Ultimate Beauty Bible
Page 73 presents the world premiere of Caroline V. McGraw's dark comedy about sex, death, accessories, city life, friendship, and lipstick—all the essentials for a fascinating existence.
Danielle, Lee, and Tiffany have scaled the masthead of "Crimp" magazine, gaining access to the best the city has to offer—nightlife, men, and the beautiful baubles showcased in every issue. But when workaholic Danielle is forced to face her mortality, she begins to wonder what it's all worth. Questions of romance, sex, ambition, and loyalty spin Danielle and her friends out of control as they consider the possibility of life without each other.
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- 1 hour and 45 minutes
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- New Ohio Theatre (West Village)
Cast & Creatives (14)
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Reviews (18)
2 Critics' Reviews
"McGraw gives us plenty of material to chew on, but it's difficult to pinpoint how all these characters and ideas jell into a cohesive thesis. There are lots of questions, mercifully few attempts at answers, and a few head-scratching moments when you wonder how this all relates to something titled 'Ultimate Beauty Bible.' Still, even if slightly mismatched, the play is both written and performed vividly enough to compel a deep investment in every clashing color." Full Review
"Wry and artful...Under Brackett’s spirited and astute direction, McGraw more fully develops her relationships...There is one major misstep in the play, a series of monologues from a callow editorial assistant...These precious homilies stall the action...Elsewhere there’s a tendency to punch up lines past the point of realistic, but as many of those lines are awfully good, it’s forgivable. And McGraw is at her best when she channels her impulse toward absurdism into small, sly flourishes." Full Review
16 Members' Reviews
See it if you like female centric dialogue driven shows about young women finding their way in their careers and their relationships.
Don't see it if you want a light evening, promiscuity offends you or you have no interest in millennials and their love lives.
See it if you're interested in fashion/beauty/magazine life, interested in seeing a primarily female cast and female focused show.
Don't see it if you're looking for a light and fluffy show. There are funny moments, but it deals with heavy themes.
See it if You like good ensemble acting and an engaging script about friendship and betrayal and illness.
Don't see it if You don't like plays that deal with Cancer or risqué sexually dialogue.
See it if you are interested in watching a group of spoiled millennials suddenly shocked to be faced with real life.
Don't see it if prefer characters that have an understanding of the realities of life, and that its not all just parties and casual sex.
See it if Funny edgy and significant-- despite title. Well acted. Care about the characters-- even if glad some are not your friends
Don't see it if You are offended by raunchy language or conduct.
See it if You like romantic comedies about dating/relationships and cut-throat women who work in the fashion scene.
Don't see it if The monologues go on way too long and should be cut (show runs just under 2 hours , no intermission).
See it if you're a millennial (like me!) and want to see yourself reflected onstage. Funny and sweet, but no real substance here.
Don't see it if you're looking for something substantial.
See it if you enjoy a clever, unique voice and snappy, witty dialogue.
Don't see it if you're not interested in a millennial love story.
See it if You want a fun night of theater.
Don't see it if Can't think of a reason not to.
See it if you want to see a play by one theatre's up-and-coming writers. Inventive direction. Great cast. Moving and funny! A terrific night out!
Don't see it if you are not interested in contemporary plays. However, you'd be a fool to miss this one!
See it if you want a fresh take on modern relationships and competitive workplaces. Sharp writing, with terrific quotable lines and surprising depth.
Don't see it if cynical characters bother you (though balanced by sweetness elsewhere). Or you can't accept complexity being mined from the beauty industry.
See it if you like a play about 30 something female friendships and relationships
Don't see it if you are offended by language; play is a bit disjointed; male lead is miscast
See it if you are interested in the staff and inner workings of a fashion magazine; relationships, work ethic, snazzy shoes, sketchy morals.
Don't see it if The F word and several blatant grammar errors are off-putting; you enjoy only musicals; the 20 to 30 somethings don't interest you.
Also I think this play has great promise but needs some work; there was a s... Read more Read less
See it if fav part is the kinda sequestered existence of the intern girl who's isolated from the main plotline, but is most telling, genuine n cool
Don't see it if lack of sense of romance between male lead and female lead
See it if you want a funny, contemporary piece that ultimately becomes a rueful, existential look at the meaning of life. Nice performances all around
Don't see it if It somehow feels rote- banter filled with casual sexuality, twee relationships, a dark look at the human condition. Its beauty is skin deep.
See it if You like fantastic acting from some great actors, spot-on writing & exquisite production values. Hip & frothy, with something to say.
Don't see it if You don't like new, daring theatre. You don't like good acting or refreshing writing. You don't like stories about real, familiar humans.