The Stage:
DEUCE

Deuce opened on May 5 in New York.

Music and lyrics by Terence McNally.

Directed by Michael Balakemore.

Opening on May 5 in New York City at the Music Box Theatre.

Cast:
Angela Lansbury as Leona Mullen
Marian Seldes as Midge Barker
Joanna P. Adler as Kelly Short
Brian Haley as Ryan Becker
Michael Mulhere as an admirer.

2007 saw the triumphant pairing of the Broadway legend Angela Lansbury and Marian Seldes onstage in the new play "Deuce". They starred as two former doubles tennis legends, reunited at a championship match, in Mr. McNally's warmly funny and unexpectedly moving new play. Receiving a nightly ovation from the contented audience matched perfectly the brilliant performance and showed how much the people liked these brilliant actresses - most of all Angela Lansbury.

Angela Lansbury played Leona Mullen and Marian Seldes played Midge Barker. During 1960s and early 1970s these two were the world's best and most celebrated women tennis players. A talented and excellent doubles team for many years, they retired in their late 30s and went on to have separate lives. "Deuce" showed their first reunion in more than ten years, at the U.S. Open in Forest Hills as guests of the tournament. In between matches today, Leona and Midge were shortly celebrated. While they waited for their moment back in the spotlight, they caught up with one another, reminisced about old times, and worked through special regrets, recriminations and anxieties. At the end both women found back their sympathy for each other and seemed to be on their way to resurrect their friendship.

Going to New York City and having this opportunity was an exciting experience. Many of Miss Lansbury's fans were longing for this for a along time and many of them went to see the play. And they got what they ever get when Miss Lansbury is involved - a brilliant stage moment to remember for ever. The beloved star of stage and screen has now vanished from stage again. But, she will never disappear from the hearts of those lucky enough to experience this magical "Deuce" event. We all hope her absence from stage won't last another long time because Angela is still at the top of her game.

For me, it was the most fulfilling and exciting event of the year. One I will cherish and that I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see not just the play itself but also had the luck to enjoy Miss Lansbury in person.

For those who want to read more about the play, go to…
www.deuceonbroadway.com
www.deuceonbroadway.com/NYtimesDeuce.html

Text and photos © Copyright 2007 Angie F. (AngelaLansbury.net).