author: Erin Tarpley
You’ll sing, you’ll laugh, you’ll want to buy things!
Let’s play a little thought experiment. When I say the word “Tupperware,” what is the first thought that comes to mind?
Is it “bowls”? Is it “plastic food preservation”? Or is it “Party!”?
Ok, for a lot of men, the honest answer is probably “bowls;” but for so many others who had a more traditionally feminine upbringing in the later half of the American Twentieth Century, it’s not unusual for the word “Tupperware” to go hand in hand with “Party!” But don’t go into this expecting your grandmother’s Tupperware Party, because our girl Dixie Longate is going to throw a Tupperware Party the likes of which you have never experienced before!
Filled with raunchy (but not too raunchy) humor and discussions of alcohol and other innuendo, this is not a show recommended for children. So leave them with a sitter for the night and head down to the Kennedy Center to experience the delight that is Dixie’s Tupperware Party!
Written and created by Dixie Longate’s alter ego, Kris Andersson, Dixie takes charge of all the attention in the room with her fast-talking, gum-chewing, wine-sipping, whirlwind energy as she dazzles in her red and white 50’s-esque housewife attire and ginger bouffant that would make even Peggy Bundy jealous of how fabulous it is. Opening off-Broadway in 2007, Dixie’s Tupperware Party was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance, and when you experience Dixie in all her glory, you won’t be surprised that this less than humble homemaker from Mobile, Alabama earned that nomination and went on to share her performance across five countries and has become one of the longest-running off-Broadway touring shows in American theatrical history.
A traditional gal set from Mobile, Alabama, with the accent and trailer to boot, Dixie will guide the audience through her own journey in discovering the joys and financial independence selling Tupperware has brought her. Mixed with a little history of the birth and success of Tupperware through the genius idea of one Miss Brownie Wise to take this new creation called “plastic” off the shelves and into the living-rooms of women around the country, Dixie clearly shows her reverence and awe for Miss First-Woman-on-the-Cover-of-Business-Week, Brownie Wise, as she educates the audience on how this woman not only pioneered a new sales-model that still echoes to this day, but recognized the importance of giving post-WWII women a chance to find their own economic footing in a male dominated world by focusing on community and socialization (and getting drunk at a “party” selling Tupperware) to reclaim a sense of resilience and empowerment through self-acceptance. And in the end, even by sharing her own journey of discovering Tupperware, selling it at parties, and becoming one of the top-sellers soon after, Dixie shares her ultimate lesson from holding these parties: that when we come together, we all matter to each other. In her own words, we are all “a whole.” Trust me, it is way funnier when she says it!
And no, she is not at all bitter about the lady who first started selling Tupperware on the internet for out selling her, because ultimately what Dixie sees as the ultimate benefit of what she does is bringing people together through these parties.
One genuine aspect of this performance I was not expecting when walking into the theatre, was that while this outlandishly hilarious and charming one-woman performance is a theatrical show through and through, it is absolutely 100% a real legit Tupperware Party! No kidding. It’s not just the name of the show! There are real Tupperware catalogs and order forms provided to the audience, and not only will Dixie’s performance sell you on these wondrous pieces of plastic “crap,” complete with demonstrations from a very brave volunteer from the audience, there’s even a table outside the theatre for more opportunities to ask about products and fill out your order forms after the show! And while there is absolutely zero pressure to buy anything, Dixie is so charming and knowledgeable about these wares and their “outside the box” possibilities, don’t be surprised if you find yourself really considering sending in that order form for a few new pieces to add to your kitchen.
But this performance is not just about bringing piece after piece in front of the audience. Dixie also incorporates a few other tried-and-true Party aspects to the show (with her own delightful spin of course). Mixed with audience participation throughout, Dixie deviates from her own sales pitches to allow for audience members to ask questions or share their own “Tupper-monials.” Completely unscripted and left to the devices of whatever direction the audience takes us, Dixie will help steer this plastic ship through unscripted waters and have you howling with laughter throughout.
But what about games? If you’ve ever been to a Tupperware Party, isn’t there always a game? Well, not to fear, because Dixie will host that too! Again asking for help from some very brave volunteers, Dixie will direct them on the rules of the game and say “Go!” while the volunteers scramble to try and comprehend the rules just spoken a moment ago at lightning speed in a race to win!
For those seeking a side-splitting evening of outrageous humor, heartwarming stories, and a newfound appreciation of that red-and-white plastic marinating container your grandmother passed down to you (which I may or may not be speaking from personal experience), Dixie’s Tupperware Party is a must-see! Performing now through June 2nd, don’t wait to reserve your seat. Summer is just around the corner, and our girl Dixie is ready to help you prepare for the picnics and Church Socials to come; or at least point you in the right direction for the best wine sippy cup put on this beautiful green Earth of ours.
Running Time: Approximately 95 minutes without intermission.
Dixie’s Tupperware Party plays through June 2nd in the Family Theatre at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC. For tickets call the box office at (202) 467-4600 or purchase them online.
