As the meeting begins, the audience is introduced to the society’s five leading members:
The ladies uphold a strict “no men, no meat” policy, believing that these rules protect their idyllic community and sacred quiches. Their annual meeting is the highlight of the year, as they eagerly prepare to crown the winner of the Best Quiche Contest, honoring the ultimate dish of perfection.
However, the cheerful proceedings take a sharp turn when a nuclear attack alarm suddenly sounds, forcing the group to confront the reality of a Cold War doomsday scenario. Trapped together in their community center’s fallout shelter, the women find themselves grappling with fears, secrets, and unexpected revelations.
As tensions rise and the veneer of politeness cracks, their shared adoration of quiche becomes a hilarious metaphor for their suppressed desires and hidden truths. Each woman reveals her authentic self in a series of shocking and heartfelt confessions, and the group discovers that their bonds of sisterhood run deeper than tradition or societal expectations.
The absurdity of the situation is heightened by the play’s sharp wit and playful breaking of the fourth wall, engaging the audience as honorary members of the society. By the end, the women band together in a touching display of solidarity and empowerment, redefining their values and embracing their individuality as they prepare to face an uncertain future.
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche is a riotous, over-the-top comedy with poignant undertones that celebrates courage, authenticity, and the power of community in the face of adversity. It’s a laugh-out-loud exploration of identity and a heartfelt reminder of the importance of finding one’s true self.
Role: President of the Society
Traits: Poised, commanding, authoritarian, yet deeply caring
Lulie is the quintessential leader of the group. As president, she holds herself with grace and authority, always striving to maintain the society’s dignity and rules. Her pride in the group’s traditions and their collective passion for quiche is palpable. Beneath her polished exterior, however, Lulie is just as repressed as the others, though her leadership position often forces her to suppress vulnerability.
Her character represents the struggle between conformity and authenticity, especially in a 1950s setting. Lulie takes pride in the rules of the society but is also fiercely protective of her fellow members, indicating a maternal instinct that binds the group together. Her eventual revelation of her sexuality and personal desires reflects her journey toward embracing her true self, even amidst chaos.
Role: Historian
Traits: Naïve, optimistic, bubbly, eager to please
Dale is the most naïve and optimistic of the group. She approaches her role as Events Chairwoman with unbridled enthusiasm, often serving as the heart of the Society. Dale’s bubbly personality and tendency to see the best in people make her endearing, but they also leave her somewhat oblivious to underlying tensions.
Her eventual realization of her sexuality is perhaps the most dramatic shift among the characters. Dale’s innocence gives way to self-awareness, and her journey highlights the emotional turmoil of grappling with an identity that she’s long suppressed. Despite this, her optimism and kindness remain her defining traits, making her a symbol of hope and resilience.
Role: Secretary
Traits: Practical, resourceful, blunt, sometimes abrasive
Ginny’s pragmatic nature makes her the group’s treasurer. She has a dry wit and a no-nonsense attitude, often cutting through the others’ dramatics with sharp observations. Ginny’s relationship with money and practicality mirrors her approach to life—controlled, careful, and often skeptical of anything frivolous.
Despite her often brusque demeanor, Ginny has a softer side that surfaces when the group is under threat. Her revelations about her sexuality are delivered with humor and blunt honesty, showcasing her resilience in the face of societal norms. Ginny’s pragmatism and loyalty ultimately make her a stabilizing force in the group.
Role: Events Chairwoman
Traits: Methodical, detail-oriented, sensitive, loyal
Wren is the meticulous record-keeper of the group. She takes her role as secretary very seriously, often reciting the Society’s rules and history with great reverence. Wren is a stickler for order and tradition, and her dedication to the Society often borders on obsessive.
Beneath her structured demeanor lies a woman grappling with vulnerability and a deep need for belonging. Wren’s sensitivity is often masked by her adherence to protocol, but as the story unfolds, her personal quirks and emotional depth become evident. Wren’s coming out is both humorous and heartfelt, revealing her fear of rejection and her yearning for validation.
Role: Building and Maintenance Chairwoman
Traits: Boisterous, confident, fiercely independent, outspoken
Vern is the group’s historian, but she’s also the Society’s loudest and most unapologetic member. She exudes confidence and a free spirit that contrasts with the more reserved characters like Wren. Vern’s brash humor and enthusiasm often serve as comic relief, but they also mask a deep-seated longing for acceptance.
She is unabashed in her love of quiche, using it as a metaphor for her desires and individuality. Vern’s boldness in admitting her true self acts as a catalyst for the others to embrace their identities. Her character represents the power of living authentically, even when society discourages it.
Role: Scanners, Greeters, Ushers
Here are a few archetypes to consider that would complement the main cast:
