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An inauguration night performance of 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche by Evan Holder and Andrew Hobgood will be staged by The Motley Fools at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Fresno this coming Friday evening.

The play takes place at the 1956 Quiche Breakfast of the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein. As such, the production will mimic that experience for the audience. Rather than staging the play in a theater, The Motley Fools have opted to use an old-fashioned social hall as the venue, and to serve an actual quiche breakfast to all guests in attendance.

“The Fools really enjoy doing immersive productions,” says Kristin Crase, who plays Veronica, a no-nonsense Facilities and Grounds Chairwoman, in the play. “The last time we did something like this, audiences watched Blood Relations at the Old Hotel Bistro in Clovis and got to feel as if they were a fly on the wall in the home of Lizzie Borden’s family. This time, the script lends itself to taking the immersion factor even further. The audience members become fellow Sisters and Widows in our club. They even get assigned a name when they walk through the door.”

The plot centers on a communist threat and bomb scare during the club’s breakfast meeting. Though mostly written for laughs (“big, consistent laughs,” cast member Nicole Spate specifies), the story does point out the frenzied hysteria many Americans are prone to exhibit during dire situations.

“It explores the unexpected undercurrents percolating just below the surface, even during ‘The Good Ol’ Days,’” says Brooke Aiello, who plays Wren- a very excitable Event Coordinator. “It’s also an irreverent celebration of sisterhood and perseverance.”

Jennifer Appleby, who plays an eager-to-please British transplant named Ginny, says the title alone reveals who will appreciate the show and who will not. “The title is a good summary of the plot itself,” she says. “If you’re the sort of person who finds it off-putting, then you know it’s not for you before you ever waste your time or money. If you’re the sort of person who thinks the name of the play is silly and maybe even a little charming, I know you will find the show hilarious. ”

Respect the Egg

The cast is rounded out by Haley White, who plays Lulie, the stern President of the group. “I think anyone who is feeling down about the inauguration should come out and share some laughs and fellowship with us. It’s a positive way to handle negative feelings,” she says. “Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine, even if it’s just a temporary respite.”

Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche plays at the social hall of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church campus at 2101 N. Fruit Ave, Fresno CA 93705. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the event. The show is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance (available at fivelesbiansfresno.bpt.me) and $15 at the door.