The Third Story is a trip to the strange pseudo-noir fantasy world of Charles Busch, the master of fairytale camp, and he, the writer, plays two roles: a Grande Diva and an old witch. His comic timing is impeccable - he's a master. And there's Kathleen Turner, a stylized full-blown Diva in a dominating role. Vocally she's Tallulah Bankhead; physically she's Harvey in "Hairspray." She's great.
Sarah Rafferty, Jennifer Van Dyck and Scott Parkinson are all terrifically strong farceurs, and Jonathan Walker is Raymond Chandler all the way. The intricate fol-de-rol, mixing together the plots of three stories unfolding, is lots of fun as most of them play two characters.
David Gallo's set, Gregory Gale's costumes and David Weiner's lighting are all just right, and Carl Andress' direction keeps it snappy. Fine performances, lots of fun. And then it begins to wear a little. By intermission, I was camped out, and cut out. I had a great time, but an hour was enough for me.
