Theater Review: I'll Eat You Last

I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers
By John Logan
Directed by Joe Mantello
Starring Bette Midler
Booth Theatre

What's It All About?
A solo performance in which Bette Midler portrays Hollywood super agent Sue Mengers who represents everyone who's anyone in Tinsel Town. Wearing a kaftan circa 1981 when the play is set (Ann Roth, costumes), Mengers curls up on the sofa of her Bevery Hills home (exquisitely designed by Scott Pask) to chat with us while she awaits a call from Barbra Steisand. She's sure hr old friend is about to fire her. She gives us the dish on the superstar and other celebrities the agent has made or broken along the path to fame. The warning posted prior to curtain kind of says it all: This show contains profanity, smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use and gossip. Playwright John Logan (Red) laces it all with a lot of humor balanced by a portrait that emerges of a insecure, rather unpleasant woman. Midler seems to enjoy bringing the larger-than-life personality to the stage.

What are the Highights?
A brisk 90 minutes filled with laughs. If you like Hollywood gossip, pull up a theater seat and enjoy.
"If you cant say anything nice about someone," Mengers quips, "Come sit by me."

What are the Lowlights?
The production is well done and well directed. The profane, shallow, self-centered, greedy character is rather sad. Wish Midler got to sing something....

More information:
I'll Eat You Last runs through June 30 at the Booth Theatre, 222 West 45th St., NYC. Tickets and info: http://www.illeatyoulast.com/.

Christians might also like to know:
-- Language (lots)
-- God's name taken in vain
-- Sexual dialogue