The Lady from Dubuque
Theatre Royal Haymarket, London 20 March to 9 June 2007
For a strictly limited season only, Maggie Smith makes
a long-anticipated return to the London stage in The Lady from Dubuque .
Written by America’s
greatest living playwright, Edward Albee, and directed by
Anthony Page (work includes the award-winning Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and
The Goat or Who is Sylvia?) this production reunites the glorious and dynamic
trio who last worked together on the West End successes Three Tall Women
and A Delicate Balance.
Jo and Sam are having a party. As the drinks keep flowing the frivolous
party games take a darker turn and it becomes clear that lurking beneath
Jo’s belligerent wit is bitter pain. As the party draws to a close
an unexpected guest and her mysterious black companion arrive. Will they
bring Jo the comfort she craves? Will The Lady From Dubuque ever answer the
question: ‘Who are you?’
Audience's reviews:
I disagree with some of the London Reviews - although this
is not Albee's best play by far nor is it his worst. The cast is largely
American but it is the tightest ensemble I have seen in years. Led by wonderful
Robert Sella who has the hardest role of the show followed by Catherine McCormack
who gives an all too real performance of what dying looks and feels like.
Other Highlights are The hysterical and touching Jenifer Regan, Chris Larkin
(Smith's son) who shows great range cast totally out of type and yet terrific
and the sauve and witty Peter Francis James. And then there's Maggie... Smith
that is. She shines and looks to be enjoying herself she is hysterical, nakedly
honest, and moving by turns. She does not carry the show and yet without
her it wouldn't be the same. The greatest compliment I can give her is that
she knows how to be a part of a wonderful ensemble and they do her proud! 
Hans
Friedrichs (39) New York City
