If you’re only going to see one “five British women of varying ages, socio-economic statuses and body types bonding over pole dancing” play in your lifetime, might as well make it Dave Simpson’s The Naked Truth. A big hit in England, director Argo Thompson imports it to the North Bay for its U.S. premiere at Left Edge Theatre.
Its story of five disparate individuals brought together with the goal of putting on a charity show is hardly original and its characters are pretty stock (the shy one, the bawdy one, the snobby one, etc.), but its well-acted and the five performers (Angela Squire, Bonnie Jean Shelton, Katie Kelly, Annabel Pimentel, Serena Elize Flores) and their instructor (Heather Danielle) have definite chemistry.
The cast of “The Naked Truth”
Once you get past the accents, there’ll be two hours of laughs and tears as the ladies deal with self-image and relationship issues, sex talk, ill health, and betrayal. Will all conflicts be resolved in time to put on the big charity pole dance?
How did you think the show would end?
Rating (out of 5): ★★★½
‘The Naked Truth runs through September 30 at Left Edge Theatre. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Friday–Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. $25–$40. 707.546.3600. leftedgetheatre.com
Photos by Eric Chazankin
An edited version of this review originally appeared in the North Bay Bohemian.
North Bay Stage and Screen 