FOUL ON THE CRITICS OF DEUCE!
May 8, 2007
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by Sandy Rapp
A injustice is being done to Terrence McNally's wonderful play, Deuce, about two strong women tennis stars. It is a supreme and realistic perspective on aging, acted brilliantly by those two stellar veterans Angela Lansbury and Marian Seldes. The two were doubles champions back when, and we see how their times shaped them and how in turn they shaped their times.
One dated interracially when to do so shocked many. Both did back flips to prove they weren't lesbians. They weren't, but in those days women athletes had to offset any such appearance with all manner of device
And the play proceeds at an ongoing tennis match, where the old gals are being honored. Lansbury and Seldes are amazing, holding their characters through the constant business of following volleys, i.e. looking left, right, applauding, etc.
The dismissive reviews this play is drawing are a resounding statement about the sexism of our culture. This a beautiful piece about two intrepid women. Had it been about men, we'd be reading of its existential permanence. The fact that it concerns women is inspiring its trivialization among critics.
Don't believe them. Deuce is a very fine piece, whose limited run at the Music Box all should see immediately. Terrance McNally wins Tony Awards for good reasons. This play is one of them.
Sandy Rapp is a feminist author and musician who can be reached at SandyRapp.com and SandyRapp@aol.com.
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