WIT, WOUNDS, AND A GREAT SET OF PODIUMS

A smart, lively cabaret revue that reminds us
Parker was more than just a quote machine.

Those of us who remember Dorothy Parker think of a sharp-witted, often biting writer and wise observer of human nature. Her one-liners, such as “Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses,” have become legendary.

Finding Dorothy Parker, a cabaret revue compiled and directed by Douglas Carter Beane, certainly covers many of Parker’s bon mots, gathered from her reviews, short stories, and poems. But it also gives us a glimpse into the inner life of a tragic figure who tried to kill herself several times, and a woman of principles who was blacklisted by the HUAC and remained a strong anti-segregationist throughout her life—bequeathing her entire estate to the NAACP.

The show features Julie Halston, Ann Harada, Jackie Hoffman, and Anika Larsen standing at podiums (which are moved around the stage on several occasions) and reading from Parker’s very witty work. There are also several musical interludes (music and sound design are by Alistair Wroe), one of which shows Hoffman as an excellent interpreter of Lady Day.

ANN HARADA, JULIE HALSTON, ANIKA LARSEN, JACKIE HOFFMAN

The four actresses are all known for their comic stripes. They play well together and separately as they tackle Parker’s opinions on the wealthy, marriage, theater, and various social gatherings. We see Parker’s targets at home, at dinner parties, in speakeasies, and at parties.

A rich woman (Halston) seems unable to survive the breakage of a nail. A woman at a party (Harada) tries to please her date while hoping the dance will end soon. A guest at a dinner party (Hoffman) longs to ask for a pack of cards. A racist trying to be agreeable (Larsen) prides herself on shaking the hand of a Black man she admires.

At times, some of the segments seem to go on too long, and a bit more editing would have been helpful. But for the most part, Finding Dorothy Parker is an evening of fine entertainment and an enlightening glimpse into a woman who covered her bandaged wrists with ribbons after one of her suicide attempts.

photo by David Lawrence

Finding Dorothy Parker
The Laurie Beechman Theatre at West Bank Café, 407 West 42 Street
ends on February 6, 2026 EXTENDED to March 8, 2026
for tickets ($45.00 – $55.00), visit The Beechman