Written by Jack Heifner and David Kirshenbaum
Directed by Judith Ivey
Synopsis: Based on the smash hit 1976 comedy by Jack Heifner that ran for 1,785 performances Off-Broadway, Vanities spans the turbulent '60's through the late '80's and explores how important friends are as one faces life's defining moments: growing up, getting older and getting over it. Vanities is a funny and poignant look at women who discover that, even in 30 years of rapidly changing times, the one thing they can rely on is each other.
NEW YORK TIMES:
"But for a musical that charts radical transformations in the lives of its characters, “Vanities” feels oddly static, stuck in plot grooves worn flat from familiarity. Give me a T, for trite."
Read the whole review HERE.
NEW YORK POST:
"A trio of women juggles boyfriends and careers, ups and downs over three decades. Through it all, their friendship endures. Welcome to the sisterhood of the time-traveling pants!"
Read the whole review HERE.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS:
"Watching the show, created by Jack Heifner, who adapted his own play, and composer David Kirshenbaum ("Summer of '42"), and directed by Tony-winning actress Judith Ivey, it inspired a cheer to rise up in me: Gimme a B! Gimme an A! Gimme an N-A-L!
Read the whole review HERE.
THEATERMANIA:
"Like its protagonists, the musical Vanities, now at Second Stage Theater, is pretty to look at and eager to please -- but ultimately, is its own worst enemy....while their pleasant work serves the coming-of-age story of three young women from Texas reasonably well, Vanities never fully engages theatergoers' hearts."
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VARIETY:
"Let's hope the long list of associate producers means Second Stage landed a big chunk of enhancement money for "Vanities, a New Musical," because someone needs to be getting something out of this flavorless -- though not sugarless -- bubblegum. There's hardly a single original thought in this string of familiar Southern-fried female-friendship cliches, laced with platitudinous life lessons. And while probably nobody was expecting depth from such ultra-light material, would the occasional campy zinger have been too much to ask? Despite the three talented actresses fleshing out the gal-pal stereotypes, the only surprise here is that the show was ever considered for Broadway."
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BACKSTAGE:
"This new tuner was originally slated to open on Broadway, but the recession put the kibosh on those plans. The economic downturn was probably the best thing that could have happened to Vanities. A Main Stem run for this just-okay, small-scale tuner would have most likely resulted in a short run. It's right where it belongs in a limited Off-Broadway noncommercial engagement. The show has its share of mild laughs and pleasant tunes, but it's not worth a ticket price of over $100."
Read the whole review HERE.
TIME OUT NY:
"While I wouldn't recommend "Vanities" in general, the cast is charming and it's a relatively fast 90 minutes. Take your mother or grandmother. It's disappointing, but not an effort completely in vain."
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AMNY:
"What might have been funny and poignant 30 years ago now feels old-fashioned and stale. While female audience members are still likely to identify with the characters, that doesn’t necessarily make it a less weak show."
Read the whole review HERE.
