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Edwards with Gwendolyn Brown and Katie Budge in "The Wisdom of Eve."

Producer: Dalton Cathey of The Living Room Theatre Group
Writers: Mary Orr Reginald Denham
Director: James Bontempo

Edwards with James Bontempo in "The Wisdom of Eve."



Gail Edwards is faced with the title role, but Eve Harrington here is textually one-dimensional, and Edwards overcomes this by stinging body work—eyes that sear, body language that plays little lamb then pounces like a lion.
—Hollywood Reporter

Gail Edwards fits her role to perfection. As Eve’s actions become more and more despicable, Edwards' face remains a mask of freshness and innocence. Very good entertainment indeed!
—Variety

Gail Edwards is the focus of attention as Eve, the phony to end all phonies. Edwards is bitchy, irritating and seems to be thoroughly enjoying her every conquest.
—Drama-Logue

Compelling evening!
—LA Weekly


Fascinating, great theatre!
—Daily News


Surprisingly, this play receives many inquiries in which I have not the answers. I hope that this review from The Hollywood Reporter helps.

The genesis of feature films is diverse, but in the case of the renowned classic "All About Eve" it is no secret that it was based on the radio production of "The Wisdom of Eve," by Mary Orr and Reginald Denham, which in turn was based on Orr's short story, which in turn was based on a conversation Orr had with Elisabeth Bergner about her relationship with Irene Worth (who was hardly Eve Harrington). But "Wisdom" is not "All About Eve." Indeed, the basic story is there, but the characters have slightly different names (Margo Channing is Margo Crane, Bill Sampson is Clement Howell and already married to Margo etc.), and the outcome is not identical. Once one has overcome these differences, which does take a while, you can accept "Wisdom" for what it is as a play, and as a fascinating case study in the radio play to film. The actors also know that they must create characters different from those known so well in the feature, and they seem to be going to great lengths not to duplicate one nuance. In this way, they succeed admirably. —The Hollywood Reporter

Internet Question:

What did you find as the most compelling part in your portrayal of Eve?

Early on, friends, producers and casting directors all asked me to STOP doing the play. They said the production was so bad that my portrayal of Eve could not rise above it and I was hurting my career—however, my very good friend had produced it so I stayed.

The compelling part? I'm a sincere person - Eve was wicked. It was hard digging into my own wickedness to spit out her truth in those crucial areas.

Thanks for your question Eran.



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