Like most men, I’ve never been to a Tupperware Party. After seeing Dixie’s Tupperware Party, nothing will ever change in that regard. That’s not to say, though, that I didn’t enjoy Kris Andersson’s send-up of that venerable American institution (which just celebrated its 65th anniversary).
Andersson, a triple-threat talent (writer, performer, drag queen), channels Dixie Longate, an Alabama-born, hard-drinking, potty-mouthed Tupperware Lady who has been throwing sales parties for twelve years now to support her dysfunctional family (deadbeat husband, three bratty kids). Now, as we soon learn, she’s left Mobile’s trailer parks for the decadent City of Angels, where she intends to sell enough plastic food containers and kitchen gizmos to become saleswoman of the year.
Dixie, decked out in a red wig and garish dress, works the crowd with all her might, cracking wise, slurping wine, calling on Baby Jesus for help, promoting her swag like the carnie pitchman she is. She also involves the audience in her manic, hilarious act, dragging them on stage to take part in raffles and demonstrations, insulting them in outrageous, Don Rickles-like fashion.
Andersson has been playing Dixie Longate for the past seven years, which accounts for his masterful, well-honed, superbly confident performance. Normally two hours of camp humor would be a turn-off for me, but thanks to Dixie’s wicked, wicked ways I made it through this two-hour Tupperware party to the end.
