Okay - so a little caffeine, and I'm ready to talk about The Play.
I think it's some of Bruce's best work. Nothing like a muse to amuse... It's an old-fashioned comedy, with very no-holds-barred confrontation of real issues - which I feel I can't discuss here, because it would spoil it.
Some very strong writing - the strongest is the lead male character. Bruce read it very well - no surprise. There is a long speech that ends Act I that took my breath away... Some of the most raw and vulnerable writing I've read of his.
Barbara D is funny in the Thelma Ritter part - I said, and I MEAN IT!!! that I would arm-wrestle her for that role! I do think that the role of The Girl has to be cast very carefully - it's a tricky task. The character is so layered, very complicated - if she doesn't come off completely lovable, for all her very odd proclivities, there's an odd feeling about the ending. I think someone like the young Goldie Hawn, the young Meg Ryan could pull it off. Ah! Goldie's daughter!! That could work! And Cindy Williams for The Friend! But she'd have to arm-wrestle me...
I know it was a cold-as-ice reading, but though she is adorable and cute, Tammy didn't really ever quite "get" this character - as I said, it is a very complicated role.
