A revival of the popular 1980s all-girl revue "A...My Name is Alice" opens Friday, April 3, night at Attractions Hair Salon in Slidell. Although not the most likely location for a theatrical endeavor, "Alice" will be the third production in the Slidell venue, which recently housed productions of "The Mystery of Irma Vep" and Bud Faust's "Beautiful Bastards."
One could call it The Beehive Theatre, or perhaps you make an appointment for a "cut and culture."
Attractions Salon owner and co-producer Brian Fontenot sees the repurposing of his business as a natural fit. He said the salon can be flipped into a theater in about 15 minutes.
"Everything moves," he said. "We have these portable walls that fold in and out."
Fontenot and co-producers Julie Faust and Dana Fatic plan to use the space for other shows. The intimate salon/theater seats 60. In addition to cabaret-style tables for the front row, Fontenot said he plans to repurpose the adjustable styling chairs further back in the space, "raising them up so they have a nice view of the stage." It could be called "green" theater; Fontenot is using his salon during its normal downtime, providing extra income and alternative theater space for Slidell.
"We should call this show 'Five Gals Named Moe,'¤" said star Becky Allen, parodying the all-guy musical revue title.
"A...My Name is Alice" also stars a roster of local, and national, actresses: Slidell leading lady Fatic, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts faculty member Tara Brewer, "Rent" and "All Shook Up" belter Leslie Limberg and Francine Finley, who hails from just outside New York City.
Finley, a soulful singer, was recruited by director Jonne Dendinger. The two worked together on the national tour of "Smokey Joe's Cafe," in which Finley played the role originally created by New Orleanian Lady B.J. Crosby. She said she is happy to be working away from the cold northeast. "I'm working on my tan!" she said.
The musical revue features songs and sketches by almost 30 writers, including David Zippel, "Friends" creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman, Amanda McBroom and "Wicked" librettist Winnie Holzman.
Friday's opening night is a benefit performance for Le Petit Theatre. Dendinger said Bryan Batt will make the curtain speech. The show will feature a four-piece band led by Dendinger.
"This production tops every production of 'Alice' I've done before," Dendinger said. "We have five talented actress-comediennes with great voices. And since it's in a hair salon, we get to have our hair done before hand!"
The all-girl musical revue runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through April 26. No show April 12. Attractions Hair Salon is at 747 Robert Blvd. in Slidell. Tickets are $25 and include a complimentary drink with admission. Online at Cutting Edge Productions. www.cuttingedgeproductions.org
Paul Broussard is a contributing writer to The Times-Picayune.