THREE TALL WOMEN (2018) Previews — Page 3

^not only is it in two acts but that the identities of the three women are markedly different in each of them, still that transition, at least potentially, could be achieved without intermission; perhaps even more effectively than with one

I was talking to a friend earlier this week about this upcoming production, and they told me they thought the show was boring. Well, I don't know what show she was thinking of, because Edward Albee's Three Tall Women showed that it earned not only its Pulitzer, but also the author's place as perhaps the greatest playwright post-Williams, Miller, and O'Neil.

The set is simple, but gorgeous. Turquoise accents everything, and you can tell the wealth and privilege A is privy to - as well as the "type" of woman and society Albee is commenting on. The set makes a slight transition between the two acts, but I won't spoil it. It was a simple conceit, but I gasped when it was revealed. The transition had a spot of trouble, and we were held for a minute/90 seconds before the start of the second act.

Glenda Jackson proves that brilliance knows no age and doesn't fade. She monologues and wanders through the trenchant of Albee's famous wordplay like the pro she is and makes a meal out of her words. As Whizzer said, engrave the Tony, because she more than earns it. The way she makes her remembrance of her husband's gift via his "pee-pee" into a moment of pure tragedy is astonishing. You are in the presence of a genius.

Metcalf is a presence that can make us burst into laughter with a glance - and she does! But if her style might seem to confine her only to broad comedy, she proves her that she can do anything. I loved how she transformed form Act I to Act II, and her portrayal of B is of a woman enraged by life turning out different than her plans. She called line at one point, but she was so in character it had passed before I realized what had happened. I will remember how she yells at her son for quite some time - and its not easy to make a homophobe likable. Metcalf does that and so much more. Hand her the supporting Tony now.

Pill has the weakest part, and mostly saunters through Act I, but the second act is where she really gets to tear her teeth into Albee's material. She brings a ferocity to the role as a woman watching her life slip away, perfectly contrasted with Jackson's "devil may care" sensibility near the end. She deserves a nomination.

Mantello brings these women and the show to life - understated, everything O'Brien's Carousel was not.

Costumes are all gorgeous, and revealing of the characters.

Albee will never cease to astonish me, even in death. I cannot believe we were graced by his ferocious words, and how we can continue to discover the truth he spent his career mining. Let us hope we will get more of his other works besides Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Yes, that play is brilliant, but so are so many of his others!

All in all, a brilliant production of a brilliant play. Class through and through - tonight could have been opening.

Can't wait for A8 to weigh in with his learned report---especially after all that ranting and posturing in another thread.

Storkish said: "I am extremely interested in the set Sally mentioned. Miriam Buether always has a fresh take in his scenic designs. Without spoilers, may any one describe a little bit more on the set?"

Miriam Buether is a woman, not a man.

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Storkish said: "I am extremely interested in the set Sally mentioned. Miriam Buether always has a fresh take in his scenic designs. Without spoilers, may any one describe a little bit more on the set?"

Miriam Buether is a woman, not a man."

I never saw a profile of her anywhere and I apologize for my ignorance!

The play is about as bleak as it gets. If you are in good spirits entering the theatre, you might as well jettison them at the door; this play will make quick work of them. It definitely needs an intermission.

Glenda Jackson deserves high praise for her performance. Laurie Metcalf is very good.

The set is handsome.

After Eight, genuine question here. What's your opinion of Albee?

Sally Durant Plummer said: "After Eight, genuine question here. What's your opinion of Albee?"

Updated On: 3/2/18 at 12:17 AM

kade.ivy, I obviously can't speak to Three Tall Women yet since I wasn't at tonight's preview (moved my cancelled ticket to later this month!), but I wouldn't miss The Band's Visit for the world. It's one of my all-time favorites. Gorgeous, personal, deeply moving. (And a surefire bet for Best Musical and Best Lead Actress this year.)

Is there anything else you'd consider moving to see this show?

Thank you for the words on the show. I'm so, so so excited to see this. How great was Laurie's monologue when she yelled at her son? That part gave me chills when I read it.

RUSHED three tall women this morning. Got there at 9:50am and was 2nd in line. Bought 2 Rush tickets at $40 each in Row A of Rear Mezz. Really looking forward to seeing this after hearing all the buzz from last night!!