FIRST LADY SUITE to 17th October 2009
First Lady Suite
By Michael John LaChiusa
Union Theatre 204 Union Street SE1 0LX to 17th October 2009
Tue- Sat 7.30pm. Mat Sun 3pm.
Runs 2hr One interval.
TICKETS: 0207 261 9876
www.upandcoming.webeden.co.uk
Review: Geoff Ambler 6th October 2009
The Presidents wives intrigue and entertain
The Union Theatre’s latest musical offering is a UK premier of an irreverent (almost) all female take on America’s First Ladies. Revised since its ’93 Broadway release First Lady now includes Michelle Obama, recently ensconced in the White House.
Bringing a new perspective to these ladies lives and at times embracing the surreal First Lady brings to the stage the lesser known wives of more prominent presidents, along with Jacqueline Kennedy; Or more accurately her aide, Mary Gallagher.
Gallagher’s story surrounds a rare journey for her on Air Force One, which we learn is en route to Dallas. A charming, engaging assistant, a little homesick, missing her cat and frustrated by her charge’s demands, leaving her “pooped”. When she eventually nods off she witnesses the assassination in a dream. Mamie Eisenhower takes a bizarre journey into her past to visit her husband, taking civil rights campaigner and opera singer Marian Anderson with her. Bess Truman’s appearance is as a domineering mother stifling her daughter’s performance. Eleanor Truman enjoys a flight with her long time companion, Lorena Hickok and Amelia Earhart.
In the last of the quartet First Lady endeavours to explore the character of Truman (Mrs) through her relationship with Hickok with intriguing results. Poppy Tierney, at her most expressive, delivers a fine portrayal of repressed jealousy, while watching Truman’s awe for the Aviatrix; Alex McNamara in drag is an hilarious Bess Truman but it is Abi Finley as timid, self effacing Mary Gallagher who is as charming and entertaining as ever, delivering an intricate performance that is enhanced by her proximity to the audience and captivates completely.
Musically the show never quite lives up to Finley’s scenes. The cast are all thoroughly capable but the score becomes discordant and is jarring at times. The writing however intrigues and some astute insights have been crafted into the dialogue. Director Rania Jumaily makes the most of some serious acting talents creating several appealing, strong female characters and some wonderful comedic moments.
Abi Finley: Mary Gallagher
Virginie Gilchrist: Evelyn Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt
Robine Landi: Lady Bird Johnson, Kay Summersby, Margaret Truman, Amelia Earhart
Claire Machin: Mamie Eisenhower
Alex McNamara: Presidential Aide, Dwight D Eisenhower, Bess Truman
Poppy Tierney: Jacqueline kennedy, Lorena Hickock
Annabelle Williams: Michelle Obama, Marian Anderson
Director: Rania Jumaily
Musical Director: Candida Caldicot
Movement Director: Luke Sheppard
Set and Costume Design: Libby Lee
2009-10-12 09:59:06