Elaine Stritch at Liberty

90 Minutes • NR

Showings

Lark Theater Thu, Sep 13, 2018 6:30 PM
Lark Theater Sat, Sep 15, 2018 1:00 PM
Film Info
Event Type:Captured Live
Release Year:2002
Rating:NR
Genre:Comedy
Documentary
Music

Description

The show consists of spoken monologues from Stritch following her life and career, interspersed with showtunes and pop standards which compliment her stories. Many of these songs had been previously sung by Stritch in major productions, such as "The Ladies Who Lunch" from Company and "Civilization" from Angel in the Wings which she originated on Broadway. Her experiences and relationship with show business are focal points, but she also explores more intimate, personal themes like her alcoholism and romantic relationships


Originally directed and produced by George C. Wolfe at The Public Theater, the show premiered on November 7, 2001. After quickly selling out, the original engagement was extended twice: once until December 30th and then until January 6th, 2002. The show then transferred to Broadway, opening on February 21, 2002 in the Neil Simon Theatre, where it ran for 69 performances before closing on May 26 of that year. Stritch continued to perform the show at regional and international venues


The production opened to rave reviews, described by theater critic Steven Suskin as "the best set of critical love letters since Lena Horne [with The Lady and Her Music]." The Broadway production was recognized with the 2002 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event and the 2002 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical. Stritch also won the 2002 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance, while George C. Wolfe was nominated for his direction and Jonathan Tunick for his orchestrations.