In this classic American comedy, heroine Marian Froude is a gorgeous, renowned and promiscuous portrait painter whose subjects include the powerbrokers of the time. When she is approached to write her biography, her subjects come running and the comedy explodes into a maddening clash of ethics and ideas. The show is remarkably undated, thanks to the public's never-ending passion for personal memoirs, and also surprisingly modern, with proto-feminist Froude as the Bohemian artist who refuses to follow the conventions of the day.
This smash hit comes directly from its run at The Schoolhouse Theater in Croton Falls. Directed by Pamela Moller Kareman.
"In (the arresting) Biography, thanks to Henry Caserotti, we get to see the virtually finished portrait that Marion Froude (the absolutely astonishing Tracy Shayne) is painting. I applaud the three producers -Mare Nostrum Elements, Theatre 808, and The Schoolhouse Theater - as well director Pamela Moller Kareman for going the extra mile." - Peter Filichia's Diary
"Tracy Shayne shines."
"Astute direction."
"The company delivers...with panache...but what really stands front and center is Behrman's play. Called "adult," "mature," "provocative," "intelligent," and "sinewy" by the New York critics at its premiere, it's still all of that more than 75 years later." - Backstage
"a welcome revival...well acted...an entertaining and nostalgic experience."
- Wolf Entertainment Guide
"There are many pleasures in the cheeky production...it's a clever tale, well played, Cowardesque but sincere." - The NY Times
User Reviews
Read what our TM Insiders had to say about Biography!
This is the most fun Ive had at the theater in ages. Tracy Shane is incredible in the lead, as are all the supporting actors.The cast is superb in bringing the timeless play to life-- under the guiding hand of the plays director, Pamela Moller Kareman. Ive seen the play 3 times and would absolutely go back a 4th time. The writing is so multi-layered that I find new reasons to laugh with each viewing. A must-see!
rating: 5 stars · posted on 11/28/2009 at 10:26 AM
I saw Behrmans Biography not knowing what to expect and was thoroughly entertained. From the set, to the costumes, to the cast Biography was warm and witty. I especially enjoyed the composer, played by Tyne Firmin, who gave the most genuine portrayal aside from Tracy Shayne as Marion Froude. Id go see this if I were you!
I didnt think a play from the 30s would be my cup of tea. Boy, was I wrong. This production was wonderful. Most of the cast were new to me, but that didnt matter, they were all fantastic; and really funny. Im a big fan of Tracy Shayne after this. Its all about her!!!
P.S. Simon MacLean is soooooooooo cute!
rating: 5 stars · posted on 11/22/2009 at 10:48 AM
I loved this show. The cast is terrific and they had me laughing my @#$ off. I have seen actress Cheryl Orsini play the vamp to great effect many times, but she blew me away with her performance as the German maid. I almost didnt recognize her. This show is the perfect play for the holiday season.
rating: 5 stars · posted on 11/22/2009 at 10:34 AM
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