Written by Elizabeth J. Fuller, Me and Jezebel is a comedy inspired by Fuller’s true experience. During a hotel strike, a friend asks if she and her family can can put up Bette Davis, for a day or two. Of course, Elizabeth says yes. Who wouldn’t host a legendary film star, with the inimitable panache of Bette Davis? She makes all the preparations for her special guest, and as we might expect, is a bit awestruck. When Davis arrives, she takes charge, more or less. She is wearing a big hat and goggley sunglasses that conceal most of her face. Bette Davis is nothing if not attitude. She mentions the pothole in the drive way, the terrible mattress, the constant “Yabba-Dabba- Doo” she hears when their son Christopher, watches The Flintstones. “Keeeee-reyst!” she complains. “It makes me want to VOM-it!”
One of the dangers here, is the public’s unending love affair with cantankerous old ladies who have a repertoire of obscenities and curses. At the end of the day, we find such behavior quaint, which is facile and certainly no favor to Ms. Davis. Fuller recounts her behavior as outspoken, if not entirely reasonable. Pushy, but not obnoxious. Bette Davis might not be submissive, but neither is she a harridan. Jezebel and Me is set during the 1980’s when Davis’ daughter released My Mother’s Keeper, right on the heels of Christina Crawford’s memoir: Mommie, Dearest. When she and Elizabeth watch the interview with her daughter, Davis is not thrilled. But she doesn’t have a meltdown, which is surprising. She’s bitter and hurt, but classy. Again and again, we see her considerate side, she’s patient with the noisy Christopher, takes Elizabeth out to lunch and cooks for them. As if she’s trying to balance her outrageousness with grace. A lesser playwright might have copped to caricature or character assassination (which often happens, when a celebrity is played in drag). Fuller lets us see her as dignified, but defiant, when sleighted.
Bailey Maxwell puts in an admirable performance as Elizabeth. She’s bright, intelligent, tactful and gung-ho, without being perky or a door mat. When she talks about the novel she’s writing, we don’t surmise she’s a hobbyist who thinks anyone can do it. Doug Fowler, as the sublime, regal rebel of the silver screen is impressive. Fowler undoubtedly has the knack for the best kind of comedy. The sort that elicits helpless laughter. There’s little resemblance (and I say this as a compliment) but it absolutely doesn’t matter. He delivers the role with such confidence and sentience, he evokes the lady herself. My teenage nephew (with shocking ignorance of Davis’ amazing career) thoroughly loved the play. Laughing right along with me.
Mainstage Irving presents Jezebel and Me: playing July 23rd-August 7th, 2021. Dupree Theater- Irving-Los Colinas- Arts Center– 3333 North MacArthur Blvd, Irving Texas 75062. 972-252-2787. www.mainstageirving.com