Climbing the Curtain

Janet sighed happily. Its such a lovely company. Rupert gave a short laugh. You must be the only person to think that. Weve got a notoriously difficult leading lady, an ex-Hollywood prima donna, a supporting actress who saves hedgehogs and wears no underwear, and an actor whos a drunk. Judith Gold, grande dame of the British theatre, has chosen her latest venture -- a stage adaptation of the classic film All About Eve, written to her specifications. Resolving to have complete control, she informs producer Wesley Bartlett that she will select both creative team and cast. The result is a spineless director and the perfect acting ensemble, including movie star Rupert Blake. Yet even Judith cant control her companys offstage lives, which threaten to cause onstage chaos. How fitting therefore that a respected war correspondent is taking an unusual interest in the play -- and its leading lady.