ZOCORRO – Rose of Tralee took all hearts at Savoy Lunchtime Theatre series last month, the 50minute show selling out. This month Zocorro returns, same old girl (Leonora Bethencourt) now working as an air hostess on the rickety Marilyn Monroe Airlines. Zocorro’s sweet, credulous, persevering character gives a wry narrative on Irish mores whilst rattling on about her eventful life. “This is a no-frills airline but we make up for it with the uniform,” remarks Bethencourt. “As with Marilyn Monroe, there is a lot of turbulence on the flight and this emotionally unstable air hostess Zocorro works on this flimsy airline that’s on the brink of collapse.
As with Monroe, every one she comes in contact with seems to go topsy turvy. There are references to characters she knew such as Arthur Miller and while Monroe’s films are not well known, their titles such as ‘The Seven Year Itch’ and ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’ are and are used”.
Monroe’s breakthrough as a teenager were girlie photoshoots for armed forces, tweaking propellers and painting logos on planes while wearing shorts. She died 50 years ago in 1962.
Leonora Bethencourt’s Zocorro is a delightful hybrid not far off Bethancourt’s own Spanish-Mexican upbringing before moving to Ireland 15 years ago. Zocorro saw the light of day first in 2006 for Bethan court’s early stand up comedy gigs and has since evolved as the mainstay of her short comedy dramas. She writes and devises her own works, with some help in development from Kristian Marken.
This latest, ‘Marilyn Monroe Airlines – Always Late and Unreliable’, is now booked for three Savoy dates: lunchtime with soup and sandwiches €10 at 12.45pm on Thursday September 27 and Friday 28. There is a new Tea Time Theatre gig on Friday 28 with wine and nibbles at 5.45pm, €12 ticket.
“My experience at The Savoy Hotel last month was absolutely great, the producers [Meave McGrath, Colm O’Brien, Pius McGrath] with Limerick Local Heroes really took care of me and the audience, giving a five star experience”.
Reader, we hear the crowds thunder for more. Reserve your seat at http://lunchtheatre.com/.
