Janet Henry, who portrays Nora in the current Theater League production of CUPS at the Unicorn Theatre, is a blooming marvel. You don’t have to be female to enjoy this tour de force. But, given the subject matter, it does help.
Henry doesn’t take a break or miss a beat during this 80-minute one-woman show, which traces the milestones in a woman’s life, through the bras she’s worn. Joni Sheram’s script sometimes stretches credibility to the point of busting through the brassiere, but Henry still stays on track as you relive with her all her poignant memories.
From her first training bra (at a time in her life that young Nora is mortified to hear her mother even mention the word underwear), to a nursing bra (Nora is a beatific, yet inexperienced young mother), and finally even to a post-mastectomy bra, Nora grows and changes, as does Society around her. Nora’s skirmish with cancer is handled artfully with a light brush, and the comedy train is soon on its way again, as Nora meets a sensitive man who is not afraid to love Nora’s post-surgery body.
Don’t expect a lot of hearty guffaws from this play, or any heavy-handed sadness, either. Instead, CUPS offers gentle laughter and thoughtful commentary about the changing times and how they have affected women (especially baby boomers) down through the years. Nora reminisces about participating in bra-burning during the 60s, and talks wistfully about her favorite high school gym teacher, who was fired because of her sexual orientation.
She also demonstrates the exercise that every woman over forty is sure to remember from her high school days, accompanied by the fervent chant, “I must, I must, I must increase my bust!”
Throughout the entire performance, Henry stays right in character, but actually seems to age right before your eyes. You meet her as the wiggly, eye-rolling young teenager sprawled on a chair while sassing her mother, and end up with her as the mature, much wiser woman who appreciates the contribution of her mother in raising her to be her own person.
THE FINE PRINT
CUPS runs through July 4 at the Unicorn Theatre. Call 816-531-7529 or go to www.unicorntheatre.org or www.theaterleague.com
Comments
Oh, I want to see this!
Sounds like an interesting premise for a play... and to do a one-woman show is quite a challenge. If I were in Kansas City, I would love to see it.
I made the mistake of showing this to my girl. Now I guess we are going. ; )
Sounds like a good performance.
I'm hoping CUPS comes to my area.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!