I would find it hard to believe that Charles Busch didn't write the role of Laura Keene in Our Leading Lady for himself. At times I thought I was watching Charles Busch play the part; Kate Mulgrew seems to be channeling him (can you channel someone who's not dead?). Act One is hilarious. Act two is more somber – it's hard to be hilarious after intermission when you've assassinated the president at the end of your first act. Busch's premise is great – the play revolves around the days leading up to the performance of Our American Cousin at which Lincoln is assassinated. The play is a love letter to the theater and a throw-back (especially Act One) to Busch's early plays. The supporting actors and all game and Reed Birney, Barbara Bryne and Christine Nielson and particularly good. Our Leading Lady isn't brilliant, but it is a lot of fun.For tickets & info: www.mtc-nyc.org
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