BELLA BELLA – Written by Harvey Fierstein; Directed by Mari Geasair. Produced by Vintage Theatre (1468 Dayton, Aurora) through March 18. Tickets available at 303-856-7830 or VintageTheatre.org.
We have outspoken women in politics now on both sides of the aisle. A few of them didn’t last too long. But there had to be the first one and Bella was it. On this evening of theatre, we sit and float through time backwards and forwards with her as she waits in a hotel suite bathroom for the results of her long-shot five-way race to become the first female Senator from New York.
During the evening, she reminisces about her journey and shares her dreams. Her strong feminist beliefs earned her the nickname Battling Bella. But she didn’t mind because she was battling for Women’s Rights in every way possible during her time in politics from 1945 to 1998. She passed legislation that allowed a woman to obtain credit in her own name, without needing her husband’s signature. She founded the Women’s Caucus in the UN and a multitude of worthwhile women’s lobbying efforts. She was determined, earthy, at times profane, but forever unforgettable.
Erika Scotti takes on the daunting one-woman role in this production. She brings to life the brash beauty of Bella, not mincing her words, not afraid of controversy. Her life in politics dominates the conversation and illustrates her passion for feminist issues. She knows she has fallen behind in this particular race. She and everyone in the audience know, however, that this is just a little bump in the road. Erika captures that outspoken, almost belligerent personality. Even her personal nervousness illustrated Bella’s own troubled soul at her possible failure.
A little history: Harvey Fierstein, who wrote the piece, also performed it in 2019. Bella has also been portrayed by Margo Martindale and Bette Midler in various movies. Poignantly, Bella was born in the part of Russia that is now Ukraine. I wonder what she would think of what is going on over there now. The evening provided a comprehensive illustration of her life and works with humor and grace.
A WOW factor of 8.5!!