On April 6, 2017, War Paint opened on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre. Starring musical theatre legends Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole—who both received Tony nominations for their performances—the production played 33 previews and 236 regular performances.
The musical explored the complex relationship between cosmetics giants Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden—two women who defined beauty standards for the first half of the 20th century. Brilliant innovators with humble roots, both were masters of self-invention who sacrificed everything to become some of the country’s first major female entrepreneurs. They were also fierce competitors, whose 50-year tug-of-war would give birth to an entire industry. From Fifth Avenue society to the halls of Congress, their remarkable rivalry was ruthless, relentless and legendary—pushing both women to build international empires in a world dominated by men.
The musical reunited Ebersole with her collaborators from the 2006 musical Grey Gardens: songwriting team Scott Frankel and Michael Korie, Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright, and director Michael Greif. Choreography was by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli. War Paint was inspired by Lindy Woodhead’s book War Paint and the documentary film The Powder & the Glory by Ann Carol Grossman and Arnie Reisman.
In addition to Ebersole and LuPone, War Paint starred John Dossett as Tommy Lewis (Arden’s husband and chief marketing officer) and Douglas Sills as Harry Fleming (Rubinstein’s clubby confidante and faithful ally). They were supported by Mary Ernster, David Girolmo, Joanna Glushak, Chris Hoch, Mary Claire King, Steffanie Leigh, Erik Liberman, Barbara Marineau, Stephanie Jae Park, Angel Reda, Jennifer Rias, and Bart Shatto.
The musical was produced on Broadway by David Stone, Marc Platt, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Marcia Goldberg, Universal Stage Productions, Independent Presenters Network, and the Goodman Theatre.
The creative team included scenic designer David Korins, costume designer Catherine Zuber, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, sound designer Brian Ronan, orchestrator Bruce Coughlin, and music director Lawrence Yurman. Casting was by Telsey + Co.
In addition to Ebersole and LuPone's Tony nominations, War Paint was also Tony-nominated for Best Costumes and Best Scenic Design. War Paint closed on Broadway November 5, 2017 moving up its initially announced December 30, 2017 closing date to accommodate a hip surgery for LuPone.
See photos from the Broadway run of War Paint below.
Learn what other theatrical happenings occurred on April 6 by visiting the Playbill Vault.
