09/25/2026
Stanley Kate Review: The Women – at Old Academy Players
The Old Academy Players' intimate stage is dressed for all scenes in a soft beige accented with gold framing, embellishments and expansive palatial paneling reaching upward to a very high ceiling reminiscent of the grand hotels of the gilded age like the Ritz Carlton and the Waldorf-Astoria. Clever tight lighting and angled direction focus on the many scenes. Each scene is introduced by a song from a perfectly curated list of the 1930s. With the creative placing of dining room chairs and covers, center stage can be transformed into a living room, a bo***ir, and "Oh, my!"— even a bathroom complete with tub!
The Women is a satirical comedy by Clare Boothe Luce which premiered December 7, 1936, at the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. It opened December 26, 1936, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City where it ran for 637 performances and received public and critical acclaim. The 1939 film version was directed by George Cukor and starred Norma Shearer and Joan Crawford.
Synopsis of The Women: Contented, kindly Mary Haines, a well-off young woman living in New York City, is the envy of her friends, boasting a wholesome, happy marriage, two adorable children, and a comfortable home. Unfortunately, she is living in a fool's paradise. Her tactless friend, the gossip-hungry Sylvia Fowler, discovers the truth when a favored manicurist spills the beans: Mary's husband Stephen Haines has been nabbed by Crystal Allen, a sultry, gold-digging man-eater who sets her traps behind the perfume counter at Saks Fifth Avenue. Mary's painful dilemma is created: should she keep silent, keep her marriage, and condone her husband's cheating ways or divorce him, making way for a rival to step into her place?
Eva Callista and Anna Kaminetz play models and sales girls at the establishments that Mary and her friends frequent.
Jiva Shahani and Marie Slavin share the role of Little Mary, Mary’s daughter. Inquisitive and outspoken, she looks to her mother for comfort and assurance that a lady can do all things that men can do. This reviewer saw Jiva Shahani, who was a delight in the role.
Michelle Slaven and Palak Shahani share the role of the Debutante.
Sally Lomanno as Jane (the maid) is supportive and loyal to her employer Mary.
Kimberly Hess as Mrs. Morehead (Mary's mother) shows her motherly love and support for Mary by giving her a solution to the problem and then taking care of the children while Mary goes to Reno for the divorce.
Kelci Schlierf as Peggy (Mrs. John Day) is the wide eyed newly-wed who looks up to the other ladies.
Linda Palmarozza as Countess Flora de Lage is larger than life. From the hilarious adornment with the permanent wave machine to Reno, Nevada, her escapades made me laugh and relieved the tension in the play.
Paige Noelle as Miriam Aarons is spot on with her NY accent. What a pleasure!
Dale Mezzacappa as the exercise instructress is no nonsense. No pain, no gain must be her middle name. I would not want to have her as one of my coaches!
Lisa Fromica as Olga, the manicurist, is personable while chatting with her clients and appears very apologetic and sincere when promising not to repeat the latest gossip.
Chloe Richter as Crystal Allen is a hoot as "the other woman", demanding her place in society. She is clever and has a plan to achieve her desires.
Daria Husseinzadeh is extremely funny as Edith (Mrs. Phelps Potter) in her delicate condition. She blurts out what many mothers feel but dare not say.
Sonya Aiko Hearn as Nancy (Miss Blake) is the intellectual who has yet to write a best selling book - but not for lack of trying!
The elegantly statuesque Corynn Smith as Sylvia (Mrs. Howard Fowler) is Mary's best friend who gossips and almost gleefully spreads the bad news about Mary's husband. She learns too late that what goes around, comes around.
The comfortably appealing Nicole Gerenyi's Mary (Mrs. Stephen Haines) evolves from a sweet, naively dependent wife into a strong lady determined to live life on her terms with her children. She is a caring mother to Little Mary.
Loretta Lucy Miller, long-time member of The Old Academy Players, is a dedicated director who clearly worked tirelessly, paying attention to every detail, to draw out the nuances of the 18 actors and the 40+ characters they play. The production team created subtle lighting and sound effects, making the more than two hour play an enjoyable event. Costumes, coordinated by Helga Krauss and Jane Jennings, were appropriately elegant for the 1930s.
Join the audience at The Old Academy Players’ The Women, where one learns to keep one's friends close and to keep one's enemies closer!
Stanley Kate
The Women
Written by: Clare Boothe Luce
Directed by: Loretta Lucy Miller
Remaining performances:
Friday, September 25 at 8 pm,
Saturday, September 26 at 8 pm,
Sunday, September 27 at 2 pm,
Friday, October2 at 8 pm,
Saturday, June 3 at 8 pm,
Sunday, June 4 at 2 pm.
The Old Academy Players
3544 Indian Queen Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19129
215-843-1109
https://OldAcademyPlayers.org/
