THE MISTRESS CYCLE
…the kind of morally challenging, aesthetically accomplished work that could thrive with audiences who don’t need to feel good to enjoy musical theater.”
Variety
…an extraordinary and exquisite chamber musical…
a beguiling piece of musical theatre…
Broadwayworld.com
"...due to Giering’s gorgeous music and Blatt’s richly textured lyrics,
“The Mistress Cycle” is quite a moving and provocative affair that manages to pack a lot of
wisdom and poignance on matters of love and power into its short duration.
Chicago Tribune – Recommended Viewing
Book and Lyrics – Beth Blatt
Music – Jenny Giering
Tess, a photographer living in New York, is made an offer by a wealthy, older man to keep her as his mistress. As she weighs this proposition, “other women” from different cultures and eras come to share their stories: a 14-year-old concubine from 12th century China; Diane de Poitiers, the royal mistress of Henri II in 15th century France; Lulu White, bordello madame in turn-of-the-last-century New Orleans; and Anais Nin, famous diarist and infamous sexual adventuress.
By show’s end, Tess has observed, then tried on their lives – and made up her mind what to do.
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Some of the best actresses on Broadway (and in TV and film) have been in the show, including:
Rebecca Luker (Tony winner)
Julia Murney (Tony winner)
Sara Ramirez (Tony winner, Grey’s Anatomy)
Adrienne Lenox
Jessica Molaskey
Judy Blazer
Production History:
NYMF – New York City. Director’s Choice Award.
Apple Tree Theatre – Chicago. Two Jefferson Award nominations.
Auditorium Theatre – Chicago.
London – Page to Stage Festival, Aria Entertainment
Washington DC area – Creative Cauldron
VIDEOS
Are You Me and Gallery Samba – Prospect Theatre/Julia Murney
Montage – Chicago Production
Death by 1000 Cuts – Minnesota Fringe
Papa – Shoshanna Richman, the Duplex (NYC)
Poor Girls – Sierra Naomi Nibbe
Divine – Chicago College of Performing Arts