*And I have to say, I completed enjoyed tonight's performance of
Compleat Female Stage Beauty. It's a very neat, thought-provoking play. -The author also adapted his script for a film version that starred Claire Danes and Billy Crudup simply titled "Stage Beauty".
Here's the blurb-synopsis from the LAStageTix site:
When women were men…on the stages of England, Edward Kynaston reigned as the most celebrated leading lady. His exquisite portrayals of Shakespeare’s famous females brought him celebrity and love at the start of the Restoration. Then, a real woman named Margaret Hughes stepped on stage to steal his glory. King Charles II decreed a new law and Kynaston’s splendor soon changed to squalor. His livelihood and self image wavered on the brink of destruction until…revenge and a stunning turn of events persuaded him to take the stage once more.
I had seen the play when it made it DC premiere a couple of years ago, and a friend of mine cast the premier production of it back in 1999 - and let me read the script back then too. I really like this play, and was sort of surprised that this was the L.A. premiere of the play. But better late than never.
The casting is top-notch, and the Actors really gave it their all and took some risks that paid off in spades. I was also impressed with the Restoration/Modern Dress costuming concept - and there were some beautiful costume pieces. -And some beautiful actors too - sometimes just in their underwear!
DR PennyO really did a wonderful job with the musical component of the evening - even her pre-show announcement was lots of fun and helped to set the mood and time period for the evening. And, yes, it was very good to see and hug her again too.
