eLLe: New town, new characters, new show

Since Summer 2010, eLLe has been continuing in the tradition of  “The L Word” with plays reflecting the show’s lovable characters, crazy plot and focus on lesbian, bi and transgender people.

In the words of our Jenny, “it has been a pleasure and a fucking nightmare.” But mostly a pleasure.

We have spent months scrambling in writers meetings, pulling together actors, rehearsing and finding new ways to get the word out about eLLe. We have done two plays and about 10 performances. We have thrown paint at each other at the epic Paint Party (organized by Kat Bishop to whom we are eternally grateful), hosted a game night (planned by the writing team and hosted by Jennette Maddock), given away tickets, put on staged readings and sent our audiences to after parties at local bars and to a T&A show (love that funny duo).

We want so much for this project to be a part of the community, so what better way to put that goal in action than to create Kalamazoo-based characters.

Rachel Reece, or Detective Reece as our audience has come to know her (played by Stephanie Stroud) has been fired for trying to hook up in her L.A. office. She decides to head back home to Kalamazoo. When she gets there, she finds her best friend, Mia (Laura Henderson), is not the same girl she left, her ex, Lynzie Peters, (Carly Fricano) has moved on, and the new lez in town, Jax, (Jacqueline Hopper) is taking over her territory one girl at a time. Meanwhile, her friend, Lane, (Sarah MacLean) is having trouble finding love and tangled in a romance with a married woman. Her sister, Carrie, (Katie Houston) is concerned Lane’s picky criteria will leave her loveless forever.

Prepare for comedy and drama as we tackle life in Kalamazoo March 25 and 27. Also, look for a special performance from singer Jess Lynn Michaels (Abbie Maikowski). Friday night will be shared with Pulse and feature poetry before the show, so come on time. It will be packed!

It all starts at 8 p.m., $7 or $15 for VIP (includes access to open bar). Look for updates and further details on facebook. Search “elleKalamazoo.”

 

Downtown date: Get to cookin’ at The Strutt

The last time I heard Megan Dooley was at The Globe for Meagan McNeal’s full band performance in early summer. Since then, Dooley has been belting out homegrown songs and strumming soul-stirring tunes all across Kalamazoo. Shame on me for missing any of it.

Well, I have a second chance at experiencing the glory. Megan Dooley will be performing at The Strutt this Sunday. What’s better? There will be warm chilli to accompany those Southern (but Kalamazoo-born) blues. The Chilli Cookoff will kickoff at 2 p.m. So, speed from your temple or bed — which some people do consider their sanctuary — and head over to the former Dino’s (or Ravenwood if you have been around longer).

Also performing is the Kalamazoo fav who can’t seem to book enough gigs Who Hit John? I haven’t seen these guys perform yet, but apparently the rest of the city has and they keep wanting more.Well, if you are like me, this will be the first and only show you can see in Kalamazoo. Who Hit John? is moving on and this will be their last performance here. Who did hit John? Well, maybe they will tell us at the cookoff.

Alex Mays, who delves in Southern roots, will transform the stage as well.

The real star will be the good food. A prize of $100 will be awarded to the top cook. Think your can bring the spice? You can find a contest entry form at thestrutt.com

The website does not mention patron prices, but my guess is that it’s free to get in, but will cost to taste the chilli. Obviously, drinks also will be available for purchase as this is a cafe/bar.

Some of the cast of eLLe will be in the building (whoop whoop!) so come join us!

 

‘eLLe’ is back

Not the magazine, the play.

Yes, episode two is coming Dec. 10-12 to Fire, 1249 Portage Road, Kalamazoo.

Performance dates:

Friday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for general admission and $15 for VIP, which includes access to open bar and requires a valid ID showing you are of age.

Tickets can be purchased online at wix.com/ellekalamazoo/watch. Please arrive 15 minutes before showtime if you purchase your ticket online. You also may purchase tickets at the door from 7:30 until 8 p.m. the night of each show!

Episode 1 recap (spoiler alert if you haven’t seen 1)

Episode 1 kept the momentum of “The L Word” season finale.

Detective Rachel Reece, the lead investigator on the case of Jenny’s death, warned everyone not to leave town. This left Bette and Tina LA-bound and forced them to put there plans for New York on hold.

Jaime shows up to the police station, claiming she wanted to support the community in reaction to the untimely death of Jenny. But Alice felt Jaime was after her beau, Tasha, and physically attacked Jaime, prompting Tasha to say she wanted a break from Jaime and Alice.

Bette, Tina, Helena and Kit discussed Jenny’s death, but Bette’s not-so-sad-to-see-her-gone attitude had Kit questioning whether Bette had anything to do with the supposed murder.

Shane got down (well, almost) with Detective Reece, but their hot moment was haulted by a phone call that Max might be having his baby. Meanwhile, Tasha meets Jaime for dinner, and when Alice spots the two dining as she is driving by, she slams into a parked car.

Max suffers a bad fall on his way into the hospital, forcing the doctors to expidite his delivery and leaving them unsure of the fate of Max and the baby. Upon hearing this news, Shane is horrified, but a call from Tasha that Alice is on her way to the same hospital and isn’t breathing sends Shane over the edge.

A final heart monitor singing one monotone note leaves us wondering who died, how did Jenny die and who — if anyone — is responsible?

Episode 2 answers all of these questions!