. The play takes an honest but humorous look at the seamy and steamy side of the gay porn film industry. Since last July, it has played to sellout crowds in Chicago, San Francisco, L.A. and elsewhere. An Off-Broadway run begins this spring.

To be honest, I was one of only two women in the audience. But no matter. I laughed as hard as anyone else, learned more than a little, wasn’t shocked by the nudity or strong language, but was pretty appalled at the flagrant disregard for disease prevention that permeates the porn industry. Anyway, it’s an eye-opener, especially if you’re intrigued by the underside of life -- or men. Larsen’s direction is well-paced and inventive. The acting overall is inconsistent, but I especially enjoyed Larsen’s performance as the ruthless film director, J. Bixby Elliot as his co-dependent sidekick, the manic cuteness of Steve Sanders, and the buns and bodies of the rest of the cast. Hey, you get from the theater whatever you take.

I’m Pat Launer, KPBS radio.