ELAINE STRITCH A Delicate Balance

Elaine Stritch and George Grizzard in a scene from the acclaimed 1997 Broadway revival of Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance." Both stars were veterans of the original Broadway production of Albee's "Virginia Woolf."

[@matthewdecoster157]

I saw this production. I'll never forget Elaine's entrance, as she descended the stairs. "I'm sorry my nature is such to bring out the full force of your brutality." One of the best plays I'll ever see.

[@TheChannelTV-bt8em]

That line of Albee's would have been great no matter who delivered it but Elaine did so with a sledge hammer.

[@mattterranova2654]

A very good friend of mine was a dresser on this show & I spent that summer hanging around the Plymouth. What an experience! I heard this performance over the backstage speakers countless times. When Stritch says "My name is Claire and I am a alcoholic", everyone backstage would repeat it in Strich's voice. Also the fights between her and George Grizzard btwn scenes as well as after each show were epic!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Love your comment--there had been reports that the production did not extend because of some cast members not getting along, and now I know which ones.

[@mattterranova2654]

@@auroraspiderwoman5886 They very well could have been. The primary reasons for their fights was regarding Grizzards alcoholism and Stritches recovery efforts for hers. She was very anti alcohol and would preach to him about his drinking (as well as showing up to the theater drunk) and his basically telling her to mind her own business. And her constant upstaging him during their scenes together. Meanwhile Rosemary Harris, Elizabeth Wilson (whom my friend dressed and would give me $50 tips to go grab her steak dinners from a steak house on the corner of 49th & 9th Ave - loved her) & the remaining cast would head for the hills!

[@MichaelCH2007]

@@mattterranova2654 I just read the book "Singular Sensation" by Michael Reidel. One of the chapters was on Edward Albee and it touches on this production and how there was drama offstage. Grizzard and Rosemary Harris couldn't stand her antics. The author said Elaine Stritch was a handful in rehearsals, fretting about her diabetes, dropping her pants to give herself a shot of insulin, stopping midscene to call for orange juice. She also demanded the star dressing room which forced Elizabeth Wilson to climb up two flights of stairs to her dressing room evety night, with a broken hip. Then in previews, Stritch would dash to the box office to make sure they hadn't stolen her house seats, wearing just a bra and panties. And the director indulged her all the way.

[@richardsoucie1648]

@@MichaelCH2007 Hi - Really enjoy reading your comments. I saw this production and it left on indelible mark on me. If you have anything further to share please do! I just purchased the Riedel book based on your post. I'd read Razzle Dazzle but didn't know about this one. Thanks!

[@postmodernrecycler]

The most searing monologue of 20th century modernism, and Elaine couldn't do it prouder.🥃

[@eirikastokes9652]

She draws you in and refuses to let you go til she's done with you. Amazing.

[@Johanna.EG.]

You can't take your eyes off Elaine Stritch, can you?

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

She was indeed magnetic. And she certainly proved it once and for all with her nearly three-hour solo show.

[@Ronizetti]

Stunning talent - GD I miss Elaine ... BLESS you as always, Aurora!

[@TheDesmo54]

I saw this. She was riveting. This is a very difficult play.

[@ThomasLongJr]

Saw this production! Brilliant!

[@briankooker2627]

I will always remember her legs crisscrossing in the air while she lies flat on her back giving another incredible cavalcade of Albee gems.

[@christopherbush9027]

Omg! Spiderwoman-thank you so much for posting this!!!

[@brianeduardo1234]

Thanks for posting this

[@brianeduardo1234]

What an actress... RIP

[@jessedalton2387]

THANK YOU.

[@brianeduardo1234]

What an actress she was RIP

[@erdbeermund78]

Wow. It must have been great to see the whole show.

[@sjcohen4444]

I saw this. The topless bathing suit monologue was hysterical. Stritch should have tied with Zoe Caldwell for the Tony that season! But happily Grizzard did nab one.

[@uncletibs]

I SAW IT. HAUNTING. YOU COULD HEAR A PIN DROP AT THE END OF THE FIRST ACT AS THE GRAND DROP FELL.

[@confessionhorrorbaby]

Where do you get these fantastic clips?

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Glad to read these favorable comments. This revival was a triumph for Stritch, and I love this scene.

[@nopinion6381]

😭😭😭

[@Joe2156]

Does anyone know how to get a copy of the whole show

[@uncletibs]

THERE IS HEPHBURN IN THE WHOLE FILM ON YOU TUBE.