Penny Fuller in 13 Things About Ed Carpolotti

[After Eight]

If you're a fan of Penny Fuller-- and I most definitely am-- then I recommend seeing her in her one-woman (+ one pianist) musical at 59E59, 13 Things About Ed Carpolotti.

She is just plain wonderful. In this 70 minute musical, she plays a woman dealing with the loss of her husband and the huge debts he has left her through shady business dealings. She gives a beautifully nuanced performance, evoking vulnerability, bewilderment, and bemusement. With humor and winsomeness, both humorous and touching, she reminisces about the past, cleverly mimics the various characters in her life as well as some film stars of long ago, and is altogether winning throughout.

The show itself offers rather slim pickings. It's fairly static, with some quirky humor and pleasant songs. The show's payoff doesn't really pay off.

But it's worth seeing for Penny Fuller.

[egghumor]

Who wrote and directed the show?

I saw Penny Fuller in REX (yes, REX!) and thought she was splendid -- the best thing about the show.

[After Eight]

^
Book, music and lyrics by Barry Kleinbort
Based on the play by Jeffrey Hatcher


Yes, she was great in Rex.

[GavestonPS]

Penny Fuller was brilliant in APPLAUSE. In my brief experience working with her, she was also a lovely human being.

She asked me to escort her to the opening night party when she did CALIFORNIA SUITE in Miami Beach (c. 1977) and we ended up at Miami's largest gay disco, dancing until last call. Wonderful woman and sharp-as-a-tack actress!

I don't know this new show, but I can't imagine it isn't worth the trip...