Taken from a 1975 documentary film,
”
Grey Gardens
”
takes us on a poignant journey of two creatures of their time
whose souls were bound together by a love so strong that their
surroundings and time could not separate what was real and
imaginary.
Taken from a 1975 documentary film, “Grey Gardens” takes us on a poignant journey of two creatures of their time whose souls were bound together by a love so strong that their surroundings and time could not separate what was real and imaginary. This is an unusual musical with odd lyrics and music that seem to somehow fit the atmosphere of the piece.
A superb performance by Beth Glover in the roles of Edith Bouvier Beale (Big Edie) in the first act and Little Edie Beale in the second act brings the art to a new level.
A strong cast, Kent Nicholson’s delicate direction and William Liberatore conducting brings this interesting, award winning work to a grand offering in fine theatre.
The first act of “Grey Gardens” begins in 1941 when Big Edie holds court as a high society matron. Debutante daughter Little Edie is about to become engaged to Joe Kennedy Jr. who has high political aspirations. The home is pristine with beautiful, tasteful furniture and servants. Children Jackie Bouvier and her sister Lee visit the trendy East Hampton mansion to ride the ponies and visit with their aunt and cousins. The engagement does not come off and Big Edie’s husband sues for divorce.
The second act shifts to 32 years later to a house that has become an eyesore to the posh community with dozens of cats, garbage inoperable appliances and plumbing, and as far as the health department is concerned unlivable. Big Edie (Dale Soules) and Little Edie (Beth Glover) live with unabashed dignity and poverty not letting their disintegrating surroundings enter their eccentric lives.
(The story is true and Jackie Kennedy and her sister Lee came to their rescue to save the house and support its upkeep.)
There are moments of sheer frustration throughout the production and moments of sheer gems of ideals and feelings. For an evening of the usual, TheatreWorks fine theatre “Grey Gardens” will deliver.
Camille Bounds is the arts and entertainment editor for the Western Division of Sunrise publications.
