New Steps in Dance Toward Romance

Falling in love with celluloid images isn’t a new concept in a city built on deception. In this case, it serves as a nominal conceit for Bayla Travis’ play “The Dyke and the Porn Star” at Highways. This entertaining, randy piece of fluff lightly touches on lesbian politics while making fun of the artifice of porn flicks.

In this tale, loony lust borders on love and stalking is more persistent devotion than frightening obsession. This is partly due to the self-effacingly funny portrayal of Chance by Gayle Feldman. As the butch dyke, Feldman is awkward and tortured by self-doubt, puppyish in her desire to meet her flesh-flick idol.

The power player is the femme lesbian porn queen, Tara (Veronica Hart, who has acted in and directed adult films). She asserts her needs while trying to deny her attraction to Chance.

In her black-vinyl gear, there is nothing vulnerable about Tara. She exudes sexual confidence while Chance shivers with low self-esteem. Yet does Tara really want to be the dominatrix in this relationship? Is Chance’s libido really raging for a celebrity lay?

There is enough nudity to titillate as well as some simulated sexual acts, but Travis’ focus is on finding a long-term bonding, between minds and then bodies. To this end, director Dora Arreola emphasizes the comedic qualities of the actors and the ridiculous dance toward love. This love story won’t make you think, but it will make you laugh.

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* “The Dyke and the Porn Star,” Highways, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica. Fridays-Sundays, 8:30 p.m. Ends Sept. 12. $18. Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes.