The Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island (MCT), the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in residence at the BACCA Arts Center, is distinguished by its commitment to staging challenging, innovative, and socially relevant theatre.1 With a core mission to produce works “seldom seen on Long Island” and championing non-traditional casting, MCT ensures its repertoire actively engages with contemporary issues.2 Leading this effort is Director Julie Lorson, whose selection and staging of the comedy Five Lesbians Eating Quiche exemplifies the company’s purposeful artistry.
Article by guest writer, Anya Kai
The Production: Five Lesbians Eating Quiche (November 2025)
The production, running from November 8 to November 23, 2025, is a staging of the 2012 New York International Fringe Festival Winner, written by Evan Linder & Andrew Hobgood.3 Set in 1956, the play centers on the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein, whose annual quiche breakfast is interrupted by the chilling reality of nuclear war.4
The Dual Message
Director Julie Lorson’s insightful Director’s Note reveals the play’s depth, moving beyond mere farce:
“Beneath the laughter lies a powerful story about five women who long for freedom in a world that tells them who they should be… In this play, our war widows gather to celebrate community, sisterhood, and courage.”
Lorson observes a troubling resonance with the present: “It is disheartening to see echoes of that same repression returning under the current administration. Rights once fought for are being questioned again.” She frames the production as an act of resistance, calling on the audience to “laugh loudly. Cheer boldly. And as you do, remember the bravery of those who came before us.”
Spotlight on the Director: Julie Lorson 🌟
Julie Lorson is a true “jack of all trades” in the Long Island theatre community. Beyond her directorial role, she is a producer, stage manager, and actor, and serves on the board of directors for both Modern Classics Theatre and Bellport Playcrafters.5
The Selection Process: Serendipity and Social Relevance
Lorson’s initial interest in the play was rooted in the need for a production that fit MCT’s criteria (5+ cast, one setting) and her personal inclination toward comedy. The choice of Five Lesbians Eating Quiche was serendipitous:
“I went on Concord Theatricals, put in the criteria and because it’s sorted by alphabetical order 5 Lesbians came up first. Obviously, intrigued by the title, I found the PDF of the script online and I FELL IN LOVE!“
This initial spark of intrigue quickly evolved into a realization of the play’s profound thematic fit within MCT’s mission.
The Obstacle: An Innovative Casting Challenge
A significant directorial choice that shaped this production was Lorson’s solution to working with a large ensemble while preserving the core dynamic of the five main characters:
- Non-Traditional Casting: Rather than a simple ‘A’ vs. ‘B’ cast structure, Lorson intentionally created “8 different casts” by mixing the performers.
- The Goal: This innovative approach was designed to make “each show… a unique experience and give the actors a challenge,” while also preventing competition and forcing the entire company to “work together to create a great show which feels in the spirit of the show.”
This intricate scheduling and creative mixing demonstrate Lorson’s commitment to prioritizing the actors’ collaborative development and the unique immediacy of live performance.
MCT’s Mandate: Theatre That Matters
Lorson is proud to align this production with MCT’s history of impactful storytelling, citing recent works that tackle pressing social topics:
| Theatrical Production | Social Theme Explored |
| POTUS | Political and gender dynamics |
| A View From The Bridge | Immigration and moral dilemmas |
| The Laramie Project | LGBTQ+ rights and hate crime |
| The Shadow Box, Curious Incident, Of Mice & Men | Powerful human, mental health, and social struggle stories |
MCT’s continued dedication to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” under Lorson’s influence cements its position as a vital, purposeful theatre company on Long Island.
What’s Next
Following the closing of Five Lesbians Eating Quiche, Julie Lorson will immediately dive into her own annual tradition:
- Acting Festival: She will be performing in the MCT’s annual one minute play festival, appearing in 13 out of the 46 plays submitted this year, showcasing her versatile talent across many short-form pieces.
Arts Independent 