| I saw the Bay Street production (2004), which was in two acts, and very much enjoyed Charles Busch's performance, but agree it was rather superficial. I remember being astounded by all the costume changes -- one, it seemed, for each of the 25 scenes. As for the casting, there was a great deal of doubling -- Penny Fuller played both Vera Charles and Mother Burnside, and Gordana Rashovich did Agnes Gooch and 3 other roles. Max Van Essen had 5 roles including the older Patrick. What I remember best about the production was an electrical malfunction that doused the lights near the end of Act One and it was 45 minutes before they could pick up where they left off. If the production got great reviews it probably would have ended up off-Broadway, where it might have been whipped into better shape, but the reviews were mixed, and -- alas -- it never made it. I still think Busch well suited to Mame and if he were to return in the role I wouldn't miss it. But what are the chances of that? As others have pointed out -- Mame Dennis may be an artifact of an era that has passed. |
