Images: 
Total Rating: 
***
Opened: 
October 15, 2002
Ended: 
March 30, 2003
Country: 
USA
State: 
New York
City: 
New York
Company/Producers: 
Niclas Nagler in assoc w/ Mandy Greenfield & Mad Empire Theatricals
Theater Type: 
off-Broadway
Theater: 
Zipper Theater
Running Time: 
90 min
Genre: 
Revue
Author: 
BETTY: Alyson Palmer, Amy Ziff, Elizabeth Ziff
Director: 
Michael Greif
Review: 

Girls with electric guitars - even after Chrissie Hynde, Heart, the Bangles, etc. - it's still a relatively rare and empowering sight. So when Elizabeth Ziff cranks up her Gibson and giraffe-like Alyson Palmer thumps her thumb to the bass, there's a gusto and freedom present that goes beyond just the basic energy you get from hearing rock and roll. BETTY Rules follows the 17- year history of the New York trio, sisters Elizabeth and Amy and their partner in harmony, Alyson. Since their true-life journey began - and now continues - in downtown New York, it hasn't exactly been a yellow brick road.

These aren't choirgirls, and the music business isn't Wonkaville. But their story of persistence and enduring friendship, told in rapid flashbacks, recreated arguments ("I've got the talking stick!") and original songs has genuine warts-and-all charm. They're not womyn with a "y"; they're women with a "why not!".

Parental: 
adult themes, profanity, brief nudity
Cast: 
BETTY: Alyson Palmer, Amy Ziff, Elizabeth Ziff
Technical: 
Set/Lighting: Kevin Adams; Sound: David A. Arnold; GM: Foster Entertainment/Jessica R. Jenen; PR/Mktg: Karpel Group; PM: Josh Helman; PSM: Sarah Bittenbender
Other Critics: 
PERFORMING ARTS INSIDER Richmond Shepard +
Critic: 
David Lefkowitz
Date Reviewed: 
November 2002