Celebrating and examining contemporary gay life, with breaks for songs, laughs, raffle prizes and surprises, Q-Talk’s an adult zestfest. Audacious, political, dishy, unpredictable, it’s had growing pains to find its identity, flow and style. It’s starting to click. Like TV’s The View, quippy, snippy regular panelists and guests can get bogged down or fired up. It’s risky and risqué. Audience opinions/questions are encouraged. There’s now an easier balance of give-and-take, giving opinions and taking no prisoners.

“Religious Acceptance” night improved on past blithe, blather-filled epi-sodes. Articulate guests shared moving, dramatic personal stories, engaging (and occasionally enraging) listeners. Debates can be heated: so can the entertainment and tales. A barely-clad dancer performed under disco lights and the spotlight was on a gay priest (not the same person!), as revealing in his own way (talking the Q-Talk).

Cabaret performers draw appreciative response: volcanic Terese Genecco exhibited fearlessness, daringly vulnerable with “If I Was a Boy.” She was just as willing to “reveal” when joining the discussion (topic: Monogamy Or…). Wailing Lucy Shropshire, swirling in melisma and supremely focused on “Listen to My Heart,” dynamically balanced style and substance.

Variety is the spice of life: Q-Talk is pretty spicey and pretty lively.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
May 29, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org