s!W.nJ;Jffi.£!¢1-- Humor keeps play alive

by Chris Vesci staff writer

Penned by the Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Edward Albee, known for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," "Three Tall Women" proves to be a ponderous and deeply moving dive into an old woman's psyche. With an easily accessible story line, a few generous spurts of humor and a marvelous lead, this threewoman play presents itself with dignity and drive.

The first act consists of three nameless women on stage who are credited as A, B, and C in the Playbill. A, an elderly woman played by M' el Dowd, is loud and dramatic, struggling to come to terms with the close of her life. She presents episodes of her past in an array of disjointed memories, leaving the viewer both confused and compelled. B and C are the generous caretaker and skeptical lawyer, respectively. As A rambles, we learn of a tension between her and her son that was influenced by Albee's own relationship with his foster mother. Suddenly, she suffers a stroke, and the first act concludes. Act two commences with a shocking twist and a gasp-collecting surprise. Of course, I will not reveal the surprise, but the twist involves characters B and C. Now, instead of being a caretaker and lawyer, they have become representations of different times in .Ns life. C is A in her 20s, vibrant and fresh. B is A in her 50s, sly and cynic.

The three women, all tall of course, argue with one another and trade beliefs, stories, and expectations for the duration of the second act. This is expertly woven together, and the audience begins to fully understand the old woman's ramblings from act one. A fascinating examination of age and growth ensues.

A compromise is finally achieved when each woman explains why her age is the best. C is happy because she has her whole life ahead of her. B is grateful because she has learned a few things and will not repeat mistakes. And finally, A can be content in knowing that it all has an ending.

While both B and C are good enough, the real star of this show is M' el Dowd. She convincingly portrays a senile and boisterous elderly woman in act one but successfully opens her up in act two, allowing the audience to peer inside. This is essential, since the play is truly about her. All other areas of the Walnut's production are fine as well, including the set, lighting and sound, thus ensuring that "Three Tall Women" is an experience. One walks away feeling he has been residing in an old woman's mind for two hours. There is much substance to be sifted through.

Show information

• "Three Tall Women" will be runing at the Walnut Street Theater on Ninth and Walnut Streets until Apri125.

• Ticket prices range from$8 to $40. For information call (215) 5743770.

Student Art Exhibit

Opening on Sunday April 11, 1999 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Grace and Joseph Gorevin

Fine Arts Gallery

Second floor of the Holy Spirit Library

Through April 25, 1999.

Come view the creative works of the students of the Fine Arts Department.