The Third Story is a trip to the strange pseudo-noir fantasy world of Charles Busch, the master of fairytale camp, and he, the writer, plays two roles: a Grande Diva and an old witch. His comic timing is impeccable - he's a master. And there's Kathleen Turner, a stylized full-blown Diva in a dominating role. Vocally she's Tallulah Bankhead; physically she's Harvey in "Hairspray." She's great.
Sarah Rafferty, Jennifer Van Dyck and Scott Parkinson are all terrifically strong farceurs, and Jonathan Walker is Raymond Chandler all the way. The intricate fol-de-rol, mixing together the plots of three stories unfolding, is lots of fun as most of them play two characters.
David Gallo's set, Gregory Gale's costumes and David Weiner's lighting are all just right, and Carl Andress's direction keeps it snappy. Fine performances, lots of fun. And then it begins to wear a little. By intermission, I was camped out, and cut out. I had a great time, but an hour was enough for me.
Previews:
January 14, 2009
Opened:
February 2, 2009
Ended:
March 15, 2009
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
MCC Theater (Robert LuPone & Bernard Telsey, artistic dirs)
Theater Type:
off-Broadway
Theater:
Lucille Lortel Theater
Theater Address:
121 Christopher Street
Website:
mcctheater.org
Genre:
Comedy
Director:
Carl Andress
Review:
Cast:
Kathleen Turner, Charles Busch, Jennifer Van Dyck, Scott Parkinson, Sarah Rafferty, Jonathan Walker.
Technical:
Set: David Gallo; Cost: Gregory Gale; Light: David Weiner; Sound: Chris Luessmann; Music: Lewis Flinn.
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
February 2009
