Three Tall Women - Lyric Stage Company reaches new heights

Albee's 1991 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, directed by the Lyric's Spiro Veloudos, is simply quite stunning.

The biographically story of Albee's estranged, adoptive mother is told in snarling, senile, humorous, and at times, pathetic terms by the three actors who dominate the stage with performances that are astounding in their complexity and delivery.

Anne Scurria as the 92-year old version, dying from a compendium of ailments, gives a performance of acid vindictiveness and tragic decline that should be rewarded with a best actress award or two at year end. Please shoot me if I ever end up like this woman.

Paula Plum plays the 52-year old version of the same woman, who believes that now is the best time of her life, knowing what she knows and at ease with herself and the path she has chosen. Plum is at once sprightly and humorous and oozes a rich sensuality that the much younger version of herself comes nowhere near. Were it not for the presence and performance of Scurria, Plum may well have stolen the show.

Working hard not to be out done by the classy performance of two of Boston's best acting talents, Liz Hayes as the 26-year-old version plays her role admirably, imparting her character with a solid mix of naivety and hope, convinced that she can never become the two women with whom she shares the stage.

The fact that all three are on stage at the same time, convincingly playing the same person but at different stages in their life and discussing with each other what has become of them and why, is an amazing piece of writing from Albee.

The play runs until April 26 and for me this performance alone, compressed into the Lyric Stage Company's intimate setting, is worth the price of the season ticket for the all the other plays put together.