Craig, Lenk, and Miller played female characters in their shows. I didn't see Whoopi on stage in Forum, but in the clips I've seen of her on-line, she makes no attempt to play the role as a man.
Harvey Fierstein, Charles Busch, and Brian Bedford in Hairspray, The Divine Sister, and Earnest played their respective roles credibly as women.
When I saw King Lear last year, Glenda Jackson disappeared into the role and I only saw the character Lear on stage. However, 3 years ago in Chicago I saw a production of Picnic in which Hal was played by a female performer who I knew to be a fine actor. Her hair was cut sort, she dressed like a guy, and her line readings were appropriate, but never for a minute did I believe I was seeing a man on stage as Hal. The performance was well done and I don't regret seeing it, but it felt like I was watching Madge having a fling with another woman.
I'm open to what ART is trying to do. I don't think it's impossible, but I would be hesitant to buy a ticket until I heard comments from others who had seen it. |
