Take Ten with Dixie Longate, the Tupperware Lady on Stage

Take Ten with Dixie Longate, the Tupperware Lady on Stage

Dixie Longate, the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, packed up her catalogues, left her children in an Alabama trailer park and took Broadway, the UK & Australia by storm!  

Emery Entertainment welcomes her back to the Playhouse @ Westport Plaza for a multi-week engagement filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, free giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage.

The show opened Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 24. Tickets are $50 for performances on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets are $60 for performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

All seats are on sale now and may be purchased through MetroTix at www.metrotix.com or by calling 314/534-1111. Additionally, tickets will be available at the Playhouse @ Westport Plaza box office one hour prior to show time. Groups of ten or more should call 314/402-2430 for special rates. Please note this show contains adult content.

The performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Loaded with the most up-to-date products available for purchase, audience members will learn how Dixie became a member of the illustrious #1 Tupperware Seller in the World Club, as she educates her guests on the many alternative uses she has discovered for her plastic products.

 “Not your grandmother’s Tupperware Party!” said NBC’s Today Show. The LA Times raved, “I was laughing too hard to breathe!” and NYTheatre.com called her show “Pure theatrical bliss!”

Audiences howl with laughter from her outrageously funny tales, homespun wisdom, audience participation and uses for Tupperware that you never thought possible.  The vivacious gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal will leave your heart a little bigger and your food a little fresher. For more information about Dixie Longate, visit www.dixiestupperwareparty.com.

Playhouse @ Westport Plaza is located at 635 Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights. For more information, please visit www.playhouseatwestport.com.

Here is our Q&A with Dixie.

1. Why did you choose your profession? “I got out of prison and my parole officer said I needed a job to get my kids back.  So it was sort of thrust upon me. I have had quite a few things thrust upon me in my day and a fair amount of them have been worth it but this was definitely the best by far.”

2. How would your friends describe you? “Kind, funny, good at holding my liquor and one heck of a Mechanical bull rider.”

3. How do you like to spend your spare time? “Either at my best friend’s honky tonk or sipping sweet tea on the back porch at dusk looking at fireflies. “

4. What is your current obsession?  “I am a huge knitter and I have started making lots of sweaters for Fall.  I am also determined to make myself a 70’s Farrah Fawcett-Inspired poncho.”

5. What would people be surprised to find out about you?  “I’m double jointed but only on even-numbers months.”

6. Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?  “Making 2,500 people in a theater in Melbourne, Australia burst into fits of laughter while it was being televised all over the country.  Also when a lady recently gave me the biggest hug I’ve ever gotten, while telling me she had laughed during my show and it had been the first time laughing since her husband had passed away eight months prior.”

7. Who do you admire most?  “Brownie Wise. She created the Tupperware party.  If it wasn’t for her, millions of women would never have realized their potential, myself included.”

8. What is at the top of on your bucket list?  “I’d love to be making people chuckle on TV. Hopefully someday. “

9. What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?” Going to the Fuzzy Taco because they always make a drink in my honor!”

10. What’s next for Dixie? ” I have so many irons in the fire.  I’m working on a funny book with a bunch of stories about my life and friends in my trailer park in Mobile, Alabama.  I’ve started to write another show that I hope to be performing at some point early next year.  And I hope by Christmas that I can do the front splits!”

More about Dixie:

Name: Dixie LongateAge: (optional) Late 20’s to mid-30’s to early 40’sBirthplace: Mobile, AlabamaCurrent location: As I’m scribbling this down, I’m in Palm Springs, CaliforniaFamily: I have three kids that I know about: Wynona, Dwayne and little Absorbine Jr.  He’s sweeter than poop.  He can’t talk or walk or open a bottle of wine, but he’s young still, so I’ll let it go this time. Education: Grade 1-4: Book Smart, The rest of the grades: Street Smart!Day job: Tupperware ladyFirst job: Legally, it was working at the Golden Corral.  I was in charge of the chocolate fountain.  It set me up for all sort things later in life. Awards/Honors/Achievements: Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance (I lost to Laurence Fishburne. Really.)  The Michigan State Theater Award (Wilde Award – Best Actress.)  Highest Fund Raiser at my church’s Christmas Strip car wash. (I Dressed as Mrs Klaus.)Favorite quote/words to live by: “Stop picking at it.  You’ll only make it worse.”

1. Why did you choose your profession? I got out of prison and my parole officer said I needed a job to get my kids back.  So it was sort of thrust upon me. I have had quite a few things thrust upon me in my day and a fair amount of them have been worth it but this was definitely the best by far. 2. How would your friends describe you? Kind, funny, good at holding my liquor and one heck of a Mechanical bull rider. 3. How do you like to spend your spare time? Either at my best friend’s honky tonk or sipping sweet tea on the back porch at dusk looking at fireflies. 4. What is your current obsession?  I am a huge knitter and I have started making lots of sweaters for Fall.  I am also determined to make myself a 70’s Farrah Fawcett-Inspired poncho. 5. What would people be surprised to find out about you?  I’m double jointed but only on even-numbers months.6. Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?  Making 2,500 people in a theater in Melbourne, Australia burst into fits of laughter while it was being televised all over the country.  Also when a lady recently gave me the biggest hug I’ve ever gotten, while telling me she had laughed during my show and it had been the first time laughing since her husband had passed away eight months prior.7. Who do you admire most?  Brownie Wise.  She created the Tupperware party.  If it wasn’t for her, millions of women would never have realized their potential, myself included. 8. What is at the top of on your bucket list?  I’d love to be making people chuckle on TV. Hopefully someday. 9. What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis? Going to the Fuzzy Taco because they always make a drink in my honor!10. What’s next for Dixie?  I have so many irons in the fire.  I’m working on a funny book with a bunch of stories about my life and friends in my trailer park in Mobile, Alabama.  I’ve started to write another show that I hope to be performing at some point early next year.  And I hope by Christmas that I can do the front splits!HERE ARE THE THINGS WE WANT TO KNOW FOR THE INFORMATION GRID:(More About — Dixie)Name: Dixie LongateAge: (optional) Late 20’s to mid-30’s to early 40’sBirthplace: Mobile, AlabamaCurrent location: As I’m scribbling this down, I’m in Palm Springs, CaliforniaFamily: I have three kids that I know about: Wynona, Dwayne and little Absorbine Jr.  He’s sweeter than poop.  He can’t talk or walk or open a bottle of wine, but he’s young still, so I’ll let it go this time. Education: Grade 1-4: Book Smart, The rest of the grades: Street Smart!Day job: Tupperware ladyFirst job: Legally, it was working at the Golden Corral.  I was in charge of the chocolate fountain.  It set me up for all sort things later in life. Awards/Honors/Achievements: Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance (I lost to Laurence Fishburne. Really.)  The Michigan State Theater Award (Wilde Award – Best Actress.)  Highest Fund Raiser at my church’s Christmas Strip car wash. (I Dressed as Mrs Klaus.)Favorite quote/words to live by: “Stop picking at it.  You’ll only make it worse.”

Singing! Dancing! Paper! Off-Broadway Sensation ‘The Office! A Musical Parody’ Coming to St. Louis

Singing! Dancing! Paper! Off-Broadway Sensation ‘The Office! A Musical Parody’ Coming to St. Louis

Dunder Mifflin is opening an office near you! Producers of the sold-out, unauthorized Off-Broadway sensation The Office! A Musical Parody and Emery Entertainment has announced the North American tour will make a stop in St. Louis at The Grandel Theatre March 4-8, 2020.

Show times are Wednesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. & 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Tickets range from $39-$69 and go on sale Wednesday, October 16 at 9 a.m., just in time for National Bosses Day! Tickets can be purchased via MetroTix.com or by calling MetroTix at 314-534-1111. Tickets will also be available at The Grandel Theatre box office one hour prior to show time.

It’s a typical morning at Scranton’s third largest paper company until, for no logical reason, a documentary crew begins filming the lives of the employees of Dunder Mifflin. Don’t miss this hilarious, unauthorized parody of your favorite TV show, now coming to a city near you. Mashable calls the show “the world’s most elaborate inside joke, created with a whole lot of love, just for fans.” Original Off-Broadway cast member, Madeline Glenn Thomas, joins the tour cast as everyone’s favorite receptionist, Pam. 

Writers Bob and Tobly McSmith are ecstatic about their third national tour. “The Office! A Musical Parody is on track to be our most successful New York production in 10 years,” says Tobly McSmith. “The Office! A Musical Parody is now one of the most successful Off-Broadway shows in history. As Michael might say, ‘It’s been a dream come thru.’” 

For more information, visit theofficemusicalparody.com/tour. In addition to the national tour,     The Office! A Musical Parody is currently running at the Jerry Orbach Theatre at 210 West 50th Street in New York City. For more information about the show, visit the website at theofficemusicalparody.com or follow the show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for exclusive behind-the-scenes content. 

The Office! A Musical Parody is produced by Right Angle Entertainment, written by Bob and Tobly McSmith and composed by Assaf Gleizner.

Bob and Tobly McSmith (Writers) are distinguished gentlemen who met while applying for jobs at the Dippin’ Dots in the mall. They did not get the job but went on to create the following masterpieces: FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, Bayside! The Saved by the Bell Musical, Full! House! The Musical (Starring Perez Hilton), Katdashians! The Musical, Showgirls! The Musical and JonBenet! Murder Mystery Theater. They are hard at work on their next musical: The Passion of the Teletubbies. 

Right Angle Entertainment (Producer) specializes in the production, marketing, management and distribution of live theatrical, digital and concert events. RAE’s proud roster includes: The Office! A Musical Parody (New York City and National Tour), FRIENDS! The Musical Parody North American Tour, Love Actually!? The Unauthorized Musical Parody (NYC), One Woman Sex and the City, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Nashville and National Tour), Heather McMahan: The Farewell Tour, Cat & Nat #MomTruths Tour, Sasha Velour’s Smoke & Mirrors Tour, Elvis and Me: An Evening with Priscilla Presley, Family Feud: Celebrity Edition Tour, and The Price is Right LIVE! among others.  Emery Entertainment, Inc.St. Louis-based Emery Entertainment, Inc. has produced and promoted thousands of events around the globe, including superstar attractions such as Blue Man Group, Bono, David Copperfield, James Taylor and Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus – LIVE!  With a proven track record for venues of various sizes – from intimate 200-seat theaters to 20,000-seat arenas – Emery Entertainment, Inc. took over the management, programming and marketing of the 240-seat Playhouse @ Westport Plaza in the Fall of 2016.  The venue is filling a niche for a variety of Broadway and Off-Broadway entertainment that would otherwise not find its way to the St. Louis area.  Emery Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to bring additional Off-Broadway programming to The Grandel.

The Grandel TheatreLocated at 3610 Grandel Square, in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District, the historic Grandel Theatre hosts a multitude of artistic endeavors, including main stage productions, visual art exhibits, educational programs, and live jazz as the home of The Dark Room. In cooperation with Grand Center Inc., the Kranzberg Arts Foundation operates and manages The Grandel Theatre, creating significant partnerships to bring exciting new theatre, dance, and concert programming to The Grandel Theatre’s stage

‘Avenue Q’ Extends Run to March 17 at Westport

‘Avenue Q’ Extends Run to March 17 at Westport

Emery Entertainment has announced that the three-time Tony Award-winning smash hit musical “Avenue Q” will extend its engagement for two more weeks at the Playhouse @ Westport Plaza. The show will now run through March 17.

Tickets range from $30-$75 and are on sale now for all performances through MetroTix at www.metrotix.com or by calling 314-534-1111.  Additionally, tickets will be available at the Playhouse @ Westport Plaza box office one hour prior to show time. Groups of 10 or more should call 314-616-4455 for special rates.

“It was always our hope to extend the run, believing this talented, colorful cast of characters would win the hearts of St. Louis audiences. The overwhelming response from critics and patrons has exceeded our wildest expectations!” said Paul Emery, president of Emery Entertainment.

St. Louis critics agree that this show is a hit! “Fierce, funny and fabulously naughty” said Connie Bollinger at St. Louis Limelight. “It delivers an evening of fun and frolic.”

“Outrageously funny!” raved Calvin Wilson of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Tina Farmer from KDHX Radio called the show “whimsical and fun from start to finish!” 

“Westport is the perfect venue – intimate and cozy – for this beloved brazen show,” said Tanya Seale from BroadwayWorld.com. Mark Bretz from the Ladue Newsexclaimed, “A blend of national and local talent brings zest, exquisite precision and rampant enthusiasm to this delightful version…Avenue Q is quite a fun place to visit!”

AVENUE Q garnered the “Triple Crown” (Best Book, Best Musical, Best Score) at the 2004 Tony Awards for its hilarious and heart-warming tale about real life in New York City as told by a cast of people and puppets. Part flesh, part felt and packed with heart, AVENUE Q is a laugh-out-loud musical telling the timeless story of a bright-eyed college grad named Princeton.

When he arrives in the city with big dreams and a tiny bank account, he has to move into a shabby apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. Still, the neighbors seem nice. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Lucy (the slut), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet entrepreneur), superintendent Gary Coleman (yes, that Gary Coleman) and other new friends! Together, they struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

AVENUE Q features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, based on an original concept by Robert Lopez.

Due to adult situations (like full-puppet nudity), AVENUE Q may be inappropriate for kids under age 13.  AVENUE Q has not been authorized or approved by the Jim Henson Company or Sesame Workshop, which have no responsibility for its content.

The Playhouse @ Westport Plaza is located at 635 Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights, Missouri and is a venue filling a niche for a variety of Broadway and Off-Broadway entertainment that would otherwise not find its way to the St. Louis area. Programming at the venue is offered at affordable ticket pricing so that anyone can have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area as well as see a great show. For additional information on upcoming events and to download high resolution photos, please visit www.playhouseatwestport.com.  

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.Fridays at 7:30 p.m.Saturdays at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.Sundays at 2 p.m.