CCP's 'Dixie's Tupperware Party' opens tonight at Woodcrest Chapel

Get ready - this is not your average Tupperware party.

Capital City Productions will present "Dixie's Tupperware Party" starting tonight at Woodcrest Chapel at Capital Mall, 3600 Country Club Drive.

When most people think of Tupperware parties, they might think of little old ladies sitting around a living room talking about plastic bowls. Dixie Longate is reinventing that preconceived vision, inserting energy and jokes throughout her show, "Dixie's Tupperware Party."

Dixie is the drag persona of Kris Andersson, who created the character in 2007 and began touring in 2008.

Andersson spoke to the News Tribune in character as Dixie.

"I make it fun so you're not just sitting there on your hands bored," Dixie said. "I know a lot of people think Tupperware is just for old ladies. I get all kinds of people at my show. They're all ready for a giggle these days and that's what's so fun about it and why the show has lasted so many years. It's just a good time and a good giggle."

Dixie regularly invites people on stage to help with games, raffles and prizes, which keeps the show different every time.

While the show will keep you giggling throughout, it's also a way to empower audience members.

During the show, Dixie tells the story of Brownie Wise, who Dixie credited as kickstarting Tupperware parties. During World War II, women took to the workforce but when veterans came back after the war, women were many times sent back to home projects. Wise took this opportunity to encourage women by created a "party plan" marketing system.

"That's how this woman, Brownie Wise, created these Tupperware parties, to get people out and being bigger members to the community and doing more and more stuff and growing economically and personally," Dixie said. "It gave them the opportunity to be better people. So, that what was so great so I tell the story of her and relate that to all of the people in the audience - 'What are you capable of? What are you holding yourself back from?' So, it's a little message of empowerment and excitement."

Everything Dixie shows on stage has a story and all the Tupperware products are actually for sale.

"I was doing a show in St. Louis and all of the people from Jefferson City came to see the show and we had such a giggle because crazy people get up on stage," Dixie said.

Rob Crouse, founder of Capital City Productions, said he was part of the group that went to the show in St. Louis, checking it out to see if it was something to bring to Mid-Missouri.

"I can't tell you how funny it is," Crouse said, noting he wound up purchasing some of the Tupperware from the show. "They are going to absolutely love (Dixie)."

The show is part of new programming announced in early December as part of Capital City Productions' move to its new facility on Wicker Lane. It's the second of six shows that make up the new Spotz On the Artist series, which brings Central Missouri professional entertainers and smaller musicals and plays to Jefferson City.

The show was originally supposed to be performed at the Wicker Lane facility, but delays in the renovation process have caused the first two Spotz On the Artist series shows to move to the auditorium of Woodcrest Chapel, which is located between Dillard's and JC Penney at Capital Mall.

The all-volunteer organization is trying to raise $150,000-$175,000 for the needed renovations at Wicker Lane and sought an ambitious renovation schedule, originally trying to host the first Spotz On the Artist show just three weeks after moving in. Now, three months after moving into Wicker Lane, CCP still has not been issued an occupancy permit, which would enable the organization to safely open the doors to audiences.

Crouse said work is moving along and believes they will be ready to open next week when the 2020 season opener of "The Bodyguard: The Musical" is supposed to hit the stage. The show was originally supposed to open in mid-February but has been pushed back as work continues on the facility.

Jason Turner, public information officer for the Jefferson City Fire Department, said fire officials met with Crouse and others from CCP earlier this week. Crouse said the fire department had a few additional adjustments that need to be made before the facility can open, but Turner said the organization is on the right course.

"When you're in charge of theaters, going into development and construction mode is probably a little different task," Turner said. "They've got some things they've got to tidy up and finish, but I don't know that an occupancy (permit) isn't in the very near future. They're very close."

Jefferson City Building Official Larry Burkhardt said he's waiting on some revised drawings that need to be approved and he hopes to receive this week. Burkhardt said the city will need to complete all its inspections before the permit can be issued, noting CCP "kind of put the cart in front of the horse on this one."

"We're excited about getting them there, but we need to keep people safe in the building," Burkhardt said.

"Dixie's Tupperware Party" is set for 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, and 1 p.m. Saturday at Woodcrest Chapel. Tickets are $30 and Crouse emphasized that this show is not for children. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit capitalcityproductions.org.

Reporter Nicole Roberts contributed to this article.