Josie & Grace

PKF Productions—PTE – Mainstage

Oh Josephine, oh Josephine, where art thou? Back in the Peg with another scintillating babe in tow. And we thank you! You heard it here first, Josephine will be a one off show on the 28, tix aren’t even printed.

This is what makes the Fringe so toe- tingling for me; when we are so very fortunate to get to experience theatre of this calibre for the cost of a burger. If this show doesn’t sell out, there’s something wrong with the Peg.

Ok, the show is, not Josephine, and that’s totally wonderful! I’m embarrassed to learn that Josephine Baker and Grace Kelly were actually friends! And the way this long relationship is portrayed, with the warmth, the struggles as circumstances change for them both, in different directions, in varying eras, is so real. I enjoyed this on two levels. The sheer feminine perfection in one place. And that would just be standing there. But add in the choreography, the Costumes, the talent, the perfect vocals, the charm, the warmth, and you would be a fool not to make this the one play you do treat yourself to this Fringe.

Tymisha Harris and Rachel Comeau are the epitome of 60’s style and beauty. I notice when an actor involves their whole body: feet, hands, face. Ms. Harris did a magnificent job of portraying Baker’s aging, (she was twenty years older than Kelly). You could see the falter in her gait, the tiredness, and the appropriate hair and clothing changes as she ages. That’s a professional.

Ok, the Costumes! I used to do this at MTC. I pay attention. The dresses were divine. Ms. Comeau has the perfect figure that best shows off those horrible, skin tight dresses of the 60’s whose line could be thrown off with an extra ounce. I have never seen anyone look so elegant as she did in the floral dress with the shortie sweater! OMG! Every scratchy, shiny, fake flouncy fabric of the era was displayed with elegance and aplomb by both beauties.

Ok, I’ve praised, now a few minor flaws. The voice over from Prince Rainier calls Baker a chantreuse. Is this a green singer? Chanteuse. Also, when Grace is dressed for the gala, she is peach perfection, from her apricot bouffant, to her slinky peach gown matching her golden complexion- then black shoes and a brown shawl? Princess Grace had ladies in waiting who would have said ”Perhaps not, Your Highness”. I certainly did. Cream or white shoes, and even no shawl would have made the effect stunning. There were numerous glorious costume changes, why this glaring mis-match?

This is the show I’m recommending to anyone I like.

Lisa Campbell