Reservoir Bitches

Ever wonder what Reservoir Dogs would have been like with an all-female cast? No? Well Mr Blonde and Mr Orange did - in a 1993 interview with Film Threat, Tim Roth mused that Tarantino could have made "one of the most controversial films ever made by just reversing the roles", a hypothetical production Michael Madsen called "Reservoir Bitches". Twelve years later, a group of Toronto comediennes and actresses have picked up that gauntlet.

The production takes Tarantino's exercise in machismo and turns it on its head, blending all the bad-ass gangster posturing with a healthy dollop of estrogen-fuelled neuroses and Dr Phil self-psychoanalysis. All the key scenes, from the "Like A Virgin" debate to the Mexican standoffs and, of course, the ear scene, remain intact but gender-spun with funny and occasionally hilarious results. By sticking (reasonably) close to the original script, the Bitches forgoes the opportunity to veer too far to milk the comedic possibilities, but this does make for a more coherent show and even allows for some dramatic moments. It's quite a clever satire and in some ways, is more believable than Dogs. Their caricatures are more authentic than Tarantino's.

Reservoir Bitches runs through tomorrow night at The Stealth Lounge (above the Pilot Lounge in Yorkville, 22 Cumberland St). Showtimes are 9pm tonight (Saturday) and 8pm tomorrow night. Tickets $15 at the door, box office opens at 6pm. For more info call (416) 469-8145 or email mcmanic@iprimus.ca.