Agreed. It’s a very cool book.
It’s ever-interesting to me that Alexis Smith’s Phyllis eclipsed Dorothy Collins’ Sally in the original (in terms of awards and attention) even though, in my memory, Collins was the brilliant soul of the production. And, oddly, since then, it seems that the revivals focus around Sally (Peters, Staunton).
Something about Alexis Smith and that red dress? It also bears considering that Phyllis, as a character, seems to ultimately win, and we like winners. I’m just babbling. Wish I coulda seen this one live. But I’m concerned that Sally may have evolved into a Gena Rowlands “woman under the influence” type...when I thought she, as a character, was meant to be better at keeping it together. Appearances are a huge part of the show’s theme, especially for Phyllis and Sally. |
