The Wisdom of Eve

Having recently watched the film All About Eve, it being on the VCE syllabus this year, I was fascinated to catch The Wisdom of Eve, which the author of the original short story adapted from the film. There were significant differences in the latter stages, but I’m not sure if this was closer to the original story or further away.

The stage was split into two with one side being the star’s dressing room and the other the lounge room of various residences. With effective lighting this worked well.

The play opened with narration from Karen, the wife of the playwright, Lloyd Roberts, telling the story of Eve. As Karen, Lisa Upson maintained a dignified presence throughout the show and worked well with the other actors. She returned to continue the narration at various parts of the play but understandably left it for Margo to deliver the final narration after Eve had stolen her husband.

As her friend and aging star of the Broadway play, Margo Crane, Jane Menze was a tower of strength. She was alternatively autocratic, fiery and vulnerable. As her manipulative usurper, Eve, Susie Kazda maintained an eager naivety until the claws came out. Both were excellent in their respective roles.

With such strong female roles, the men became supporting actors but Tony Clayton was convincing as the writer and Bill Mitchell less so as the producer.

The American accents were maintained well and the timing was good. Often a scene would finish with one person on stage contemplating what had happened and there was no rush to change the scene. This was very effective.

The audience was enthusiastic, though I was surprised at the number of fluffed lines on the second weekend. Another good effort from this excellent company.

Graham Ford