Goodman Theatre presents WAR PAINT, a new musical starring two-time Tony Award winners Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole as cosmetics titans Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden, respectively. WAR PAINT runs tonight, June 28, through August 14, 2016.
As previously announced, John Dossett portrays Tommy Lewis, Miss Arden's husband and chief marketing manager, and Douglas Sills portrays Harry Fleming, Madame Rubinstein's clubby confidante and faithful ally.
Completing the cast of the world premiere production are Mary Ernster, Leslie Donna Flesner,David Girolmo, Joanna Glushak, Chris Hoch, Mary Claire King, Steffanie Leigh, Erik Liberman, Barbara Marineau, Stephanie Jae Park and Angel Reda.
A world premiere musical by librettist Doug Wright, composer Scott Frankel and lyricist Michael Korie, WAR PAINT tells the story of Helena Rubinstein (LuPone) and Elizabeth Arden (Ebersole), who defined beauty standards for the first half of the 20th Century. Brilliant innovators with humble roots, both women were masters of self-invention who sacrificed everything to become the country's first major female entrepreneurs. They were also fierce competitors, whose 50-year tug-of-war would give birth to an industry. From Fifth Avenue society to the halls of Congress, their remarkable rivalry was ruthless, relentless and legendary-pushing both women to build international empires in a world dominated by men. Michael Greif directs and Christopher Gattelli choreographs.
I'm so bummed I won't be able to get to Chicago to see this, but I'm so excited to read and hear everyone's reactions and reviews! (I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the rumored Broadway transfer will come to fruition.)
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
I'll be there tonight too! As an added bonus, I'll be at the same show as Whizzer, who's reviews I've enjoyed for years. Patti, Christine and now Whizzer....that's a good evening!
I am thrilled to see this! I am so happy that Goodman decided to host a pre-Broadway show. My tickets aren't until mid-July because I bought a season to ensure I received them.
Are we certain this is going to Broadway? What if it is poorly received?
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
I'm sure a Broadway transfer isn't 100% planned, but I would be shocked if a show starring Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole that gets great reviews doesn't transfer.
I hope this is as good as it sounds on paper. Frankel and Korie's work on Grey Gardens was terrific, and I'd love to see Patti originate another great role. I just hope this doesn't turn out to be a Women on the Verge scenario.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
I just hope this doesn't turn out to be a Women on the Verge scenario.
Me, too. I made a special trip to see that and I'm making a special trip to see this. If it turns out to be a total mess, I will officially consider myself to be a show jinx!
RippedMan said: "Whizzer are you going to see Spongebob too?
I'm mad at myself for not planning better and getting tickets for the matinee tomorrow, but sadly I'm flying back to New York tomorrow morning. I see the banners up all over town for it though- Book of Mormon too- but so far I haven't seen any War Paint advertising.
Also, with so many of in this thread going to the first preview tonight it's too bad we didn't plan a dinner or drinks thing beforehand.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!