BETTE DAVIS AIN'T FOR SISSIES

Two weeks ago a friend took me to see Jessica Sherr perform her one-woman show: BETTE DAVIS AIN'T FOR SISSIES (the title riffs on Davis's famous quote late in life: "Getting old ain't for sissies"). It was at "the church around the corner" on East 29th Street in Manhattan—otherwise known as "the actors' church"—in a small library converted into a small theater.

I give credit to anyone who does a one-person show live onstage, just for the courage and commitment it takes to stand up there all alone and try to retain an audience's attention and interest for usually at least an hour, and often more, even when it doesn't work. But this show and performance works. From her first words and movements on the small set meant to be Davis's Beverly Hills home the night of the 1939 Oscar ceremony (in February of1940), Sherr owned the stage and both entertained and enlightened the audience.

There were moments when Sherr evoked so perfectly Davis's voice and mannerisms, she became her. Though for most of the show, she was not so much mimicking Davis's physicality and unique accent, but rather channeling her personality and spirit and intelligence. I knew most of the details of Davis's career and personal life (Sherr brings both Davis's past and future to life in the course of this one Oscar night) but still felt pleasantly surprised and informed.

This is an evolving show Sherr has been working on and performing for years, and the night we saw it was the first time a new expanded version was performed for an audience. By their reaction (and mine) it was a hit. If you like live theater, especially in an intimate setting (those in the front row can almost touch the performer) and appreciate the hard work a one-person show demands, go see BETTE DAVIS AIN'T FOR SISSIES next time Sherr performs it.