Playcrafters, the feisty theater company based in Skippack, has mounted a production of CASA VALENTINA, a provocative play written by Harvey Fierstein in 2014. The play centers on a group of white-collar, self-professed heterosexual men who gather at a bungalow colony in the Catskills in 1962. There, they escape the mundanity of their daily lives and explore their feminine identities through cross-dressing. This “sisterhood of men” gather to dress and dish, sharing stories that reveal how essential these hidden identities are to their sense of self.
Fierstein’s concept is bold and thought-provoking. Playcrafters deserves credit for programming such a work. In 1962, cross-dressing was a criminal offense. In today’s climate—where toxic masculinity often dominates cultural discourse—the question of what it means to be a man feels more relevant than ever.
The retreat, Casa Valentina, is owned and operated by George (Greg Kasander), known within the community as Valentina. With the business on the brink of bankruptcy, one member proposes transforming the resort into a national nonprofit organization—with the controversial stipulation that homosexuals be excluded from membership. George/Valentina brings the proposal before the group, sparking a spirited and often fraught debate about going public, risking legal consequences, and confronting shifting social mores.
This ensemble-driven production features a number of strong performances and is directed with attention to detail by Stephanie Weidner. Alongside costume designer Sherry Yerger and wig and makeup designer Julie Kruk, the creative team accomplishes the difficult task of making the characters’ transformations believable without veering into caricature or female impersonation. These are men who find fulfillment in dressing as women, yet their masculine identities remain fully present. It is precisely this duality—the coexistence of masculine and feminine—that gives the play much of its intrigue.
Among the standout moments is a hilarious and revealing scene involving Jonathan (Jack Garton), the youngest and newest member of the group. As the others guide him through his transformation into his alter ego, Miranda, the process unfolds before our eyes with both humor and fascination, showcasing the strength of the ensemble.
Equally compelling is Rita, George’s wife, who serves as the emotional center of the play. Worn and quietly harboring deep sadness, she is both supportive of her husband and apprehensive about what the future may bring. It is a demanding role, and Susan Bolt delivers a nuanced performance, especially in the second act, where she conveys moments of genuine heartbreak with striking authenticity.
The play is not without its challenges. At times, the weight of its subject matter is undercut by dialogue that veers toward sitcom-like simplicity. While it presents itself as a plea for tolerance, it occasionally treads uneasily in its portrayal of cross-dressers in contrast to gay men. The second act, too, can feel somewhat didactic.
Still, despite these imperfections, Playcrafters’ production of CASA VALENTINA delivers a satisfying evening of theater.
PLAYCRAFTERS OF SKIPPACK
2011 Store Road
Skippack, PA 19474
610-584-4005
http://www.playcrafters.org
CASA VALENTINA runs thru May 17, 2026 as follows:
May 1, 2, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 @ 8 PM
May 3, 10, 17 @ 2 PM
Review submitted by:
Franklin Joseph
Author’s Bio: Franklin Joseph is an avid theatre goer. Recently relocated from Chicago, he is delighted to be in southeast Pennsylvania among such an active theatre and arts community.
