War Paint (NY)

Okay - I liked WAR PAINT so much I saw it three times. Once from the front row center where I could see and feel the powerful natural forces of Mmes Ebersole and LuPone wash over me and take me away. The show is top notch, but Mmes Ebersole and LuPone knock it into the stratosphere of theater history - and I have seen A LOT of Broadway and off-broadway works. The story is captivating, tackling racial, class and ethnic bigotry is a very human poignant way. I loved these characters after I met them and only want to know more, so will read the book, naturally. The costumes were worthy of royalty. I am truly sorry the show is closing early, but I don't believe that WAR PAINT would *be* WAR PAINT without Mmes Ebersole and LuPone. Wishing Madame LuPone a successful lip replacement surgery and a rapid recovery. Thank you so much! Love! Warmly, David M. Ortmann, LCSW

2 friends and I were ready to leave at intermission but hoped the show would redeem itself. It didnt! None of us could understand a word Lupone sang or spoke. The music was dismal and not one tune was memorable. Fortunately we went to a great Japanese restaurant for dinner and never mentioned the shown once we left the theater.

I need to first preface this review with the fact that I could never write, direct, act or score any musical... that said.... The only reason we went to see the musical was for Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole. They, without a doubt, we re fantastic. The rest of the cast was excellent, the costumes were fantastic and the sets were wonderful. However, the musical numbers were forgettable and the dialog was boring. Because of the story (basically two rich bitches cat fighting over their cosmetic empires) I would have either preferred a campy comedy musical with catchy show tunes or a stage play where the two main characters could developed into substance. As it stands, it is a humdrum musical with overly talented leads that carry the show (this view was shared by all of our surrounding seat mates as we discussed this during the intermission and after the show).

Stunning musical with a terrific score and well written book. Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole are like thunder and lightning. Sets and costumes absolutely gorgeous. Pamper yourself to an evening of delight!

Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole were amazing as was the entire cast It had every emotion you could imagine humor, drama and at the same time is very current as women are still trying to make their way in the business world and get the credit and recognition they deserve.

Seeing these two icons of Broadway was a real treat. Both Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole embodied their characters beautifully. I enjoyed the story of these two women, Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden, which I had never really thought about before. The two gentlemen, John Dossett and Douglas Sills, were wonderful in their roles as well. It was a wonderful night of theatre at its best.

Stunning show...one of the best written shows in years...explores layers upon layers of our humanity (resulting from our common choices). Patti and Christine are captivating, creating never-to-forget musical theatre moments. Ensemble and orchestra are faultless. Production is beautiful in every way. Must see for theatre lovers.

Truly enjoyed War Paint. Voices were wonderful. That alone made show worthwhile. Costumes were fabulous. Story was entertaining though not strictly historical.

Christine was FAB. Patti was terrible Accent ruined everything she did.

Amazing show ! every minute we felt lucky to be there in the hands of pros- it was thrilling

This performance was great....... the singing was excellent, comedic timing was perfection and I just love Patti Lupone & Christine Ebersole.....two pros!

Fun to watch the two leading ladies. Score is not very memorable and the staging gets repetitious. Costumes and set are lavish and quite beautiful. The two ladies and the design team need a better book and score

The show was a good showcase for both Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole. The book moved the show forward, but there wasn't a lot going on, other than the court scene. Sometimes it was difficult to understand Patti Lupone due to the thick accent she applied to the role.

This show was disappointing. The music was blah. Christine Ebersol didn't bring anything to the role. Could have done so much more creatively with makeup and spa services themes. Patti Lupone was incredible as always.

I love both of these actresses and have seen them in other shows. Just seeing them is worth the ticket price. These two talented women "make" this show a winner. Their different and unique energies embody and bring to life the main characters. Seeing them sing together is quite a treat. I highly recommend it.

This musical was sensational! The singing, the costumes, the staging--all magnificent!

Excellent. Tour de force w Lapone & Ebersole. Good script. Covered a long time span in a concise way

The songs, with the exception of "Pink", were not memorable and unfortunately, it was very difficult to understand most of Patti LuPone's dialogue and lyrics due to her character's accent. That greatly hampered our enjoyment of the show. If you want to take the time, trouble, and cost, going into the city to see a show, I'd pick something else to see.

Solid show with amazing performances by the two leading ladies. Patti Lupone, in particular, was hilarious with her Helena Rubenstein accent. And her voice is still epic.

Ebersole and Lupone can seemingly do no wrong (well, maybe Patti should have fled from Women on the Verge..."), but they deserve a much better book and a far superior, much more exhilarating score. If you have zero interest in the history of make-up in the U.S., it makes the show harder to be enthusiastic. After tryouts in Chicago and previews in NYC, can't the direct realize that Patti Lupone speaks incredibly distinctly with her Polish accent, but barely a word can be heard understood when she sings (this was pointed out during the Chicago run and has not improved).

If you are old enough to remember Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden cosmetics, and Charlie Revson, too, and are female, you will like this. Great costumes, interesting sets, forgettable music and two powerhouse stars.

you can't miss this perfomance The ladies are outstanding

Kudos to both Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole. Their performances brought Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden to life. Their singing voices are beyond compare and they did incredibly well in giving life to some non-descript, unmelodic songs. That is my one serious complaint about the show. It was supposed to entertain as a musical and I thought the music or score was really poor. It was especially hard to understand a word when Ms. Lupone was singing some of her opening songs with a heavy Yiddish accent and I use the word "songs" lightly. There were excellent performances from other members in the cast and I loved looking at the fashions, but Ms. LuPone and Ms. Ebersole ARE the show and I wouldn't recommend it if it weren't totally worthwhile to watch these two stars shine!

Although I enjoyed War Paint in general, I found it a much more serious and darker show than expected. A show about battling divas in the cosmetics industry would lead itself, for me, to more light-hearted material than we were given. It's hard to take this topic as seriously as it was presented. I would just have liked more fun in this show.... from the music to the story line. But the performances by the two leads were AMAZING. What voices!!!!!! Pitch perfect with gusto! The music itself was fine, but forgettable.

The story was interesting and the stars were very good. The show was only ok. It was lacking a spark.

The NY Times review was generous. The show is totally boring. Patti Lupone trying hard to have an Eastern European accent makes her speech garbled and unintelligible. I believe that she is miscast. Christine Ebersole was excellent but that did not alleviate the boredom from the show. There is no choregraphy to speak of. I could not endure more and left at intermission. I have never done that before.

I thought Lapone was amazing, Ebersole fair, the show overall disappointing.

I went because I wanted to see and hear Patti Lupone sing. Her voice was amazing but because she sang with a very heavy accent you could not understand what she was saying. It was very frustrating. Christine Ebersole was outstanding. So many other great Broadway plays to see so pass on War Paint

Of course War Paint cannot go wrong with Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole at the helm! The two are a powerful combo on stage as the stories of Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden are told from the era stretching from the 1930's thru the mid-1960's. The cosmetics are only a backdrop to the real story - the rise of two powerful visionaries who defied the male-dominated world of business in New York City to create two of the most well-known brands. Both actresses are amazing, each bringing their own talent, style, wit, singing voices to the characters they bring to life. The acting is tremendous as are the sets. However, don't expect this show to be the haunting spellbinder musically that other Broadway musicals have... the music is somewhat Broadway formulaic with melodies that are pleasant enough - but by no means stick with you for the hours, days, weeks, months, and even years to come like other shows. A lot of the music just average, but it doesn't stop the show from being great. Patti Lupone herself sees to that with her thick Eastern European accent in the character of Madame Rubenstein. I recommend this show to any lover of a great story, especially one that shows in real time the power of the human spirit and its ability to really make any dream come alive.

After the playwright and composer/lyricist's previous work, I expected more than this average show. The cast is wonderful and deserves a better vehicle. The draw is Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersohl but you could see them in concert for the same price. They are outstanding with what they are given. The one major drawback is Patti Lupone's accent. When she sings I could only understand every third word. On the whole I would recommend the show to fans of Patti and Christine but not to others. The show has merit but ... meh.

Outstanding performance by entire cast. See it before it closes November 5!!!!!!!! Theater is a problem!

DESPITE MASSIVE STAR POWER AND DECENT STORY, DISAPPOINTING MUSIC AND LYRICS. FIRT ACT IS A LOSER, SECOND BETTER ACTION.

As a Sales Promotion employee at Elisabeth Arden it brought great memories, and at 78 a move back into time.

I traveled to New York to see a different show and bought a ticket to War Paint as an afterthought. I loved it so much I traveled back to New York just to see it again six months later! I am so sad this show is closing but thrilled I got to experience it twice. It was brilliant!

i was blown away by the powerful performances of lupone and ebersole...voices like no others..music, dancing & costumes were awesome!!! a must see

This is what Broadway should aspire to be. Great story that had been lost to the ages. Phenomenal actors of a "certain age" great script and lyrics

We have been seeing plays together for a few years. We enjoy going out to lunch at a fun place & then seeing a wonderful play! We did!

We saw War Paint on Sunday and just loved it! I can't believe this beautiful play is closing next week. The story chronicles the rivalry between Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden from the 1930s to 1960s and at the same time portrays the genesis of the multi-billion dollar cosmetics industry. The story was fascinating, I kept fact checking because I couldn't believe that what was being depicted actually happened, but the play kept pretty true to the real life events of the time. The performances by Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole were spectacular! The set and costumes were dazzling! Each scene was a work of art with every detail thought out. If you have a chance to see it in its last few performances, go!

Inspiring telling of women's history that should be more well known as historical fact. The stars were amazing (especially LuPone who is dealing with significant hip problem pending surgery).

Great show, accurate representation of the start of the cosmetics industry.

Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole are two powerhouse singers!

Unfortunate this play is nearing its end. Patti LuPone & Christine Ebersol are top performers! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

Very enjoyable! always love a story. Abt powerful influencial women

Patty and Christine make this a very good play. Without them, it would be less than mediocre. The story is interesting but nothing special. There isnt much dancing. But the two costars are worth seeing.

two major stars at their best - some interesting insights to the life and times of the characters

A must see musical, especially for middle aged women!

Performances were superb but the story and overall deliverance lacked luster....

Patti LuPone is a Broadway legend. She commands the stage with ease. Christine Ebersole is equally powerful but, you know its LuPone who steers this show. Go see this while you still can!

the story is fascinating between two cosmetic legions that were way ahead of their times. The voices of Lupone and Ebersole are fantastic, the musical numbers so-so (but that seemed to be true of the two other plays I saw). All in all a thoroughly enjoyable play.

Visuals were very much part of the experience and enhanced the dialogue and songs. Lupone was not easily understood with slurring of words making it difficult to understand much of what she sang/said. That was only disappointing part of show. I missed many humorous dialogue there. Storyline carried the show wondrerfully and was interesting.

This was so much better than I could have ever expected! The story was amazing, so I was able to learn a bit of history while enjoying superb acting and singing. Fabulous!

Two top stage stars in top form . A full house was enthralled . Just a terrific story and great music

Unless your a diehard Patti or Christine fan the show is just ok. The seats are so miserably cramped I couldn't wait for it to end.

Costumes and music was amazing. I loved the historical aspect of the story

This was OMG good. It was surprisingly wonderful. I wish I d seen it sooner cause I d love to see it again and again.

This was an amazing show! Such color, such fun, such truly perfect performances! Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole were spectacular! I m so happy I got to see this on Broadway.

WAR PAINT (starring Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole) is an absolutely wonderful entertaining play / musical. Starring two phenomenal Broadway stars, the show about two women who ran cosmetic company empires and were arch competitors (Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden) is a two-and-a-half-hour brilliant and witty tour de force. Two of Broadway's biggest stars....with exceptional vocal and acting talent....captivate the audience with their performances. It is so well-written and well-acted....you will be laughing throughout by the cleverness of the playwrights as well as the delivery of their lines. I also saw Dear Evan Hansen as well as Hello Dolly with Bette Midler during my trip to New York City. Both are exceptionally good...and while Ben Platt definitely deserved recognition for his performance in Dear Evan Hansen...I am not certain I would have made it Best Musical. For me, WAR PAINT is the BEST MUSICAL on the year. For whatever reason (perhaps because younger people don't know who Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden were and so they don't buy tickets and go to this show) ....War Paint is scheduled to close at the end of December. If you have an opportunity to see War Paint before the end of the year...be sure to do so. WAR PAINT is BRILLIANT!!!

We all would have been better served had Patti and Christine signed up to give multiple concerts. They both perform well but the material lets them down. The story of these two cosmetic legends is interesting but had to be significantly fluffed to fill 2 1/2 hours. Thus, the plot is lacking and slow and the story line gets muddled about halfway. It also is unhelpful that Patti decided to try impart a semi-successful eastern European accent which came and went and made it that much harder to understand the songs. Speaking of which, there's not one hummable tune of the bunch. I wanted to like it very much but, sadly, did not. This musical needed an unbiased eye at conception.

As fabulous as Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole are and yes they are both amazing, the show was a little disappointing, a bit dull and a little hard to understand some of Patti's conversations as her Polish accent is very heavy .. was really looking forward to a great night and sadly it was just average at best

Ebersole and Lupine were excellent. The show, just so-so

My daughters and I were in town for Mother's Day Weekend. Had front row, center, seats. The two leading ladies were amazing! Actually, the entire cast was terrific! Lovely costumes, great music...a stunning experience! A VERY pleasant surprise came when BOTH Christine Ebersole and Patti LuPone exited the theatre, and stopped to greet and sign autographs for all of the waiting fans! Elegant, classy ladies! Thank you for an unforgettable evening! ,

Very well done by all - especially the main characters.

It was a great musical it takes the viewer thru times

We enjoyed every moment of this wonderful Broadway musical. Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole delivered superb performances. Highly recommend!

I came into this play with no expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. Patti Lupone killed it! She was soo good and funny. And the signing was amazing. She also came out and signed my playbill and was so nice and chatted with everyone.

Patti LaPone and Christine Ebersole are perfect in their roles. Their voices compliment each other and they portray the ladies so well!

NEW YORK _ As theatre-goers arrived at the Nederlander Sunday and were told that Patti LuPone was sick, you could hear audible gasps of disappointment. Some people made other plans; some dragged themselves in as if it headed to a dentist's visit. I'm glad I stayed. Why? Her name is Donna Miglliaccio. And you should look for her in a starring Broadway role soon. She is a two-time Helen Hayes Award-winner and has done a wealth of regional work (Sweeney Todd, The Little Mermaid, Assassins). But Sunday was like watching "A Star Is Born." She was simply superb! She and Christine Ebersole didn't just bring the house down. They leveled it and built a new house from the rubble. Go see this show!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Grand Dames of Broadway vocally compete in a show with excellent music, incredible costumes and equally impressive sets. I will definitely purchase the soundtrack if one is released.

Part Lupone and Christine Ebersole save a weak story to make for an enjoyable evening.

Such amazing performances. The cast, costumes, the acting, music was all perfect . Tickets worth every cent.

What a great show! It is some of the best visual candy I've seen in a while. Costumes and set was amazing, not to mention the Star Power. Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole were amazing, backed up by a stellar cast.

I am Patti LuPone's biggest fan, and I would fight anyone to defend that title. She and Christine Ebersole brought more life to this show than the script would have normally allowed. The material was adequate - one or two fantastic numbers, but mostly just average. Across the board, though, performances and production value were extraordinary. Sets and costumes were dazzling (even if the set did break down 5 minutes into the opening, but we were treated to Ms. LuPone and Ms. Ebersole regaling us with tales from their storied pasts) and the orchestra is first rate. I would recommend seeing this just for the star quality at hand - just don't expect to really take anything away from it.

What joy! This show tugged at my heart strings! It brought back wonderful memories, while telling the story of 2 powerful women by 2 powerful women. Brought me to tears: the singing, the clothes, the hats, the crema, and the Struggle. I love this musical all the way around!

Having heard it was closing early so Patti Lupone could have much needed hip surgery I saw War Paint during its last week and will not forget it. Christine and Patti were wonderful performers and the singing was outstanding. Patti has yet to disappoint me and totally outdid herself as it became more and more obvious she was in pain towards the end of the show. Yet she continued on and her voice could not have been more beautiful. The costumes were lovely, specifically Miss Lupone's, and the simple sets were appreciated as to not take away for the acting. I wish Miss Lupone an easy surgery and speedy recovery and to the rest of the cast, thank you for an unforgetable performance.

Attended final performance of WARPAINT at Sunday matinee. Excellent show on a timely topic of women's roles in business. Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole were fabulous as the two fabulous female entrepreneurs, Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden. Stopped the show with their individual soliloquies. Their final meeting was bitter sweet. The afternoon ended with a post curtain speech by the producer. I wish he had just stuck to giving kudos to the cast. Does every theater event have to be politicized? Show folks should remember that half the country voted for someone other than their dead horse. Not acceptable to mock the people who put out big bucks to see your show. I am reminded of Shakespeare's line: "Let those who play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them."

War Paint was an unforgettable musical theater experience. The two stars, Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole were phenomenally talented, and portrayed their historical figures in a most real way. The two male supporting actors were excellent. Everything about this musical was just superb. The play left a great emotional impact. A very special theatrical experience!

It's unfortunate this closed so soon. I'm not a fan of musicals but this one was out of the park! I wish Patti a speedy recovery!

Dynamic set, marvelous costumes, tremendous cast led by two stars with demanding stage presence and powerful voices!

The Grand Dames of The Great White Way have done it again! Lupone and Ebersole carried the show and the audience back into time to "give voice" to an important and often neglected contribution to American Social/Political/Economic History . . .

One of the best shows in Broadway. Too bad the show is ending.

Loved the play. I was entertained through the entire play. Patti and Christine are amazing!!! So glad I went. .

You got to see this before Lapone leaves the show!!!!!!

From set design, costuming and music: PERFECT! Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole were INCREDIBLE! They portrayed their characters with every fiber of their being....and their voices!! The the play itself was a true learning experience...for both men and women... What a gift to us all! I originally had tickets for Nov 12th....and when I heard that the play was closing, I got a ticket for 10/29, took a train up from Baltimore, walked 10 blocks from Penn Station to the theater in the pouring rain to get there before it closed...walked 10 blocks back and got on the train for home. It was worth every bit of energy it required!

Terribly disappointing. I understand most people went there to see the two stars. They were not so good--showing their aging voices. As for the plot, it was derivative. Seen this sort of plot before and with much better dialogue. We walked out after Act I and enjoyed the night air.

Don't miss "War Paint" in its last few weeks to see two legends perform at their best. Great sets, production, and fantastic supporting cast. Lupone and Ebersole create wonderful, memorable characters, and their vocal performances are extraordinary.

I was incredibly disappointed about this show. I was so excited to see Patti Lupone, but could not understand most of what she sang, although my heart went out for her though since you could see she was in extreme pain from her hip. CE did a great job and you could mostly understand what she was singing. But the musical was mostly ballads - and were boring. Found my eyes closing a bit, which has NEVER happened to me in a musical. I don't think Broadway will miss this one. Great story, but not a great musical score.

Impressive stars ably supported with a just right cast. A truly legendary Broadway show.

We saw the performance a few days ago and are still laughing about some of the lines in the show. As neither of us knew who or what Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden, were or what they accomplished, it was somewhat a revelation about the cosmetic industry. It is not a big production play...it is more intimate and relies upon the 2 main characters to carry the play...and they did. It is worth the money...see it soon it will be closing in Nov.

I having never been more underwhelmed. The music was flat. the sets were beautiful. the main characters were great. Patti Lupone was AWESOME!!!

A duel between two divas on and off character. Definitely one to miss--plot, book, music and more--the talent of the two actresses couldn't compensate for a subpar musical. Skip this one.

Highly recommend the play. It was witty and thought provoking. I was however appalled there was no coat check at the theater. I had a small roller bag and I was told I could not bring it in and told I could take it to a garage on 46 Street to store it (the theater is on 41st). Lucky I am a quick thinker and took the bag to the hotel next door and checked it ( the person who suggested I take it to 46 street also told me the hotel would not take it -- good thing I did not listen). I refused to allow the negative venue experience to detract from the positive experience of the play.

The two women are incredible talents and the story is very interesting

An excellent show. Lupone and Ebersole were great. Creative staging and beautiful costumes

Two great voices, but a very lackluster story and blah music. The songs had no tune, just singing sentences. The male actors are a amateur or are in a very poor role. Total disappointment, left at intermission. Seats are also very tight and uncomfortable. My knees were touching the next seat, I couldn't move and I was touching the older man next to me at the shoulders and leg areas. And, I am average size. Total awful waste of money.

I recommend that you see these two great legends at their finest. Play was slow at first, but got better as it went one. Bottom line - you left with a good feeling that you enjoyed it. Of course, I'm not sure I could say the same without the power of Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole. They are what made the show shine.

Both Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole give their all to make this witty, endearing musical work. The songs are great and the humor had the audience alternating between laughter and thunderous applause. I've seen it multiple times and play the CD often. I would highly recommend War Paint!

2 wonderful talent ladies The show was great very entertaining

Excellent- the talent- the costumes- the music- the cast- outstanding

I've seen quite a few Broadway shows and live theater in general. Even though it was nice to see Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole on stage (and their voices are awesome), we found the score and lyrics to be totally forgettable and all the songs began to sound the same by the end of the show. Dance numbers were minimal at best. Totally a waste of great talent with these 2 ladies. glad I didn't pay full price

While the history behind the two female icons was interesting, it wasn't Broadway Show caliber. The leads were wonderful but the story content ( drama, dancing, singing) was lacking.