A Magnetic Mae West in Dirty Blonde
Emily Skinner as Mae West in Dirty Blonde.
Though it's focused on one of Hollywood's first sex symbols, Claudia Shear's play with music about the life of Mae West, now being staged by Signature Theatre, is more interested in the woman as a feminist icon, a figure who can teach others to be bolder, to take less bullshit. She's a symbol that works for the piece's two main characters - Charlie, a withdrawn movie librarian (Hugh Nees) and Jo, a struggling actress (Emily Skinner, who also plays West herself).
Charlie and Jo's tale is a hesitant, tiptoeing love story, a complete contrast to the whirlwind affairs West herself engages in, and of which we get glimpses into. The structure of the play has a vaudevillian feel, and the two competing story lines weave in and out seamlessly, such as when Jo prepares for a costume party to go as Mae, just as West herself is finalizing her signature, iconic platinum look.
Skinner's got the infamous voice down and the charisma to embody West, awarding her a "Vavoom!" voluptuousness that never wanders into Betty Boop territory. She's most remarkable, though, when playing the actress in her old, fading years - she's a pitiable figure, sadly grasping at her fame of years ago. It's a depressing but riveting spectacle. Skinner's just as at home in the shoes of Jo, and it's hard not to root for her union with Nees' bumbling, wistful Charlie. J. Fred Shiffman provides graceful comic relief in a variety of roles, most memorably as West's fabulous right-hand man.
Dirty Blonde doesn't have too much to get absorbed by on the musical front - the titular number is catchy enough, but routines mostly sample from West's film career, such as the lilting, "I'm No Angel". But it really is remarkable to reflect how groundbreaking West's life really was, particularly in her affection (though some might argue, exploitation) for the gay community, as well as her ability to run her own career. Turns out West has a lot more to say to us than some quotable double entendres.
Dirty Blonde runs through Oct. 4 in Signature's Ark theater space. Tickets are available online.