More Theater Monday - The Tattooed Lady

We were given complimentary tickets to The Tattooed Lady for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: The Tattooed Lady

Where: Philadelphia Theater Company

             Suzanne Roberts Theatre 

             480  S. Broad Street

             Philadelphia, PA

Who: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up

When: Through November 20, 2022

The new musical The Tattooed Lady is the story of the women who covered their bodies in tattoos and worked in freak shows, side shows, and dime shows to earn a living during the early 20th century. Going against societal norms like this definitely made these women pioneers and their story one of female empowerment. Although this obviously did not mean they had complete control of their lives.

Despite its title, The Tattooed Lady is the story of several women although there is one woman at its center. The show is populated with a bevy of interesting characters, many of whom are based on real people. Their stories are quite fascinating. It is unclear whether the main character, Ida Gibson, is based on a real person. Athough her story is intriguing, it is not necessarily the most intriguing or at least intriguing enough to deserve being the main focus of the story more so than any of the other women whose stories are covered in the show. The show leaves you wanting to know more about the other women in the story and perhaps would have done better to focus on telling you more of one or two of their stories rather than bits and pieces of several.

There are some rousing anthems in the show including the powerful opening number. However, for the most part, the songs are not that memorable. Jackie Hoffman, who plays the lead role of Ida, and who has done well in previous roles in other musicals, seems a poor choice for the lead. Her singing is weak and her performance seems one note. She is just angry all the time. Perhaps, she is better suited to comedies.

The other ladies in the cast shine especially Kim Blanck in the role of Maud Wagner. Their voices are pretty and their acting is compelling. It keeps you wanting to know more about their fascinating stories. They are the reason to see this show.

And that's our view. For more about The Tattooed Lady or to purchase tickets, visit philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/tattooed-lady

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All The Tattooed Lady production photos by Johanna Austin