Mae West: Fascinating Insight

On Monday, 10 July 2017 in England, "The Drag" written by MAE WEST was given a concert reading at London's National Theatre.  A few British theatre critics attended.
• • This is Part 3 of Tom Finch's very thorough stage review.
• • Stage Director:  Polly Stenham
• • Tom Finch wrote: One could point out that Mae West does tend to write in circles. An early scene where two (straight) men argue over the nature/nurture debate runs out of steam long before the scene ends. But it does now serve as a fascinating insight into the attitude to homosexuality not so long ago. It’s telling that the closest ally to the gay community is a gay conversion therapist who pities gay men and wants to help them ‘recover.’
• • Tom Finch wrote: What seemed to really strike a chord last night with the audience though was the humour. Even with the actors sat on chairs in their own clothes, this was still the calmest thing this reviewer has seen in a while.   . . .

• • This was Part 3.  Part 4, the conclusion, will be posted tomorrow.
• • Source:  "The Drag" reviewed by Tom Finch; on Monday, 10 July 2017 in England.
• • On Wednesday, 2 August 1944 • •
• • It was Wednesday, August 2nd and the applause rang out from the Shubert Theatre [225 West 44th Street], signaling the gala Broadway debut of "Catherine Was Great," when Mae West portrayed the Empress of Russia. Produced by Mike Todd, the show starred Mae as the Empress of Love who handled her men as skillfully as she handled affairs of state.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Max Whitehead was in his early thirties at the time and his wrestling partner happened to be Mae West's lover.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said:   "Let 'em wonder. I never believed in givin' them too much of me."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A Westchester paper mentioned Mae West.
• • At the White Plains Playhouse • •
• • Opening on Tuesday evening, August 6, the Playhouse will bring back Joel Thomas and Sarah Cunningham once more playing opposite each other in Lawrence Riley’s "Personal Appearance.” Miss Cunningham will portray the role made famous by Gladys George on Broadway and Mae West in Hollywood. . . .
• • Source: Item in The Scarsdale Inquirer; published on Friday, 2 August 1946
• • The Mae West Blog celebrates its 13th anniversary • •  
• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past eleven years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 3,700 blog posts. Wow!   
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started thirteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 3757th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.

• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • "The Drag" 1927 • •
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