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A CurtainUp Review
Love, Linda-The Life of Mrs. Cole Porter
| I'm not accustomed to being on stage. I spent most of my life sitting where you are — observing, and remaining well within my comfort zone of privacy.
But there have been so many questions raised through the years about me, and the life I chose to share with a very talented man -some of which I'd like to try to answer; and it seems fitting to do so right here, in the world we knew so well; the world that shined with his magical words and music.— Linda Porter from Love, Linda
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Stevie Holland as Linda Porter
(Photo: 150 Productions ) |
Whether it's theater or cabaret— is that really important? The show features Cole Porter's music and you can't beat that. Anchoring it all is the love Linda shared with Cole Porter. Directed by Ben West, this emphasis is quickly set with the Kiss Me Kate standard, "So In Love".
The problem with Love, Lindais that less is sometimes just too little. Written by Stevie Holland and her husband, composer/arranger Gary William Friedman, the racing story is a superficial monologue offering a taste of plot and then the song— or, unfortunately, just part of a song. Linda, for example, was born into great wealth and her parents taught her the importance of beauty and art, but she was never prepared for love. This advances into a few bars of "What Is This Thing Called Love?" The snippet of song is not enough to be relevant. Contrast this with her weighty rendition of "In the Still of the Night" adding to the drama of her grief when Cole falls in love with a young dancer.
Holland adapts a slight southern drawl for Linda, one of the illustrious Virginia Lees and born in Louisville, Kentucky. At 17 she married Edward R. Thomas, a newspaper mogul who abused her. She eventually divorced him, a scandal in early 20th century. At age 36 she met Cole Porter who was not particularly handsome, eight years younger and wealthy — but not in her league. Still she insists "I knew in my heart we were a perfect match", emphasized with the sensuality expressed in, "All of You".
Linda was devoted to Cole and his talent. She inspired him, encouraged him, was a loving playmate. For her, he cast a light that dispelled the abuse she had suffered with Edward. All she wanted and needed was his love. She accepted his weaknesses and tolerated his homosexual affairs as long as they were discreetly kept within their own social circle.
When the couple moved to Hollywood, however, Cole became reckless with his "suntanned Adonises" and Linda finally left him. While most of the selections bolster the story's emotional weight, one choice is puzzling. To emphasize how much Linda missed Cole during their separation, Holland delivers a saucy, "My Heart Belongs to Daddy". Cole Porter was certainly not this heiress' sugar daddy. There was no doubt about their love and when Cole had a tragic riding accident that crippled him for life, she returned to his side. Their marriage lasted for 35 years, until her death in 1954. The final song, "When a Woman's in Love" reveals, "I say that when a woman's in love/From her one love she wanders never". Porter understood his wife when he wrote that song in 1943.
Stevie Holland has a confident vocal tone with swing and a jazz inflection. Behind her is a strong trio with Landon Knoblock on piano, Peter Brendler on bass and drummer Jeff Davis. But Love, Linda would be more satisfying if expanded, with Linda Lee Porter's decisions, ambitions, and emotions further explored. She was a fascinating woman, living a dazzling life, a sophisticate moving in cosmopolitan circles. While the atmosphere is set on the Triad stage with vases of red roses and a glass of champagne for Linda Porter to brandish, Love, Linda offers a mere soupçon of a full tantalizing story.
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Love, Linda by Stevie Holland and Gary William Friedman Directed by Ben West Cast: Stevie Holland Music and Lyrics: Cole Porter Musical arrangements and orchestrations: Gary William Friedman Costume Design: Pamela Dennis Jewelry Design: Verdura Running Time: 1 hours 10 minutes including intermission Theater: The Triad Theater, 158 W. 72 St. Tickets: $35 plus two-drink minimum. For reservations call Theatermania at 212-352-3101 or visit Theatermania.com. Performances: Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11 and 18 at 8PM and Saturdays, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14 and 21 at 9:15 PM. From 10/28/09 to 11/21/09 Review by Elizabeth Ahlfors based on performance 11/04/09 |
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South Pacific
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Playbill 2007-08 Yearbook
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