As you might expect, Pluto’s Playthings is raunchy and titillating, filled with vampy, campy burlesque numbers and peek-a-boo nudity. But more than that, it’s a show that touches on what touches us, inside and out. It’s as much about love as it is about lust.
As the evening’s host Max, Stewart Legere brings a wonderful mix of toughness and vulnerability, as well as incomparable musical talent. His ethereal duet with the gorgeous, rich-voiced Josephine (Naomi-Joy Blackhall-Butler) is haunting.
Mike MacLeod plays Gunther, Max’s former lover who has spurned him for the loose and lovely Tatiana (Annie Valentina). MacLeod is fascinating to watch and listen to in both his male and female personas. And despite her character’s trampy reputation, Valentina tempers Tatiana’s sexuality with an adorable innocence.
Pluto’s Playhouse offers a unique theatrical experience, one that is both naughty and nice.
Tuesday February 14th to Sunday February 19th
8PM nightly
Plutonium Playhouse, 2315 Hunter Street
$25/$20
Tickets: plutosplaythings.eventbrite.com
Or call 423 4653
This article appears in Feb 16-22, 2012.