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CurtainUp The Internet Theater Magazine of Reviews, Features,
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A CurtainUp Review
Woman of the World
By Paulanne Simmons
However, after the couple moved to Amherst, Mass. when Todd became astronomy professor at Amherst College, Mabel bloomed. She joined the church choir. She became involved in local theater. She wrote and lectured about her travels with David in search of solar eclipses. She mingled with the literati. In fact, she even began a long affair with Emily Dickinson’s married brother, Austin. After Emily died, she became a controversial editor of the poet’s work. This is the story recounted in Rebecca Gilman’s A Woman of the World, now making its premiere at 59E59 Theaters, under the direction of Valentina Fratti. The luminous Kathleen Chalfant is Mabel Loomis Todd. The solo show is set in the parlor of the Point Breeze Inn on Hog Island, Maine, in 1931, where Mabel, at 75, is addressing a small group of admirers. Among those admirers is her own daughter, Millicent. Although Millicent never speaks, Mabel frequently addresses her. Mabel’s reactions make it clear Millicent is both embarrassed and annoyed by much of what her mother reveals. Certainly, Mabel paints herself as a free spirit. And as a “Woman of the World” in late 1800s New England, she knows she’s considered a fallen woman. For Mabel, this is a badge of honor. Yet, inexplicably, she can’t seem to understand why old friends drop her or why some people in Dickinson’s family don’t seem to approve of her relationship with Austin. In fact, she seems to be at a loss when Austin’s wife, Sue, treats her disrespectfully. Mabel’s most ardently wishes Sue dead so she can marry Austin. Although she claims she still loves the philandering David (who understandably does not object to her relationship with Austin), she is convinced the love between her and Austin is special and “ordained.” However, the spiciest part of her tale involves a 4-way romp with Austin, David, Mabel and Mabel’s cousin, Caro. Some people may indeed find Mabel’s meandering stroll through her past amusing. Others may find it tawdry. Mabel’s revelations are especially troubling, considering her daughter is in the audience. But the other problem with the play is that Mabel just isn’t that interesting, especially in these times, when her activities are hardly shocking. Most likely she would be entirely forgotten without her relationship with Dickinson (whom, she admits, she never actually met). Most of the entertainment value of this long monologue comes from Chalfant, who is, as always, magnificent. The role is a natural for this distinguished septuagenarian, and she makes the most of it. She is alternately passionate, nasty, naïve and worldly. She is even a touch of a poet. But despite Chalfont’s best efforts, Gilman’s considerable talents as a writer, and the perfectly appropriate, intimate nature of the venue, sometimes it seems Gilman might have been better off writing about someone who is more than occasionally intriguing, someone really important — like Emily Dickinson.
| Search CurtainUp in the box below PRODUCTION NOTES A Woman of the Worldv by Rebecca Gilman Directed by Valentina Fratti With Kathleen Chalfant as Mabel Loomis Todd Set Design: Cate McCrae Costume Design: Candice Donnelly Lighting Design: Margaret Montagna Production Stage Manager: Nina Trotto Running Time: 1 hour 15 minutes, no intermission 59E59 Theaters, 59 E 59 Street between Park and Madison, www.59e59.org From 10/24/2019; opening 10/30/2019; closing 11/17/2019 Tuesday-Friday at 7:30PM, Saturday at 2:20PM and 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30PM, added performances 10/7 & 10/14 at 2:30PM Tickets: $25-$35 ($26 for 59E59 Members) Reviewed by Paulanne Simmons Oct, 25, 2019< REVIEW FEEDBACK Highlight one of the responses below and click "copy" or"CTRL+C"
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