A certain cross section of the US went crazy for Mamma Mia a couple weeks ago. I’m sure it’s box office flame will fade quickly, but it’s a good reminder that certain Vegas style theatrical entertainment is perfectly suited for the big screen (especially if there’s Greek Mediterranean scenery, beautiful men singing ABBA and Meryl Streep!).
It’s redundant to call Meryl Streep the greatest actress of modern film. Her talent is deep and rich. I recently discovered a lovely gem of a piece featuring a very young Meryl Streep performing at the Public Theatre in the late 70s (it was filmed in 1982).
I shamelessly adored this musical. The songs are elliptical, magical, with text lifted directly from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Elizabeth Swados wrote the music and script.
Meryl Streep perfectly portrays Alice’s fiery and curious temperament. In addition the cast is amazing, featuring Mark Linn-Baker, Betty Aberlin (of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood), Debbie Allen and Michael Jetter (who is absolutely amazing as the Dormouse).
The staging makes this musical a timepiece of the 70s (much like Godspell, the actors play multiple roles and the ensemble morphs to create multiple environments using a variety of theatrical motifs… puppets, ballet, clowning).
So to reinforce Meryl Streep’s place among the greats of film and stage, please check out this little gem.
The film is also available on Netfliks!
It’s listed on the Internet Movie Database as “Alice at the Palace”… though the musical is frequently called Alice in Concert.
Here are some You Tube Clips.
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