Momma gets it right. And so does Laura Turnbull as Texan Trisha Lee, whose teen-aged daughter has just declared that henceforth her school clothes will be all black: boots, socks, underwear, shirt, jeans, hat, just everything. And the reason? Simple, really, she's now gender neutral.
Laura Turnbull. Photo credit Kay Renz.
And so begins Primal Forces', “The Pink Unicorn,” Elise Forier Edie's comedy drama about LGQBT acceptance in a small Texas town. In short, there ain't none.
This is a two act monologue with Turnbull playing not only Texas conservative momma Trisha but also her own mother, the local pastor, the school principal, her own brother and enough other characters to stuff a phone book. A mighty impressive performance.
“Unicorn” is a funny piece. And it's scarily tragic. Stereotypical, perhaps, with its Bible soaked pastor and its "I am the king" school superintendent. The pearls, teeth, frock and manner laden Southern Mother, the once loved alcoholic brother. A constant, today and tomorrow.
Trisha faces an ugly congregation demonstration, the school prohibiting the daughter's all inclusive gay/straight alliance, the rebelliousness of the androgynous school photos. Trisha's fears, I'm a widow, I'm washing hospital floors, the neighbors are shunning me, I'm all alone. I don't need this, maybe I'm gonna whip this stuff right out of her,
Laura Turnbull. Photo credit Kay Renz.
Then the u-turn, the understanding of the LGQBT, the meetings, the revelations, the fighting back, the lawyers, the ACLU. Euphoria. Gender neutral but still her daughter.
Smooth direction by Genie Croft and Turnbull's talent bring life to the outdoors/living room set, providing a feel good piece, a little political, a little religious, and a whole lot revealing about a mother's love for her child. Sound familiar today? Any day?
Delicate lighting by Nate Sykes with sound by David Hart and costumes by Alberto Arroyo.
Set by Bombshell Productions.
“The Pink Unicorn” is at Empire Stage through July 8. 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Ft. Lauderdale. Tix at 866-811-4111 http://primalforces.com
