Anya Kai, reporting
The Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island (MCT) serves as a crucial incubator for challenging and innovative theatrical works, holding its residency at the BACCA Arts Center in Lindenhurst, NY. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the company is dedicated to staging productions “seldom seen on Long Island” and is a strong proponent of non-traditional casting, welcoming actors of all identities and ethnicities. This commitment to relevant, boundary-pushing theatre is perfectly embodied in their selection of the contemporary comedy, Five Lesbians Eating Quiche.
TICKETS available at https://modernclassicsli.booktix.com/dept/main/e/FLEQ
The Production: The Nuclear Quiche Crisis 💣
Scheduled to run from November 8 to November 23, 2025, MCT’s production of Five Lesbians Eating Quiche is a theatrical gem. Written by Evan Linder & Andrew Hobgood and directed by Julie Lorson, this 2012 New York International Fringe Festival Winner is an immersive and absurd satire.
A Soirée of Subversion
The play takes the audience back to 1956, where they become part of the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein, gathering for their annual quiche breakfast. The society’s rules—“No men, no meat, all manners”—set the stage for a period of extreme social repression, where the women’s true identities are meticulously contained.
The comedy erupts when a nuclear war breaks out, trapping the women in their meeting hall. This apocalyptic scenario forces the “war widows” to shed their carefully maintained decorum. Amidst the chaos, the women begin to share shocking revelations and joyous confessions, embracing their identities and sisterhood. The play’s core message is one of liberation: using absurdity to champion queer representation and the need for self-acceptance in the face of annihilation.
Spotlight on Valerie Stazzone: Actress and Filmmaker
Valerie Stazzone is a compelling voice in the ensemble of Five Lesbians Eating Quiche, where she is sharing the role of Dale Prist. Her artistic focus is uniquely driven by a commitment to relevant storytelling, bridging the worlds of stage and screen.
The Role: Dale Prist (The Conscience)
Stazzone is cast as Dale Prist, typically the Historian and Photographer of the Society. Dale is often portrayed as a dramatic, yet reliable figure whose emotional journey is pivotal to the play’s climax.
Stazzone’s motivation for joining the production goes beyond comedy, highlighting its social relevance:
“I think that’s it’s important to be a part of such a relevant topic. There’s not enough stories about women and gay rights.”
This focus aligns perfectly with MCT’s mission to stage works that offer fresh, impactful perspectives.
Creative Process and Theatrical Obstacles
Stazzone’s approach to her role emphasizes depth and internal logic:
- Background Work: She prioritizes “doing background work for the character and finding things that aren’t on the page,” seeking to ground her performance in a rich, untold internal life.
- Empathy and Self: She strives to “put myself in my characters shoes while also bringing myself in the role,” ensuring a performance that is both authentic to Dale and personally felt.
In terms of obstacles, Stazzone points to the challenges inherent in the play’s setting: “The time period and understanding the social aspects of the 1950s.” She also notes the structural demands of Dale’s journey: “Dale’s part starts slow and then builds towards the end, so it’s about finding the right moments to shine while also standing out in the background.” This speaks to the actor’s focus on the subtle, evolving dynamics of an ensemble performance.
Next Steps: From Stage to Screenwriting
Valerie Stazzone is an artist actively producing her own content. Beyond her stage work, which recently included an appearance in The Forgotten Child at The Producers Club, she has a burgeoning career in film:
- Filmmaking: She just wrapped filming a pilot that she wrote and is currently handling post-production. Her next immediate goal is submitting this pilot to film festivals.
- Auditions: She remains committed to the local community, stating she will “keep auditioning and hope I can continue to be a part of local projects.”
Her involvement in both local theatre and independent filmmaking demonstrates a dedication to creating and telling relevant stories, marking Valerie Stazzone as a versatile and purpose-driven artist within the Long Island creative scene.
ARTIUM: OMNI 