Bukowski Aboard the Queen Mary

By John Farrell

Cal Rep opened its 2012-2013 series at The Queen’s Theatre aboard RMS Queen Mary with B.S., a tribute to San Pedro poet laureate Charles Bukowski, conceived and directed by Joanne Gordon If you are a fan of the raunchy, beer-sodden and profound poet you need to see it.

Gordon uses the students from the Cal Rep program (graduate students from CSULB) and a mobile set to bring Bukowski to life. The sets swing around, portraying everything from a dive bar to a shower where Bukowski and his lover wash, totally naked, after sex. The play isn’t for children, but it does show Bukowski, warts and all, portrayed by several actors and his poetry.

There is a surprise to this production which we can’t mention here for copyright reasons but you are sure to be surprised and charmed by the play. Go to the Cal Rep website if you want more information.

Tickets are $25, $20 for students, seniors and military members. Performances are Tuesday-Saturday at 8 p.m. through Dec. 8, no performances Nov- 20-Nov. 24.
Details: (562) 985-5526, www.calrep.org
Venue: The Royal Theatre, RMS Queen Mary
Location: 1126 Queen’s Highway, Long Beach

Terelle Jerricks

During his two decade tenure, he has investigated, reported on, written and assisted with hundreds of stories related to environmental concerns, affordable housing, development that exacerbates wealth inequality and the housing crisis, labor issues and community policing or the lack thereof.