A Whimsical Wipeout with Blue Moon Theater’s “Psycho Beach Party”

by April Johnson

The weekend of June 6th, 2025, I had the opportunity to return to the quaint yet powerful Blue Moon Theater. I have to say that I was honored and excited to view another production from this impressive theater company.  Although the venue is small in stature, it is packed with power to present popular as well lesser known productions.  Arriving at the front door, I was welcomed by the surfside motif including a beach chair, ball, along with other items of beach accessories along with music infusing the venue’s atmosphere–immediately transporting me to the nostalgic and freewheeling era of 1962 wishing for days of rest and relaxation. In view of the venue along with the production’s title, I was certain that my expectation was going to be met; including an entertaining tidal wave! 

Licensed through Concord Theatricals, Psycho Beach Party is described as “Gidget”, Frankie and Annette beach party epics, and Hitchcock psychological suspense thrillers such as “Spellbound” and “Marnie” that have been given a shotgun marriage. Chicklet Forrest, a teenage tomboy, desperately wants to be part of the surf crowd on Malibu Beach in 1962. One thing getting in her way is her unfortunate tendency towards split personalities. Among them is a black check out girl, an elderly radio talk show hostess, a male model named Steve and the accounting firm of Edelman and Edelman. Her most dangerous alter ego is a sexually voracious vixen named Ann Bowman who has nothing less than world domination on her mind. Psycho Beach Party premiered on July 20, 1987 at The Players Theatre, New York City. It was directed by Kenneth Elliott and presented by Theater-in-Limbo, Kenneth Elliott, and Gerald A. Davis. The play was previously presented at the Limbo Lounge (Concord Theatricals).

Florence, affectionately called “Chicklet,” humorously introduces herself as being unattractive since she hadn’t gained the attention of the opposite sex and yearns to escape her tumultuous home life.   As a result, she pivots, sets her sights on surfing and seeks out the notorious Kanaka for his surfer expertise, who in turn falls for one of Chicklet’s alluring alter egos Ann Bowman. Besides Ann Bowman, there are other turns of events that are possibly caused by Chicklet’s other personas. Chicklet’s girlfriends, who both downplay her desire; Marvel Ann, the leader of the manhunt pack decided to fish for boys, one in particular, instead, and Berdine, Chicklet’s best friend, leaves and finds her own catharsis through journaling in her diary.  Beach bums,  Yo-Yo, Nicky, Provoloney, and Star Cat (Marvel Ann’s main target of affection), dominated the Malibu seaside with their charm, wit, and machismo playfulness, yet somehow feel like there’s more to life than just “surfing on the seashore.” Adding a bit of spice to the production are Bettina Barnes, a B-movie actress who is looking for refuge from her lackluster career and ultimately becomes hostess to a nonstop beach party during her stay, and Mrs. Forrest, Chicklet’s neurotically smothering and man-eating mother, who tries to protect her daughter from the world, and most of all, herself. 

Hannah Lee DeFrates wildly entertained as Chicklet, displaying her multifaceted abilities to weave in and out of several personalities within moments which kept us, her audience, captive to her performance.  Patrick Walton effortlessly showed his comedic prowess and development as Kanaka, who was reclusive and eventually opened up as a result of Chicklet, excuse me, Ann Bowman’s antics. Michaela Miranda beautifully carried Berdine as Chicklet’s caring and concerned best friend, who found her own boldness to become the champion that Chicklet needed in her life.  Kristine Knowlton was fun to watch as the man-hunting Marvel Ann.  Her humorous timing is one we all should study.  

Mia Caruso commanded the stage with their performance as Star Cat; it was obvious they deliberately took time to develop his character from abandoning college life to rediscovering his purpose. Evan Long was utterly entertaining as the hunky Provoloney, who discovers who he really is while drumming up ideas to boost Bettina’s career.  Sam Williams sweetly portrayed Yo-Yo as a reserved yet eager beach dweller who was enthralled with Bettina Barnes, yet his affections directed him toward Provoloney and segued to a queer relationship.  Ben Weidner was hilarious as Nicky, dropping one-liners and delivering comedy as the hepcat that he is.  

Although it had been a while since Shabria Moore took on a non musical role, she was a dazzling delight as Bettina Barnes.  I am looking forward to seeing her stretch her acting chops.  Kimberly Pizarro gave Faye Dunaway a run for her money as Mrs. Forrest serves the image and mannerisms of Joan Crawford.  Good thing there were no wire hangers around the set. 

“This play carries its own unique value addressing circumstances in life such as mental illness, college life, LGBTQ in the 60s, and overbearing parental care.  It does it all surrounded with not only strength, but humor in the most hysterical yet thoughtful design in its presentation,” notes Director/Costume Designer/Prop Designer Cheryl Stark.  I am in total agreement with her statement.  This production serves as a quirky journey through mysterious occurrences on the beach, queer affection, along with discoveries of trauma that lead to a path of healing—becoming a mirror to the audience on how to see people for who they really are—human.    

Set design by Greg Hammell transported us back to nostalgia wishing for the fun yet clamorous time of revolution (along with Scenic Artists Lou Pecsi and Kristine Knowlton). The production team made wise use of the intimate space by constructing a beach flat to conceal a foldable bed, along with turntable flats with a beach mural rotating to a living space. Stage Manager Angela Robb organized seamless and prompt scene changes with her team (Caitlin Johnson and Brady Thompson).  Lighting was warm and bright to keep an upbeat beach atmosphere despite the dark humor and messages; and intentionally choreographed with the main character’s mood changes. Sound design gave us the spirit of the 60s, the bustle of the beach and the feeling of love. Both were mastered by the mind of Assistant Director Patrick Connelly. And we cannot forget the skill of Fight and Intimacy Coordinator Terrie McIntyre.

Prepare to be fully entertained by the bright side of beach life and immersed in the dark side of taboo in the 60s. Psycho Beach Party will reconvene on Friday, June 13th and will close on Saturday June 14th, both starting at 8pm. For tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../psycho-beach-party-by...