If you're a Christine Ebersole fanatic, or if you harbor an unquenchable curiosity for all things even peripherally Kennedy, you may be able to work up some genuine enthusiasm for this dreary, static adaptation of the Maysles Brothers' documentary, "Grey Gardens." Not qualifying on either count, I found myself questioning the critical kudos.
Boasting a script by Doug Wright, these Gardens are nicely manicured. Ebersole will certainly earn Tony Award consideration for her portrayal of self-absorbed Edith Bouvier Beale, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' eccentric aunt. After intermission, Ebersole switches to the other major role, "Little" Edie Beale, the tightly wrapped reclusive victim of "Big" Edie's overprotectiveness.
Grey Gardens itself is being touted for a Tony. Should it beat out Spring Awakening for the prize, I'll demand that the Warren Commission reconvene.
Previews:
October 3, 2007
Opened:
November 2, 2007
Ended:
July 29, 2008
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
East of Doheny, Staunch Entertainment, Randall L. Wreghitt, Mort Swinsky, Michael Alden and Edwin W. Schloss; in association w/ Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford: Artistic Director, Leslie Marcus: Managing Director)
Theater Type:
Broadway
Theater:
Walter Kerr Theater
Theater Address:
219 West 48th Street
Genre:
Musical
Director:
Michael Greif
Review:
Cast:
Christine Ebersole, Mary Louise Wilson
Other Critics:
TOTALTHEATER David Lefkowitz +
Critic:
Perry Tannenbaum
Date Reviewed:
January 2008
