March 08, 2006

'Grey Gardens' musical opens Off-Broadway

Mixed reviews today greeted the musical of the "Grey Gardens" documentary about the eccentric Kennedy kin that opened Off-Broadway last night.

A sample of the reviews:

Hollywood Reporter - "Grey Gardens" -- the 1976 Maysles Brothers documentary about life in a rundown East Hampton mansion inhabited by eccentric Edith Bouvier Beale, 79, and 57-year-old daughter Edie -- seems an unlikely source for a musical. Be that as it may, the part-comic, part-tragic tale of Jackie Kennedy's aunt and cousin adds up to an unexpectedly fascinating package.

New York Times - "Ms. Ebersole's Edie, it must be noted, is a pearl of incalculable price in a show that is, at best, costume jewelry."

Variety - "Familiarity with the film aids immeasurably in full appreciation, but that in no way diminishes the achievement of this boldly imaginative show."

Post - "Beginning with its ill-conceived premise, the problems with the show are legion. They begin with a first act that should have been jettisoned."

Dailly News - "Lusciously designed and stunningly performed, "Grey Gardens" brings great wit and luster to a hitherto dreary musical season."

The show plays the Playwrights Horizons/Mainstage Theater, located at 416 W. 42nd Street, map, through April 9.

March 8, 2006 08:32 AM in Broadway

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