TPAC Presents:
Dixie’s Tupperware Party (June 13 – 18; Ages 18+)
TPAC’s Johnson Theater
505 Deaderick St., Nashville
615-782-4040 • tpac.org
Remaining showtimes: Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 2 & 8 p.m., Sun 1 p.m.
Tickets: $35 – $75
Buckle up for a wild ride as the world’s most outrageous Tupperware lady delivers 90-minute of non-stop laughs during Dixie’s Tupperware Party.
First, let’s get the necessary parenting disclaimer out of the way. Hire your babysitter and leave the kids at home. Dixie’s Tupperware Party is not suitable for children. There’s a lot of adult humor, sexual innuendo (and overt content) and mature language. This outing, however, is a perfect date night with your spouse or significant other.
Dixie’s Tupperware Party is the brainchild of Kris Andersson. The quick-witted actor’s female alter ego, Dixie Longate, has quite the scandalous back story. Originally from Mobile, Ala., Dixie moved her trailer to Los Angeles as a condition of her parole. She has three kids at home — Wynona, Dwayne and Absorbine Jr. — along with three ex-husbands who’ve all “somehow died.” A year after Dixie began selling creative food storage solutions, she became one of the top sellers in the nation. As she puts it, “Me and some plastic bowls and a bunch of drunk women somehow equals lots of sales.”
A Tupperware Party Like No Other
Andersson’s side-splitting 90-minute experience was a huge success Off-Broadway in 2007. The party’s kept going every since as Dixie’s been touring the globe. Here’s the kicker. The show is an actual, for-real Tupperware party. Instead of receiving a playbill, you get the current Tupperware catalogue, order form and pen. The cabaret seating makes for an intimate and interactive environment. Front and center is a table covered with both the newest and most classic Tupperware items.
Before the party starts, Dixie meanders through the guests passing out mints from her favorite Tupperware bowl while making acquaintances. She’s both charming and genuine, and she lets you know pretty quick that this is gonna be like no other Tupperware party you’ve been to. In fact, it’s the kind of Tupperware party dreams are made of, where the sales lady gets tipsy, talks some smack and makes you feel like she’s your new best friend.
From the outset, Dixie makes sure you know she’s down to earth as she describes the “fantastic plastic crap” she’s selling. She kicks things off with her favorite ware, item 1511, the Rectangular Cake Taker. Her hyperactivity ramps up as she’s describing with much excitement how it can hold a sheet cake, 18 cupcakes or … 34 Jell0 shots!
Every Show is One-of-a-Kind
Throughout the party, Dixie ticks through several products you can actually purchase — some are available to take home from the theater; the rest will can be shipped to your front door. There is a lot of audience interaction, so every party Dixie throws is unique; no two are alike. Dixie’s sharp as a tack and fast on her feet with the audience banter.
Interwoven through all the comedy, Dixie gives you a good dose of Tupperware history, particularly the story of Brownie Wise, the gal with a lot of gumption from the 1950s who made Tupperware a household name and became the V.P. of Tupperware Home Parties.
Dixie eventually takes a smidge of a serious turn when she talks about her ex-husband Hector, who used to beat her. Her story is one of resilience, and she won’t let anyone kick her to the curb! In an authentic moment, Dixie fires up some fierce encouragement as she emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and how EVERYONE is special. At the core of Dixie’s fast-talking, tongue-in-cheek persona resides a kind, golden soul that shines brightly.
You’ll certainly enjoy the many belly laughs along the way, and like me, perhaps you’ll be anticipating the arrival of some “fantastic plastic crap” at your doorstep soon!
