Which they must do, of course, as the day wears on. Fine light design by Jeff Toombs suggests time's passage via the windows, and Sturdivant's cast is remarkably savvy at conveying the effects of alcohol and increased candor over these hours. The women's evolving tensions and empathies feel utterly authentic as they reveal pasts and desires, upbraid and affirm each other, and critique their families and the world. Sometimes this commentary is fluffy (noting nail polish colors are always named after food); other times the script takes a turn for the heavy-handed (Mindy observing that the entrenched patriarchy is screwing everything up). Either way, the cast triumphs in keeping all these confidences taut, believable, and as much fun as swigging free bottles of Veuve.
Booze can be a great catalyst, and ultimately Five Women uses it for the powers of good, in the service of classical comedy: These very different women, brought briefly together, dig up their old stuff and wind up poised for new — new romance, new acceptance, new resolutions about how they want to live. With its smart, vibrant performances, Portland Players' Five Women is a scintillating toast to renaissance.
Megan Grumbling can be reached at mgrumbling@hotmail.com.
FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS by Alan Ball | Directed by Linda Sturdivant | Produced by Portland Players, in South Portland | through November 23 | 207.799.7337
Related:
Review: La Cage aux Folles, Mixin' it up, Vampires want more than just blood, More 
- Review: La Cage aux Folles
La Cage aux Folles at Portland Players
- Mixin' it up
First on my dance card this fall is the Good Theater's The Little Dog Laughed (September 17-October 11), a scathing comedy about Hollywood, a closeted actor's indiscretions with a hustler, and his agent's desperate clean-up duties.
- Vampires want more than just blood
In these trying times, we've shunned wizards for vampires
- 27 Dresses
Well, I always cry at movies about weddings.
- Weddings
Classical ballet is full of third-act weddings.
- Skipping gaily down the aisle
Enough about political justice; bring on the celebrity weddings!
- Confetti
British theater veteran Debbie Isitt’s mock-documentary follows three couples in the title bridal magazine’s contest for the “Most Original Wedding of the Year,” the prize being a million-dollar dream home . Watch the trailer for Confetti (QuickTime)
- It's time to party!
Doug Kimmel and Ron Schwiser were married 40 years ago by a Presbyterian minister. They've lived in Hancock — where they pay taxes, attend church, and volunteer in the community — for more than 20 years. Yet, they are virtual strangers in the eyes of the law. They are denied the more than 400 legal rights and benefits that come with marriage under Maine law.
- The Big Hurt: Strung Out
A friend of mine is getting married soon, and she's been looking around for some classy wedding music.
- Vessels + dresses
I bought the dress.
- Get ready, get set...
That’s just some male fantasy about virginity. It’s totally archaic.
- Less
Topics:
Theater
, Weddings, Katharine Hepburn, Alan Ball, More
, Weddings, Katharine Hepburn, Alan Ball, Portland Players, Portland Players, Less
