War Paint tells the fascinating stories of Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden, two women who created and ruled the cosmetics industry for much of the 20th Century. They were the only women of their time to have companies named after them. A great history with big characters require grand performers and we are in luck. Both Patti Lupone (Rubenstein) and Christine Ebersole (Arden) deliver. Yay!
The reviews I read before seeing this show were fairly mixed about the show even if they loved the stars. And, yes, Ms. Ebersole has the best song with “Pink.” From my seat, I saw a show that was beautiful to look at, a story that was very interesting with intensely executed performances by the leading ladies. The show is essentially two separate stories bound together by their commonality of time, industry, gender and success. A solid score and book whose only (but not insignificant) flaw was the one dimensional male characters in their lives. I guess we need to let the ladies go off stage for a moment or two, but the relatively brief filler time was well below par.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed War Paint. If you are looking for big performances and a set design that effortlessly draws you into the world of these cosmetic titans, then run to see “War Paint.” You will then be rewarded by the costumes which are fabulous throughout. A parade of fashions and styles from the 1930s to the 1960s. And those hats ! It’s always a pleasure to sit through a show, understand what the creative team was attempting to do and be rewarded with a truly enjoyable night of theater.