Rubbing elbows and sitting knee to knee with one of your childhood theatrical idols seemed like a dream come true for author Elizabeth Fuller when the iconic star Bette Davis moved into her Weston home, streamer trunk in tow. The year was 1985 and a chance meeting with Ms. Davis led her to arrive on Liz's doorstep for a day or two until the New York hotel strike ended. After all they had met the night before when Liz invited a friend to dinner and that friend brought her house guest, Ms Bette Davis, along for what would turn out to be "a bumpy ride."
To learn all the ins and outs, and ups and downs, of their unique friendship, go to the Snapple Theater, 210 West 50th Street, New York City for an intimate acquaintance with the two ladies in question. Liz Fuller stars as her delightful self, her husband John, her four year old son Christopher, her grandmother and her evangelical friend Grace as she interacts with her idol of stage and screen, brought to astonishing life by Kelly Moore.
Liz is at turns idealistic, ecstatic, bewildered, frustrated, overwhelmed and companionable as she welcomes the two time Oscar winner into her "cottage" home. What was to be a singular experience for 24 to 48 hours turns into a marathon adventure, as the demanding and opinionated star takes command of the household. Her mattress isn't firm enough, the chicken isn't cooked enough, the drieveway has too many potholes, and yet Ms. Davis manages to call Paris and Rome on a regular basis and get her gourmet needs met quite adequately. She also gives Master Christopher an education, making him a miniature clone of herself.
As the days roll into weeks, Liz's long suffering husband issues an ultimatum: either she goes or I do. How will the first lady of the American screen react to this threat? Who will win this battle thirty-one days in the making? Director Mark Graham keeps the laughter and delicious wit bubbling to the surface.
For tickets ($65), call the Snapple Thater at 212-921-7862 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Performances are at 5 p.m. Saturdays only.
Come see "The Woman Who Came to Dinner" and forgot to leave. You'll be charmed.
I've been reading some books by Elizabeth Fuller, and wanted to send her an e-mail message. There's no presence on the internet,. no Facebook, no website, nothing. Can your help?
ReplyDelete