A bit of research reveals that a “Top Girl” is the ‘girl’
who over sees the other girls in any situation where women employees need to be
supervised. Top Girl may be the
person who intercedes between the male boss and the women worker bees in the
‘pink ghetto.'
In Act I in Caryl Churchill’s play introduces us to an
ambitious Marlene (Sally Hughes) who has invited prominent women from history
to lunch. Beautiful and poised , Marlene
fusses as the The Waitress (very efficient Alexandra Goodman) sees to the wine,
takes luncheon orders and expresses internal opinions about what’s what.
Isabella (Karianne Flaathen), Lady Nijo (Kimiko Gelman),
Dull Gret (Etta Devine), Pope Joan (Rhonda Aldrich) and Patient Griselda (Jeanne
Syquyia) arrive. Exposition
ensues. Survival has not been
easy.
Act II, Marlene is at work with co-workers in a London
office where the glass ceiling is about to be raised. Actors from Act I double and triple in new roles. Devine and Goodman return as
teenagers Angie and Kit.
Angie runs off to London to be with Marlene.
This ambitious piece is a strong polemic discussing the
trials of being a woman throughout the ages. Issues of child bearing factor strongly.
Stephen Gifford’s set moves beautifully. Literally. Costumes
by Terri A. Lewis work. The
business of feminism is only the tip of the iceberg. Women who understand and sympathetic men will
understand. It’s a strong
statement well presented. Director
Cameron Watson is, obviously, one of those men. Double cast as always at Anteaus, "The High Flyers" cast plays alternately with "The Ballbreakers". Check the website for specifics.
TOP GIRLS
By Caryl Churchill
Antaeus Theatre Company
5112 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Thursday through Sunday
March 13 through May 5, 2014
818 506 1983
$34 top
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