War Paint: Powerful Pouts on Broadway!

Fun Facts: Elizabeth Arden realized that in order for women to be liberated they needed to be noticed, thus she gave the Suffragettes samples of Arden lipstick on their march! Consequently contributing to the rise of feminism.

Target Audience: Men and women of all ages can appreciate this story of great entrepreneurship and value the beauty of women, the beauty of life and the American Dream.

Best Bit: LuPone and Arden's performance of "If I'd Been a Man" is a heartbreaking glimpse into the minds of these hugely successful self-made immigrants during a time when women were not allowed to vote.

Morning After Effect: I put my "Best Face Forward" feeling incredibly inspired by these two women, knowing that we can choose to shine and unite in love and respect for each other all over the world.

Verdict: Get your hair done, put your lashes on and dress to the nines - you'll want to see this production in style in honor of these beauty superwomen!

An original musical, War Paint highlights the remarkable history of the cosmetic industry - an industry founded by two iconic women quite fittingly played by Broadway giants Patti LuPone (Helena Rubinstein) and Christine Ebersole (Elizabeth Arden). These extraordinary women emanate the message that dreams do come true no matter where you are from - all you need is self-belief, dedication, confidence, and perhaps a relentless rivalry to keep pushing you to new heights. Arden and Rubinstein are solely responsible for the movement of makeup which was traditionally worn by actresses and streetwalkers to being in every woman's home, along with mountains of other products.

Inspired by Lindy Woodhead's novel War Paint, and Ann Carol Grossman and Arnie Riesman's film, And The Powder and The Glory, show creators Doug Wright (Book), Scott Frankel (Music) and Michael Korie (Lyrics) have produced a vibrant and significant musical. It is hard to believe this story has not been told before as the color and drama of this tale is fit for a musical! In fact, it is hard to believe that these women have not received greater credit for their economic and cultural contribution!

Broadway is certainly celebrating female talent this season with female greats dominating the Broadway box office; the brilliant Bette Midler (Hello, Dolly!), sweet Sarah Bareilles (Waitress), shining star Glenn Close (Sunset Boulevard), political hero Jennifer Ehle (Oslo), and revered Sally Field (The Glass Menagerie). To say the competition is tough is a massive understatement but LuPone and Ebersole are holding their own and reeling in ticket sales. I am sure War Paint will continue its successful run on Broadway, and be back in years to come!

Patti LuPone is short in stature with sharp dark features and plays Polish immigrant Rubinstein with an authentic chutzpah revealing her strengths as an incredibly powerful entrepreneur and intelligent scientist while still maintaining her vivacious femininity. Christine Ebersole as Arden is tall, slender, and exudes an angel like softness, she wears pink from head to toe with her blonde hair and 'girly' appearance, however, she too reveals her ability to be a ruthless businesswomen and powerhouse of an empire, despite her disadvantaged farming childhood. You won't know who to root for in this battle as they are equally as persuasive in their fight to be the best among their affluent Fifth Avenue clientele. Ultimately, they are fighting for the same cause, for women of all ages to see their inner beauty, find their independence and shine!

Both actresses deliver outstanding performances for which they each received a Tony nomination. They draw you into the tremendous success of these women as well as their vulnerability and loneliness within a male dominated world. Their cosmetics allowed them to reinvent themselves and their journeys paved the way for women all over the world, one shade of pink at a time. What might have been a great friendship resulted in a historic rivalry that fuelled their passion and drive to dominate a global industry and generate a marketing marvel.

Naturally, as two women leading the beauty industry from New York's high society they are adorned in gorgeous attire, stunning jewelry and always look elegant and immaculate, thanks to costume designer Catherine Zuber (Tony nomination). Equally, as impressive is David Korins' scenic design which captures the contrasting aesthetics of Arden's plush salon behind the iconic red door and Rubinstein's clinical laboratory. Zuber and Korins transport us through New York in the mid-1930s to mid-1960s allowing the narrative to flow smoothly, decorated with pretty shiny things. Their craftsmanship connects you to the world of cosmetics and fashion, and reminds you that they are an art form in their own right, and I left feeling like a blank canvas capable of anything!

For decades, the beauty industry has encouraged, inspired and influenced women to believe they can be their best selves from head to toe, with a little bit of help. If you walk down the aisles of brightly lit cosmetic stores you will see the plethora of products, promising to enhance your appearance, or cover it up. For as long as the beauty industry has expanded the controversy and conflict has too. While some people believe cosmetics allow an extension of the self and highlight their beauty, others believe the market is fueled by self-loathing campaigns. Nonetheless, many little girls and boys will dream of the day they too can wear makeup, trading in their plastic lipsticks for the real deal, whilst in the meantime, lipsticks around the world are being smuggled from mom's makeup bag and smooshed with utter glee.

Do cosmetics really make us feel better and empowered or are we merely part of a consumerism swing door? Cosmetics for many women (and men) are a big part of a global morning ritual which coined the phrase "put your face on" - in some ways it's our own war paint as we get ready to battle the day, our mask as we navigate through the world offering a protective barrier, and our spectacle calling for attention as we perform on the stage of life. No matter its purpose, the global industry continues to thrive! The War Paint ensemble brilliantly sings "Best Face Forward", reminding us not only to look after ourselves but to be the very best we can be.

Director, Michael Greif dangles beauty and opulence in hands reach and casts both light and shadow on this indulgent world leaving you wondering what it is all for, and why does this industry continue to grow so rapidly? In an instant, you feel giddy with greed to have all these things and then suddenly troubled by the need for such vanity. Grief has you believing cosmetics can unite women as easily as they can destroy, he has brought out the best performances from his leading ladies who have the ability to appear incredibly tough and fragile from note to note, which leaves you feeling feminine and beautiful as you are, yet likely to buy a new lipstick on the way home...

"I don't sell cosmetics, I sell hope"

- Elizabeth Arden

Reviewed by Nicola Quinn

Nederlander Theatre, New York City
June 1st 2017
Find me on Twitter: @newyorktheatre

View our show pages for more information about War Paint, Nederlander Theater.