Also this issue: Ash -Juliet Fletcher John Freyer -Chris Cummins Visible Work, Invisible Women -Paul Burress Phil Automaton Pre-party -Nancy Armstrong

November 21-27, 2002

mixpicks

Suzanne Westenhoefer

Balancing the weight of personas such as innocent girl-next-door, out-of-the-closet lesbian and forward femme fatale is no simple task, but somehow comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer pulls it off with casual ease. Her refreshing candor and provocative humor dare to divulge topics ranging from Jesus and Jerusalem to lesbian relationships, taking in everyday occurrences. Often overstepping the lines of political correctness, she does it with class, making sure "never to be mean or cruel, or openly disrespectful to someone or something that does not deserve it, or can't defend themselves." A Pennsylvania native who grew up in Amish country, Westenhoefer got her start in the boisterous New York cabaret scene in the early 1990s. From there her creative capabilities catapulted her career, which eventually led to her coming out on the nationally televised Sally Jesse Raphael show. Her fierce repartee and saucy satire have won her two "Best Comedy CD" awards at the Gay and Lesbian American Music Awards, and recently she was nominated for a GLAAD media award for "Best Los Angeles Theatrical Production," a first for stand-up. Suzanne Westenhoefer is no longer "the gay girl in straight clubs," but rather a woman secure enough in herself to lay it on the line for laughs.

Sat., Nov. 23, 8 p.m., $23.50, Keswick Theatre, Easton Rd. and Keswick Ave., Glenside, 215-572-7650.

—Kristina Weise