To Bean or Not to Bean, the current and last episode of the long-running staged sit-com, Java Tacoma, is at the Merlino Arts Center, in Tacoma. Produced by Dukesbay Productions, and written by Aya Hashiguchi Clark, it is loosely, as in very loosely, based on Hamlet, and in my opinion, more closely resembles a send-up of a melodramatic soap-opera. Also, in my opinion, it is rib-ticklingly funny and kept me and the audience laughing for a full 90 minutes!!!.
It all takes place at Tacoma’s Perky café, where three best friends meet every day for coffee served by Linda, the proprietress of Perky’s. Her pals Kate, played by Laurie Sifford and Jeri, played by Susan Kaeka run a costume store in the same building-named the Lear building-an obvious clue. Susan Kaeka also has a to die for brief appearance as a presunably Viet-Namese manicurist, with a gripe.
Working as a barista, Darren is a loveable overly expressive drag queen, played with panache by Jeffery Weaver, whose family history is complicated, as he is the son of the previous owner, an unscrupulous real estate mogul, who covets the building and threatens everybody’s businesses.
As the play opens, Linda, played by Aya Hashiguchi Clark, has just been widowed by her loveable ex-military husband, and is planning his wake. Their daughter has just returned to Tacoma, while the son-in-law, a recent M.F.A in acting recipient, is looking for a day job.
Unfortunately, all is not well in the Kingdom of Perky, as the machinations of the rich and powerful threaten everybody, and the play draws on elements of Hamlet to resolve the situation.
It is a hilarious 90 minutes full of topical references, great music, funny dialogue and spot-on sound effects. Director Randy Clark added just the right touch of camp to keep the audience rolling in the aisles. Personally, as I did not see every episode, I hope that Dukesbay has recorded everything and will broadcast them or better yet, have the series produced in Hollywood-it is that good!!!!!
Java Tacoma, To Bean or Not to Bean,The Dukesbay Theater, Merlino Arts Center
508 Sixth Ave. #10 Tacoma, WA 98402 Fri, Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 2:00pm
For tickets: http://JavaTacoma8.eventbrite.com
For more information: or 253-350-7680