Sweet Bird Of Youth Revival? — Page 2

EricMontreal22, that was indeed the case with Cromer's production. The first act was left in its original state, but the second act consisted of just the first scene of act two in the published script, relocated from the cocktail lounge to (if I am remembering correctly) a pier at or near the Finley residence. The third act of Cromer's production consisted of the second scene of act two and the entirety of the third act in the published script. The only thing that didn't work for me about this change was the fact that act two ran only about 20 minutes.

^ There were massive and lengthy scene changes occurring in the intermissions of that production. I assume those dictated where they placed the intermissions.

How about Kelly Bishop?

Much like SUMMER AND SMOKE, Geraldine Page's wonderful performance as the Princess is there on film for all to see. Elizabeth Taylor is almost embarrassing and her line readings were often flat in comparison. The flashy character of Alexandra Del Largo and the actress playing her, if miscast, can either make or break a production. Back in the eighties, I saw actress Dorothy McGuire in the role as a guest artist in a USC college production of the show. Though I had seen her earlier in a revival of the author's play THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA in which she was fine in the part played by Margaret Leighton on Broadway, in SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH she was totally miscast as the Princess. She was subdued and pathetic in her portrayal and never was able to show the monstrous side of the character. I'm sorry I never saw Irene Worth in the role and was surprised to read Lauren Bacall wasn't very good in the London production. I still don't see Nicole Kidman in the role nor was I that excited when Diane Lane was cast. Cate Blanchett might be an interesting choice.