Well, here is some tremendously exciting news: Legends Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole will be playing cosmetics pioneers Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden respectively, in a musical coming soon to Broadway. It’s called War Paint.
LuPone plays Helena Rubinstein opposite Ebersole as Elizabeth Arden in the show, based on Lindy Woodhead’s book “War Paint” as well as Ann Carol Grossman and Arnie Reisman’s documentary “The Powder and the Glory.” The two women built competing cosmetic empires in the first half of the 20th century, developing a fierce rivalry along the way.
Audience response to the musical was strong at Chicago’s Goodman Theater, where it became the highest grossing show in the company’s history.
The musical is the work of the same creative team responsible for the Tony-winning 2006 version adaptation of Grey Gardens—composer Scott Frankel, lyricist Michael Korie, and book writer Doug Wright. The show opens in April, with previews beginning in March; in the meantime, you can watch LuPone and Ebersole discuss their respective roles while waiting impatiently.
