Churchill's TOP GIRLS - Burning Questions

Hey All -

I'm heavily considering skipping-out on THE COUNTRY GIRL this coming spring, and purchase primo seats to see the Broadway Premiere of Caryn Churchill's TOP GIRLS. I'm not all too familiar with the plot, but from what I gather, this is an exceptional bunch of actresses (in the cast), and this is looked upon as 'a masterwork' - Any inight as to what the story is about, or the plot devices used? What of an approx. running time (if applicable)? I only 'cause I have yet to make up my mind on going to a matinee or evening performance. Wikipedia doesn't do a realy good job of deciphering what's what, IMO. If anyone on here caught it previously, I'd certainly love to get your thoughts and opinions on the piece, as well. Many thanks to all who reply and/or those who've gone to read this post. All insight greatly appreciated.

Best,
- Mike

Who will be considered the leading actress in this play? Or are all of them going to be featured?
I can't wait to see this show.

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Updated On: 3/17/08 at 05:36 PM

Oops, I meant to say "I can't wait to see this show." Thanks for pointing that out to me, Mike, hehe.
So then Tomei and Plimptom will both be competing in the featured actress category?
This really is the season for plays, there's actually no musical I'm excited about seeing, but God the plays are making me so anxious about the summer when I'll be able to head there and watch AUGUST, TOP GIRLS, and LIAISONS.

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Yes, I would assume Plimpton and Tomei would be considered featured. I can't see why either would be bumped to leading. Marlene is the lead of the show. That said, this show would seem to have major competition with itself either way, even if Plimpton or Tomei were bumped up.

~Steven

I second Ray's question.

Is the storytelling device used (fantasy-esque, from what I've read, anyhow) used successfully? Is the timeline easy to follow? Any and all insight appreciated.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW???


The first act is, as noted, a dream sequence in which women from history have a dinner. It's interesting, has some amazing writing, but is a little "huh?" in the piece as a whole. If you know the play well, theories as to what the first act is "about" would be interesting to discuss.

The second act is mostly dedicated to an amazing scene between Marlene and her lower-class sister, whom she dumped her child off to sixteen years earlier to pursue her successful career. There's a lot of talk about Thatcherian politics but the themes are universal.

Personally very excited about this production but GOD could the MTC's Spice Girls-like advertising campaign for this be just a little more tacky?? Are they trying to get the LEGALLY BLONDE audience to come????

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Updated On: 3/18/08 at 11:37 AM

i was in this show a few years ago and the reviews were very mixed. even my own opinion is pretty mixed. sometimes i thought the show was brilliant and somedays i hated it. it's not your average show...it's interesting to say the least. the character i played is, by far, the furthest thing from my own personality ive ever played, so that was a great deal of fun. but i can't say i loved the show.

it's worth seeing though!

Can I be the typo beeyotch for a second?

"Caryn Churchill's" Unless someone with a very similar name stole the title, it's "Caryl."

Sorry to interrupt....Continue.

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Catilin

I'm sure Mike hasn't read it because he doesn't want to spoil it for himself should he decide to see the show. I know I refuse to read anything until it closes or until I have seen it. I've put off reading August: Osage County until I see it two weeks from now because I don't want to ruin the plot. I'm sure this is Mike's reasoning with Top GIrls.

A lot of people still read, so don't get all upset.
Theater is a visual art. When an author writes, he/she writes for the stage, not for a printed version.
Thus, Mike probably couldn't figure out whether it worked for him if he read it- it's missing the visual aspect.

Oh, and excellent use of the word "marvelous." (Intentional?)

Does anyone know an approximate running time for the show?

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