Posted: 9/7/08 at 11:59am
Hello all. I must say that I had the MOST wonderful time seeing Miss Stritch doing her show at the Mansion at Judge's Hill here in Austin, Texas, produced by the Austin Cabaret Theatre. I had never been to this particular venue, so it was an adventure to me. Prior to it's present function as a chic hotel/mansion, it served as a drug/alcohol rehabilitation center. As a matter of fact, one of my table mates mentioned that she herself had worked at the treatment facility and had availed herself of its services. But, on with the show.
She went on with her classic long white men's shirt and black hose. I'm sure several of the elderly audience members were a bit surprised at her anecdote about a prostitute and staring. It was a roller coaster of a ride. Quite a bit of the material was familiar to those who had seen her "At Liberty" show. It's one thing to see it on the small screen. But her story-telling and singing had much more of an impact live in person.
I cannot tell you, how much this woman made me smile. She made us laugh and made us cry at times. Several at the table commented that they cannot believe the energy Elaine had in doing her show. An artist half her age would find it tiring. But Elaine seems to possess hidden reservoirs of energy. There were so many songs to remember, but I did love her "Ladies Who Lunch". When she sang Comden and Green's "The Party's Over", I knew that a fascinating and wonderful evening was coming to a conclusion.
She entered and exited thru the middle of the room. I then managed to get close to the "receiving line" and took a couple of pics. I was so awestruck by her, that I forgot to take a picture with her. Nevertheless, I did manage to shake hands with her.
If you have an opportunity in the future to see her show at the Carlyle, RUN don't walk and see her!! This evening was a priceless chance to see a living legend perform. I thoroughly enjoyed the feisty Elaine Stritch.
from Roman in Austin, Texas
