Theatre on the Square's previous run of Last Summer at Bluefish Cove was a huge success in '97. Though I didn't catch it the first time around, after seeing this new production I can get an idea of why it was so popular.

Not only a lesbian love story, it is a story about women in general - and the loyalty of their true friendships, which can supercede any other bond, even those of family.

A tear-jerking chick-flick at heart, guys may be disappointed that there is no hot lesbian sex going on.

Bluefish Cove is a summer beach-house resort, founded, run and patronized by lesbians. One cabin is mistakenly rented to a straight woman, Eva, a housewife who just left her husband. She is befriended by Lil, but the rest of the women's initial reactions to her presence range from hostility to hesitant curiosity. Slowly, Eva and Lil move from friends to lovers. Unbeknownst to Eva, however, Lil has terminal cancer.

Playwright Jane Chambers wrote the play in 1976, and some situations will date it; the most obvious is sexuality author Kitty's fear of being outed. But the vast majority of this work is timeless. Each character is fleshed out into a human woman, with personality traits everyone can recognize - women will see pieces of their own friends in each of the eight characters.

Chris Dean, Jana Norley, Miki Mathioudakis, Lori Perdue, Priscilla Ruddell, Missi Smith, Angi Taylor and Kerra Wagener portray down-to-earth interpretations of Everywoman, regardless of her sexuality. Norley and Perdue as Lil and Eva have a touching compatibility onstage, which makes the show even more bittersweet.

Mathioudakis is a real spit-fire as Kitty, who is paired with quiet, loving Rita, played by Dean. Smith, as artist Annie, is paired with uber-domestic partner Rae, played by Wagener. Rich and practical Sue, Ruddell, is paired with Donna, a petulant little girl-toy brat, played by Taylor.

Blessedly, TOTS pulled off a complex and realistic set depicting beach, cottage, fishing rock and blazing fire, designed by Ron Spencer. It's good to see atmosphere back in their theater.

Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, lovingly, charmingly directed by Kate Ayers, continues through May 3; call 637-8085 for tickets.