THRILL OF THE HUNT
“It’s kind of a risky play. Every once in a while, we like to do something that’s a little on the saucy side.”
That’s what Geffen Playhouse Director Gil Cates had to say about the opening night performance of “He Hunts.” Cates seemed a tad concerned about how the new translation of Georges Feydeau’s French farce would go over, but there was no reason to worry.
The wicked, comic romp about a tale of mistaken identities and marital infidelity was a delight. I certainly thought so, and from what I could gather, locals like Stacy Keach and theater-lovers like Jackie Bisset seemed to share my opinion.
When you have a well-written, well-acted play peppered with risqu innuendo, it’s hard to go wrong, especially when you’re talking about everyone’s favorite subject-sex, sex and more sex.
The period performance stars Valerie Pettiford as Leontine Duchotel and Stephen Nichols as Moricet. Cathy Lind Hayes is spot-on as the extremely uptight French maid Babet and Daniel Kucan is exceptionally entertaining as the all-too-eager but not-too-smart Gontreins. For my money, Carol Kane stole the show as the boozy, bawdy Madame Latour who snapped out one-liners worthy of Oscar Wilde.
“Society will excuse bad behavior,” she declares, “but it will never, never forgive bad taste.”
A post-performance party followed at the Gardens, where cast members mixed with Geffen-goers over a not particularly French supper of pizza, pasta and salad.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
While we’re on the subject of sex, Pamela Anderson and fianc Kid Rock seem to think of the perfect way to ensure that your next party is going to be a real crowd-pleaser. The two lovebirds apparently threw themselves quite an engagement shindig the other day. It’s said 100 of their closest pals turned up for the Malibu bash with specialty items in hand.
All were asked to bring an adult toy as an offering. Their bedroom booty apparently included leather bras, silver cuffs, silk sheets and edible underwear. Well, no doubt about it, that’s certainly one way to break the ice!
BARBRA’S BIG DAY
One never knows, but it’s a pretty good bet that the celebration was a bit more low-key at the Streisand household as Barbra and hubby James Brolin marked the singer’s 60th year. Ms. B. hit the mega-milestone on April 24. To fete the occasion, she presided over a beachside bash at the home of Mo and Evelyn Ostin. Another get-together took place in Beverly Hills earlier in the week with John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Warren Betty and Kenny G all wishing Babs a happy b-day!