‘Coco’ Takes Stylish, Self-Reflective Trip

“Miss Coco Peru” is a comely redhead, reminiscent of Ginger on “Gilligan’s Island,” but with a wry sense of humor and a flair for the melodramatic. In this Masquers Cabaret presentation, Clinton Leupp’s wisecracking, Bronx-raised, gay transvestite alter ego recounts his journey toward self-realization and the messy predicaments of love.

“Think of this as a therapy session, and it’s my turn to talk,” Miss Coco Peru proclaims as she meanders from an explanation of her peculiar name, her trips to Peru, her problems of finding acceptance in high school and her penchant for loving the wrong types--an “obsessive, pathetic loser” and an “egotistical, neurotic mess.” Leupp has whipped up a frothy concoction that is keenly self-aware of its narcissism. And although this fluff is mostly air over substance, the magic is in the telling.

Director Charles Randolph-Wright helped Leupp strike the right balance between poignancy and self-indulgence, self-reflection and sarcastic commentary. Leupp takes advantage of this small venue to make a cozy, intimate evening of self-disclosure. Under the musical direction of Michael Orland (who plays the piano onstage), Leupp bolsters the act with some well-chosen songs that he acquits admirably enough.

* “Miss Coco Peru,” Masquers Cabaret, 8334 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. Wednesdays, Thursdays, 8 p.m. Ends Sept. 25. $10 (plus one-drink minimum). (213) 878-2393. Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes.