Miriam Margolyes and Frances Barber will play Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden, respectively, in the world premiere of John Misto’s Madame Rubinstein, set to begin performances at London’s Park Theatre April 26, prior to an official opening May 3, for a run through May 27.
The iconic cosmetics entrepreneurs are currently the subject of the Broadway musical War Paint, where they are played by Patti LuPone (Rubinstein) and Christine Ebersole (Arden).
In this different non-musical version, set in 1950s Manhattan, Rubinstein is locked in a power struggle with rivals Elizabeth Arden and Revlon. From humble beginnings as a Polish-Jewish immigrant, this is the story behind one of the best-known faces in the world of beauty. But as her professional and family conflicts reach fever pitch, will the ghosts of a turbulent past topple one of the world’s richest business women?
In a press statement, Jez Bond, artistic director of the Park, who will also be directing the play, commented, “I’m thrilled to have assembled such a stellar cast for our next in-house production, which I’m pleased to say is already the fastest selling show in Park Theatre’s history. Both in terms of the current, continuing debate on feminism and identity, and in terms of their incredible struggle in a male dominated world, the true story of these 20th Century pioneers—one of whom was an Eastern European migrant—continues to resonate in 2017. I’m delighted to be directing this world premiere that I’m sure will delight and amuse as well as inform and challenge audiences.”
The play will also feature Jonathan Forbes as Irish.
Presented by Park Theatre and Oliver Mackwood in association with TBO Productions, the production has lighting by Mark Howland, design by Al Turner, sound design by David Gregory, composition by Dimitri Scarlato, and casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow.
Check out opening-night photos from War Paint below:
To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7870 6876 or visit parktheatre.co.uk.
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