Lily Gast is Debbie in Theatre Three’s Debbie Does Dallas
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
Dallas theater fans may have noticed that Theatre Three is bringing sexy back — at least onstage.
Last fall’s Venus in Fur was a dominatrix drama, and Intimate Apparel gives off similar vibes (although that is a legit drama). But it doesn’t get much steamier than an adult film classic getting the stage treatment in T3’s basement space, Theatre Too.
Debbie Does Dallas opens Jan. 23 and runs through Feb. 23. The show is directed by Theatre Three’s James Chandler.
“I think that a lot of people can be quick to judge a show like Debbie Does Dallas and assume that it is a campy, raunchy, sex-filled parody show — which it is,” Chandler said in the show’s press release. “At its core, however, this is a story about a small-town girl trying to achieve her dreams with the help of her friends.
“In the world we find ourselves in right now, I think everyone deserves a chance to let their hair down, turn their brain off, have fun and escape for a little while into the silly world of Debbie,” he added.
The story centers on a young cheerleader from middle America making her way to audition for the big football cheerleading team in Dallas. The only thing — Debbie is short on funds.
Oh no! What’s a girl to do?
Chandler and his cast and crew approach the ’70s sensibilities with modern eyes. The show is crafted with enough camp that nothing feels icky. In short, audiences are not seeing the adult film live and in person.
“One of the things we talked about was our approach. I wanted it to come from a 2025 perspective, so that in no way does it feel like these characters are ever being exploited,” the director said. “We make it clear that these women are figuring out how to make money by taking advantage of very stupid men. This isn’t some sexual walkabout, but rather, a means to an end and how they use their smarts to make it work.”
Bawdy fun is nice, but a big priority for Chandler was everyone’s comfort and safety. Efforts to ensure both began with a survey of the cast for their comfort levels. Then both the show’s intimacy director, Claire Fountain, and stage manager, Grace Hellyer, made the appropriate adjustments when needed, according to Chandler.
“We were having fun with the material, but we were always checking in to be sure everyone was in a good space,” he said.
The play may be set in Dallas, but the director’s observation is its own twist. The play certainly highlights the city, but Chandler says that it’s clear this show was written by someone not from Dallas. He also didn’t want to divulge much to keep from giving away any spoilers. There are Easter eggs in the play, but he’s leaving it up to the audience to find those.
For the record, the show was conceived by Susan L. Schwartz and adapted by Erica Schmidt. Debbie Does Dallas first opened in 2001 at the New York Fringe Festival before moving to Off-Broadway in 2002 at the Jane Street Theatre.
The show doesn’t lean queer in any particular way, but Chandler said that there is a fluidity that certainly exists in this 1978 world and that actors crafted their characters how they saw fit.
But ultimately …?
Ultimately, Chandler said, “This is a celebration of sexuality.
“I think sometimes we’ve gotten afraid to be a little naughty. Come turn your brain off, have a little fun and laugh at this adventure we created. This is that moment to talk about all the taboo subjects without any worries.
“You may clutch your pearls at the material, but you’ll also have fun.”
For tickets, visit Theatre3Dallas.com.