Photo: David Belisle
Review by Mia Phillips
Dina Martina is in her prime, an era she’s occupied for most of her career and one she shows no signs of exiting anytime soon. Her show, Absolute Dina Martina, is a mix of stand-up, live singing, and sketch comedy, and although the show features familiar components, a Dina Martina show is unlike anything else you will find in Provincetown’s drag scene. She’s loveably bizarre, fiercely original, with an unrelenting sense of humor.
Martina takes the stage in a glamorous 80s-esque disco dress and her iconic red lip—lined to high heaven. A ticket to Martina’s show is an invitation into her world. One that’s absurd, surreal, and provides a fabulous escape from reality. Martina regales the audience with the gift of song, her voice akin to that of an overmedicated aunt who turns the family gathering into her recital. While such a make-believe scenario might go unappreciated on Earth, in Martina’s world she’s a star, and the audience loves her. Performing both originals and parodies, Martina’s music takes you back to a simpler time—before auto-tune was invented. But that’s all part of the charm.
Dina Martina is no park and bark; she gets her steps in prancing up and down the stage, guarantees even those seated in the back have a good view too. She ensures that even those in budget seats get a good look at her “painted for the back row” lips. Thankfully though, for those anxious and anti-social, Martina refrains from pointing too much attention toward any one person. Unless you have a phone out. The pre-show warning will tell you not to use your phone for any reason; please follow instructions.
I promise you will be called out. It’s not for nothing though; any distraction would restrict your ability to immerse yourself in the Martina experience.
In between songs, Martina monologues about her love of CVS, the time she worked at a local adult cinema, how she recently attended Trixie Mattel’s wedding, and her call-to-action experience in Australia—after which she became an anti-excess-water advocate. Martina’s earnest delivery and full commitment to the bit is what makes everything she says and does hilarious. In character, she is a tough act to crack. It seems no mid-show hiccup can throw her off; in fact, she uses it as material. Everything in Martina’s world is something for audiences to enjoy.
Just shy of an hour, this production is short and sweet. But I would much rather spend 50 minutes in Dina’s world than 80 minutes of anything less. Martina is wacky, wholesome, and awesomely remarkable—the work of a true comedic genius.
Absolute Dina Martinacan be seen at the Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial St., Provincetown, Wednesday – Sunday, 6 p.m. through September 19. For tickets ($43.51 – $54.06) and information, call 508.487.1430 or visit onlyatthecrown.com.
