THEATER PICK OF THE WEEK

7/24-30 1992
Ellen Krout-Hasegawa

For anyone who grew up having to suffer through Bert Parks singing "Here she comes, Miss America ..." this broad and vicious satire will make you realize it wasn't all for naught. How else would you be able to appreciate a cross-eyed Miss Pennsylvania (Kate Flannery) who swings her arms like a rag doll every time she turns, or a bow-legged, slack-jawed Miss Tennessee (Melanie Hutsull) who threatens violence every time anyone mentions that her name - Priscilla Jo Wendy - is made up of three first names? It's just the tip of the iceberg, and I'd rather not give anything away. Suffice it to say the cast, with directors Faith and Jill Soloway, have created that rare example of feminist - let alone political - theater that challenges its audience with a refreshing irreverence and whimsy, that doesn't apologize for its politics or give you the feeling you've just been preached at.

Coast Playhouse, 8325 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., 12:30 a.m. (late shows); Sun., 9 p.m.; Mon., 8 p.m.; thru July 27. (213) 660-TKTS.