This is a class production. It is so spot
on in many different ways. Take the choice of venue for a start. The
Studio in Hill Street Theatre is big enough to seat I suppose around
100 people. Therefore, it is big enough to give an audience
‘buzz’ but not to big to see every nuance of Susan Claassen’s
fascinating and spellbinding performance. Also, it allows Ms
Claassen to engage in charming and witty conversation with the
audience. Moreover, the set is visible showing an array of
photographs of the stars she dressed and the full recreations of two
of her ball gowns.
Who was Edith Head? Some facts and figures
will demonstrate her importance in Hollywood film history. She was
involved in over 1000 films; she won 8 Academy Awards; she dressed
numerous stars such as Mae West, Bette Davis and Grace Kelly; she
worked for directors such as Cecil B DeMille and Alfred Hitchcock.
Thus her output was prodigious over a 58 year period and few of us
have not seen an Edith Head creation either in film or photograph.
This imagined ‘Conversation’ is set in
1981 just before she died at the age of 84. She recounts her life in
the film industry, taking questions from the audience and even
suggesting ways of improving their mode of dress - all done with
great style.
This is a must see show for film buffs but,
if you are not, go along for the sheer entertainment value.
*****
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