The Women is a 1936 American play, a comedy of manners by Clare Boothe Luce. Only women compose the cast.
The original Broadway production, directed by Robert B. Sinclair, opened on December 26, 1936, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where it ran for 657 performances with an all-female cast that included Margalo Gillmore, Ilka Chase, Betty Lawford, Jessie Busley, Phyllis Povah, Marjorie Main, and Arlene Francis.
Synopsis The play is a commentary on the pampered lives and power struggles of various wealthy Manhattan socialites and up-and-coming women and the gossip that propels and damages their relationships. While men frequently are the subject of their lively discussions and drive the action on-stage, they never are seen or heard.
Production Following a premiere December 7, 1936, at the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia, The Women opened December 26, 1936, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City. Produced by Max Gordon, the original Broadway production was directed by Robert B. Sinclair with settings by Jo Mielziner and costumes by John Hambleton.
The play was revived on Broadway in 1973 at the 46th Street Theatre, running April 25-June 17, with 63 performances. It was directed by Morton Da Costa, with scenic design by Oliver Smith, costume design by Ann Roth, and lighting design by John Gleason. Other supporting staff included: production stage manager Victor Straus; stage managers Nick Malekos and Suzanne Egan; costume supervisor Ray Diffen; press representatives Shirley Herz and Stuart Fink.
A second revival opened November 8, 2001, at the American Airlines Theatre and closed January 13, 2002, after 77 performances. Production staff included Director Scott Elliott, with assisting direction by Marie Masters; production stage manager Peter Hanson; stage manager Valerie A. Peterson; scenic designer Derek McLane; costume designer Isaac Mizrahi; lighting designer Brian MacDevitt; and sound designer Douglas J. Cuomo. Jeff Francis did hair design, and Gary Arave designed the wigs.
Cast RoleProduction1936 Broadway1939 film1973 revival2001 revival2008 filmSylvia FowlerIlka ChaseRosalind RussellAlexis SmithKristen JohnstonAnnette BeningMary HainesMargalo GillmoreNorma ShearerKim HunterCynthia NixonMeg RyanCrystal AllenBetty LawfordJoan CrawfordMarie WallaceJennifer TillyEva MendesLittle MaryCharita BauerVirginia WeidlerCynthia ListerHallie Kate EisenbergMrs. MoreheadJessie BusleyLucile WatsonMyrna LoyMary Louise WilsonMiss WattsVirgilia ChewRuth HusseyLeora DanaSusan BruceMiriam AaronsAudrey ChristiePaulette GoddardRhonda FlemingLynn CollinsCountess de LageMargaret DouglasMary BolandJan MinerRue McClanahanLucyMarjorie MainPolly RowlesJulie HalstonPeggy DayAdrienne MardenJoan FontaineMarian HaileyAmy RyanMiss TrimmerbackMary MurrayMary Beth HughesElizabeth PerryAnn TalmanNancy BlakeJane SeymourFlorence NashMary Louise WilsonLisa EmeryJaneAnn TeemanMuriel HutchisonRegina RessHeather MatarazzoMaggieMary CecilMary Bond DavisCloris LeachmanPrincess TamaraArlene FrancisJeanne DeBaerRoxanna HopeHeleneArlene FrancisCaryll CoanRoxanne HopeMrs. WagstaffEthel JacksonCamila AshlandBarbara MarineauEdith PotterPhyllis PovahDorothy LoudonJennifer CoolidgeSadieMarjorie WoodCamila AshlandCheryl Stern
Adaptations Film The 1939 film version was directed by George Cukor and starred Norma Shearer and Joan Crawford. Supporting cast included Rosalind Russell, Paulette Goddard, Joan Fontaine and Mary Boland.
In 1956, the story was made into a musical film titled The Opposite Sex, starring June Allyson and Joan Collins.
Diane English co-wrote and directed the 2008 remake that was in development for 15 years. It starred Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Carrie Fisher, Cloris Leachman, Debi Mazar, Bette Midler, and Candice Bergen.
Television On February 7, 1955, the NBC anthology drama series Producers' Showcase broadcast an adaptation of the play, starring Ruth Hussey as Mary. Paulette Goddard and Mary Boland, who had each appeared in the 1939 film, also appeared in this production, as Sylvia Fowler and the Countess, respectively. Shelley Winters played the part of Crystal Allen,Life, February 28, 1955. while Mary Astor portrayed Nancy Blake and Bibi Osterwald was Edith Potter.
On June 18, 2002, the PBS anthology theatre series Stage on Screen broadcast a recording of the 2001 Broadway revival.
Awards and nominations
2001 Revival Year Award Category Nominee Result2002Drama Desk AwardsOutstanding Featured Actress in a PlayJennifer CoolidgeOutstanding Set Design in a PlayDerek McLaneOutstanding Costume DesignIsaac Mizrahi
References
External links
Turner Classic Movies article on The Women "The Women" Past & Present @ LaFemmeReel.com