—  by Stan Jenson

Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, by Jane Chambers, is a landmark play in LGBTQ+ literature.  It was the first mainstream play by and about lesbians when it debuted in New York City in 1980.  After a workshop production, it moved to the Actors’ Playhouse for an 80-performance run.  Jean Smart (Designing Women) played the lead, which she reprised when the play opened at Los Angeles’s Fountain Theatre in 1982. It played there for two-and-a-half years to sold-out audiences, and has subsequently been produced around the world by numerous companies.

Coachella Valley’s terrific new LGBTQ+ theatre company, The Bent, is presenting the play for four days only, November 1 – 4, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (former the Camelot Theater).  They have assembled a dream cast of the Valley’s top actresses under the experienced hands of award-winning director Rebecca McWilliams. 

The Bent, now in their second season, has quickly established itself as one of the highest quality theatre companies in the area (full disclosure, I was in their recent production of Gross Indecency). Their productions are of such a quality that the LGBTQ+ connection is secondary – they deliver damned fine theatre! 

In the twelve years that I have lived in Palm Springs, I have seen a few plays with lesbian characters, but none with significantly lesbian themes and plotlines. The Bent is addressing an overdue need, especially considering the demographics of the local population. I have reached out to several of my lesbian friends inviting them to attend, and I urge you to do the same.  Although I don’t think The Bent would make play selections based exclusively on ticket sales, it can’t hurt to establish that the Coachella Valley strongly wants, needs, and deserves quality productions of lesbian theatre. In short, spread the word quickly!

The cast (in alphabetical order) includes Dana Adkins, Alana Fayth, Deb Harmon, Norma Marcus, Valerie McClure, Lin Phillippi, Christine Tringali Nunes and Yo Younger.  If you have attended any plays in the Coachella Valley, you will recognized some or all of these names as the cream of the crop of local actresses.  It’s an accolade to The Bent that these performers were eager to join in this project.

Last Summer at Bluefish Cove plays November 1 – 4 at Palm Springs Cultural Center.  Tickets and further information at www.TheBent.org

Photos by Wilkinson