Starstruck (play)
| Starstruck: A Space Opera | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Elaine Lee, with Susan Norfleet Lee and Dale Place |
| Music by | Dwight Dixon |
| Characters | Galatia 9, Brucilla the Muscle, Erotica Ann |
| Date premiered | April 16, 1980 |
| Place premiered | N.E.T.W.O.R.K. Theater New York City, New York |
| Original language | English |
| Subject | A Feminist sci-fi tribute |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Setting | Outer space, in the future |
Starstruck is a 1980 science fiction comedy play written by Elaine Lee, with contributions from Susan Norfleet Lee and Dale Place. It was performed in New York City in 1980 and 1983, and spawned an ongoing comics series and audioplays.
In a distant future, humanity has spread across the stars. In the wake of a toppled galactic dictator, a period of freeform chaos exists with factions from every side vying for control. The United Federation of Female Freedom Fighters have sent Captain Galatia 9 and her compatriots to ensure the safety of Glorianna, a charismatic leader who may tip the balance toward a just society. But Glorianna has been kidnapped by the villains on the ship Siren 3, commanded by Galatia's lifelong nemesis, Verloona Ti. The struggle between the two ships and their eccentric crews will decide the future of the universe.
Elaine Lee earned a 1980 Daytime Emmy nomination for best supporting actress on NBC's soap opera "The Doctors". She then created the Wild Hair production company in Manhattan as an outlet for stronger roles for female actors. With her sister, Susan Norfleet Lee, she co-wrote two plays that they produced and starred in with their company: "Brief Cases" and "The Contamination of the Kokomo Lounge".
The third play, "Starstruck: A Space Opera", was written by Elaine Lee, with dialogue contributions from Susan Norfleet Lee and Dale Place, as a parody and tribute to science-fiction cliches. Elaine Lee attributes the huge success of Star Wars, a lifetime of 50's and 60's science fiction movies, feminist science fiction novels, and a predominantly female cast as major influences on her approach to the script.
The Lee sisters met illustrator Michael Wm. Kaluta, who volunteered to do the poster. As the play came together, Kaluta also designed the costumes and sets, with some assistance from Fantasy artist Charles Vess.
While Elaine announced an intention to film the 1983 production on video, the main record of the two stage productions are photos by Sean Smith.
The first Off Off Broadway production of "Starstruck" was at the N.E.T.W.O.R.K. Theater, from April 16-May 10, 1980.
The N.E.T.W.O.R.K. Theater production was co-directed by Ken Bush and Martha Lee. Kathy K. Gerber was the Assistant Director, with Choreography by Martha Lee; Set by Michael Wm. Kaluta and Mark Di Quinzio; Costumes by Michael Wm. Kaluta, with additional Costume and Prop Construction by Charles Vess; Music and Sound Effects by Dwight Dixon; and Lights by Mark Di Quinzio.
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