The Toughest Girl Alive—Moxie’s Mantra RealizedWords by Kristen Fogle
The proclamation that Candye Kane, star of autobiographical musical “The Toughest Girl Alive,” is what her title promises…is a lot to ask for. However, when one reads about the star’s past, which informs the production, her history reads like a made up character from a Jonathan Fray novel. The former “Jugs” cover model, bisexual, adult film star, ex-gang member, victim of abuse, unwed mother, and oh-so-talented country/blues singer has so much controversial gusto she is truly perhaps enough to make even Maury Povich blush.
Moxie Theatre plays host (once again) to the dynamic force that is Kane. Featuring her with two backup actors/singers as well as a four piece band, Kane leads the audience (pretty full for opening night) on a tour of her life up to this point. In no particular order, she shares her humble beginnings in East LA, born to a mother who taught her to shoplift at age 9, her desire to sing to anyone and everyone as a way to garner attention, her induction into becoming a Latina (she is not), her attempt to keep her boyfriend at age 15 with a baby, her start as a big boobed pinup into full fledged adult star, two marriages—one to Thomas Yearsley of San Diego band the Paladins, birth to a second son, trying to make it big in the LA and Nashville music scene, and everything in between.
Among stories of her life (the two talented backup actors—Jennifer Brawn Gittings and Robert Kirk—play caricatures of people from her life) are sprinkled some of the most gorgeous tunes heard in a while. (The singer’s kinship with Dwight Yoakum is present in her sultry crooning.) With 11 albums out there—the latest Sister Vagabond was released in August—it’s no wonder; not only does her rich life offer plenty to sing about, (Anthem “Superwoman” encapsulates it all), but her songs are just easy to listen to.
Moxie Theatre plays host (once again) to the dynamic force that is Kane. Featuring her with two backup actors/singers as well as a four piece band, Kane leads the audience (pretty full for opening night) on a tour of her life up to this point. In no particular order, she shares her humble beginnings in East LA, born to a mother who taught her to shoplift at age 9, her desire to sing to anyone and everyone as a way to garner attention, her induction into becoming a Latina (she is not), her attempt to keep her boyfriend at age 15 with a baby, her start as a big boobed pinup into full fledged adult star, two marriages—one to Thomas Yearsley of San Diego band the Paladins, birth to a second son, trying to make it big in the LA and Nashville music scene, and everything in between.
Among stories of her life (the two talented backup actors—Jennifer Brawn Gittings and Robert Kirk—play caricatures of people from her life) are sprinkled some of the most gorgeous tunes heard in a while. (The singer’s kinship with Dwight Yoakum is present in her sultry crooning.) With 11 albums out there—the latest Sister Vagabond was released in August—it’s no wonder; not only does her rich life offer plenty to sing about, (Anthem “Superwoman” encapsulates it all), but her songs are just easy to listen to.
“Toughest Girl “ is not for an octogenarian crowd (excluding of course more liberal minded grans and gramps). The stories are sometimes cringe-worthy with their explicit talk of sex, and the language is more mature. But if you get past that, there is something really endearing and soft about Kane. You want to befriend her, learn from her…and aside from listening to some crazy stories, she sprinkles in her worthy philosophies about life. Legalize prostitution. Live for you. Conquer with positivity.
Messages that are right in line with Moxie’s mission. The Rolando space continues to impress with high quality work and an admirable message. The female formed company aims to create more diverse and honest messages of women while giving special attention to female playwrights that defy stereotypes of what women write about and expanding ideas of the feminine. The house has produced plays such as “Bleeding Kansas” and “The Sugar Syndrome” and will feature “A Raisin in the Sun” after Kane wraps. And stay tuned—on Feb. 6 the Craig Noel award recipients will be announced—Moxie and co. are up for six: five for “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” and one for “Ten Cent Night.”
Until then, be sure to catch Kane on her final weekend. (Also go to her website to see where she will be next: http://www.candyekane.com/.) Empowerment takes many forms; perhaps my favorite of the moment can be found in this big, beautiful, amazing woman.
The Toughest Girl Alive
1/5/11-1/15/11
Moxie Theatre
6663 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
858-598-7620
http://www.moxietheatre.com/
1/5/11-1/15/11
Moxie Theatre
6663 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
858-598-7620
http://www.moxietheatre.com/
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