—Los Angeles Times

Jack Heifner's “Vanities” at the Pilot II Theater is as conspicuous an example of vanity theater as we have seen in a long time. Fortunately, it is a good example as well. Gail Edwards, Elizabeth Price, and Annie Potts, three very busy television and movie actresses firmly rooted in the theatre, have pooled their own money to get back to the boards whiledemonstrating a range of abilities not readily exposed in their film assignments. They score their point and affirm their solid stage credentials in a thoroughly satisfying staging of a play that is not just coincidentally an excellent and balanced vehicle for three actresses.

Mari Gorman proves to be a director of sensitivity and strength with the project. Yet, it does not seem at all unfair to measure the depth of their commitment to and their love of the theater by the duration of the run and the invitational emphasis of the promotion. One can begin to suspect that an audience interested in a good play performed well had best rush to make reservations before all the casting directors respond. As Mary, who moves in cynicism and fear from cheerleader to passion's pit stop, Annie Potts reveals a command of brittle comic delivery and wordless reactions of voluminous subtext. Gail Edwards is delightful as the sappy future homemaker who is finally able to preserve the schoolgirl package she brought only by keeping herself pickled. Elizabeth Price is successful as Kathy, the organizer who runs out of plans. Steve Pellegren's modular set piece cleverly and simply adapts to the diverse demands of leap frogging 11 years and three locales.

Note that Gail Edwards won the “Drama-Logue Critics’ Award" for her performance.

Internet Questions:
Hi, I go to a high school in Tampa, FL, and in May we are going to be performing "Vanities". We are all very excited about it, and are moving very quickly with the project. I was just wondering, how many props did you use? And how intricate was the setting? In the stage directions, it indicates that it should "look expensive", but says that real furniture should not be used. We have some ideas in mind for the set, but I would like your input. Thanks for any and all help in advance : ) Sincerely, Chelsea

Hi Chelsea,

We performed on a black stage and used real furniture we bought from junk stores. If we had to, we fixed them up, repainted them - whatever we could do or afford. One of our construction-type husbands built wooden screens that each one of us changed behind - hence, we had three screens. But, do your own thing, as that's what's most important. Props? As I remember we kept it to what was manageable. You know, easy for us.

Break a leg!

I loved Ghost Train and of course I have watched all of the sit-coms listed at one time or another. To keep this short, after seeing you in so many roles I was wondering if a copy of Vanities is available on video to the public? It would be so great to see it as well! Do you have any roles airing in the future that I should watch for?

Thank you!  Ren.

Dear Ren,

Thank you so much for your very kind note. Unfortunately, there is no copy of Vanities that I could put you on to and it kills me as Annie, Elizabeth and I were all close friends coming up the ranks together.

Regarding roles in the future, I am currently working on a musical review here in Miami that I expect to unveil this Autumn - and believe me, this one I'll have videotaped!

Hi Gail,

OH my god I can't believe I didn't get a chance to see you in one of my favorite plays ever! Is there anyway you three gals can come to Jersey and tour w/ this wonderful, enlightening play? The world can use the laughter...I know I can!

How long ago did you do the play on stage "VANITIES"? Is there any way I may purchase you and Annie Potts doing the play? I just want to laugh and be brought back into a time of my childhood when things were not so complicated!

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you w/ good news I hope!

Good Luck in future endeavors!

Jennifer B.

Dear Ren,

Thank you