Gertrude Stein and A Companion

4.75 (147)

Gertrude Stein and A Companion

22 performances between June 18, 2018 and Oct. 20, 2018
Drama
Directed by Chris Weare • Written by Win Wells • Performed by Lynita Crofford and Shirley Johnston • Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French .SAMUEL FRENCH LTD
70mins
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Back by popular demand! Gertrude Stein and companion returns to Alexander bar following a sold out run earlier this year.

This evocative and witty play explores the extraordinary relationship between lifelong partners Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas who rejected the conservative values of middle class America in the early nineteen hundreds and found refuge in the bohemian decadence of Paris… and in each other.   

Stein drew artistic genius to her salon like a magnet, numbering among her close friends Hemingway, Picasso, Matisse, Cezanne, Klee and Scott Fitzgerald among other artists, writers and poets. They regularly gathered at what became known as the ‘Mecca for the modern-minded’ where they inspired each other to create art, drank often, fought often, fell in and out of love… and occasionally indulged in Alice’s hash brownies.  The mystique of the ‘lost generation’ in Paris, a term coined by Stein, serves as a colourful backdrop to a tender and unconventional love story which Wells has woven into an absorbing theatre piece.   

Media & Reviews

"Lynita’s Alice is solid and terse and grumpy and witty. She is also entirely transformed from her usual blonde and sexy self.""Shirley’s Gertrude is expansive and cheeky and bold and lyrical. Her warmth and sparkle radiate from her.""I loved them. I loved the characters and I loved the performers playing them.""I am seldom jealous of beautiful scripts, but this one made me wish I had written it.""Chris Weare is in his element here as a director. His control, pace, vision and even quirky humour is evident in this hour-long delight."

"Shirley and Lynita– under the precise direction of Chris– conjure up the feisty spirit, acerbic wit of Gertrude and Alice.""Crofford is stylish and chic as Alice and she captivates the feisty Gertrude in front of our eyes."

Review of Gertrude Stein

"Gertrude was alive in Shirley Johnston. Sassy as all hell, yet vulnerable (as only pioneering artists and change-makers can be)""The two doyens of the South African Stage were magnificent and flawless. A triumph, really.""Do go see it. It’s a performance masterclass."   

A REVIEW: GERTRUDE STEIN AND A COMPANION by SAMANTHA GRAY

Audience Responses

Liked fact that it was educational

Dieter • Attended June 19, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

I enjoyed the play and thought it was well written and well acted. I came home wanting to read Stein's books.

Anna • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

We loved it. The play was interesting, informative, well acted. Also the music was well chosen. I give it a 5. More of this ! Anne

Anne • Attended June 28, 2018, 7 p.m.

Exquisite piece of theatre. So deeply moving.

Ruth • Attended Oct. 17, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Absolutely fabulous

paula • Attended Oct. 17, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

it were very lovely with a good use of space and lovely, moving performances

Mark • Attended June 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Such a great performance. Loved it

Suzy • Attended Oct. 13, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Excellent theatre!

David • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

our 1st time at the Alexander Bar . loved the show very professional .excellent

Elzunia • Attended June 28, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Thoroughly enjoyable

Chris • Attended June 25, 2018, 7 p.m.

Excellent production and acting - much better than I'd expected for such a small venue. Size isn't everything!

Graham • Attended Oct. 11, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

I had seen this rather beautiful piece before and if anything I enjoyed it more the second time. It is filled with gentleness, compassion, love - and it's deeply moving while also being archly witty, and slyly funny. Outstanding performances from Lynita Crofford and Shirley Johnston - both magnificent in their physicality and depth of characterisation. What a treat to be able to see theatre of this calibre!

terry • Attended Oct. 19, 2018, 7 p.m.

outstanding theatre!

Julie • Attended June 27, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Superb, wonderful theater, best play I have seen for years. Great Venue too. Sue Bross

Sue • Attended Oct. 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed it

Federica • Attended June 27, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Fabulous staging and performances!

Beverley • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

Thought the direction and performances were excellent.

Diane • Attended June 30, 2018, 4 p.m.
4.0

Absolutely brilliant acting and exceptional production

Elizabeth • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Absolutley outstanding performance

Tim • Attended Oct. 16, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Absolutely brilliant acting and exceptional production

Elizabeth • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Thought it was fantastic!

Elleanor • Attended Oct. 10, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Superb acting and script.

Dusanka • Attended Oct. 17, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Great sjoe

Douglas • Attended Oct. 17, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

The show was incredible! The two ladies were a pleasure to watch and the story was beautifully told.

Wilmarie • Attended June 29, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

A piece theatre with great depth and joy, brining the intimacy of their relationship into the intimate space of your theatre. A gem of a piece, beautifully performed.

Barbara • Attended Oct. 13, 2018, 7 p.m.

It was excellent,acting was so in character

jill. • Attended Oct. 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Very good

Debby • Attended Oct. 11, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

I thought it was brilliant. I really love Christopher's work and as for the actresses - sublime! And the story! Superb. One little niggle - the rhythms should settle. Thank you for a lovely evening out.

Christopher • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.

Liked fact that it was educational

Dieter • Attended June 19, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Most satisfying. It entertains through humor, information and sentiment. If you feel strongly about celebration relations, see it. And the acting and direction is ........lovely.

Chris • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Excellent performances and lovely play - witty and profound. Recommend it highly.

Roberta • Attended June 19, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

Fantastic

HESTER • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.

My companion and I loved the play. The acting was very professional. I would say world-class. The play could easily be staged in the US.

Eric • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Excellent theatre!

David • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

Beautifully calibrated performances that captivated and drew you into a story well told. Lynita Crofford and Shirley Johnston drew you into the lives of Getrude Stein and Alice B Toklas with total conviction - the intimacy of the theatre enhancing the unfolding of their relationship. Full marks to Chris Weare for directing a complex script with a sensitive understatement that moved between pathos and humour so effortlessly. Bravo!! mapmyway.co.za

Philip • Attended June 26, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Intimate, engrossing, interesting point of view for the storytelling

Andrea • Attended Oct. 10, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Great performances, interesting and moving content, would like more shows like this. BUT, over the course of the evening, theatre became TOO WARM for comfort!

Janet • Attended June 28, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Brilliant. Effortlessly portrayed. An immersive love story.

Melissa • Attended June 27, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Both Shirley Johnson and Lynita Crofford shine in Chris Weare's witty production of these two Bohemian "Americans in Paris".Shirley captures Gertrude's boundless confidence in herself; while Lynita has never been better as the insecure Alice B. Lots of detail (that faint moustache!), and the paintings work well, though I felt photos sometimes worked against onstage portrayals. Lovely! Should play to packed houses next week.

Nigel • Attended June 20, 2018, 7 p.m.

A pleasure to see two well-directed, consummate Proffessionals in a show which was so well suited to the venue.

Digby • Attended Oct. 11, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Excellent production and acting - much better than I'd expected for such a small venue. Size isn't everything!

Graham • Attended Oct. 11, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Really enjoyed it

marina • Attended Oct. 15, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

All five of us thought it was very good

marcia • Attended June 26, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

A perfectly crafted play brought to vivid life by two wonderful actresses. Shirley and Lynita gave us great joy.

Jan-Hendrik • Attended June 28, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Brilliant performances by Shirley Johnston & Lynita Crofford! I thoroughly enjoyed the show which is witty, emotional, funny and sincere. I highly recommend watching this show during its' limited run!

Michael • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Awesome well done ladies - just the right amount of humour but also had me in tears!

Denise • Attended June 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Loved it. Review should be out today.

Megan • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Outstanding performances, poignant moments. Loved it.

Samantha • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

A very good play well acted and I came out and have learned something!

Joachim • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Amusing piece, well performed, and well supported by set and music. Enjoyed it a lot :)

Shelley • Attended Oct. 15, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

A simply superb production. The acting was perfection - with the most beautiful interplay between the two artistes. They WERE Stein and Toklas incarnate! Clever stage set and rear projection of the pictures. We just loved the whole experience.

John • Attended June 29, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

The acting was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the show.

Renee • Attended June 30, 2018, 4 p.m.
5.0

Fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

kate • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Superb - beautifully written piece and outstanding performances

Hilary • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Two incredible actors. A very insightful look at the artists of the time and the immortal love between two humans.

Nicolaas • Attended Oct. 17, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

FANTASTIC...enjoyed it SO MUCH that I intend going again....this time with a friend. Both ladies were superb !!

antonio • Attended June 20, 2018, 7 p.m.

It was superb, mesmerizing!

Wendy • Attended Oct. 16, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

I thought it was brilliant. I really love Christopher's work and as for the actresses - sublime! And the story! Superb. One little niggle - the rhythms should settle. Thank you for a lovely evening out.

Christopher • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.

dazzling performances of a marvellous play - a must see!

david • Attended Oct. 11, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

My only complaint – it is a small intimate space, using music as background music whilst the actors were talking is not a good idea - it was drowning the voices of the actors and was difficult to follow the dialogue at times and even more so when Alice was typing, it was amplified - not great.

Louis • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

Utterly brilliant and very moving. My first visit to the Alexander. I’ll be back!

Susie • Attended June 26, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Delightful. Nicely observed performances, especially from Shirley Johnstone. Loved the back projections. All in all a satisfactory evening in the theatre.

Charles • Attended June 28, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

The acting was phenominal!! Loved the play! Also highly educational! Will definately book to watch these actors again!

Nicola • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Excellent production and acting - much better than I'd expected for such a small venue. Size isn't everything!

Graham • Attended Oct. 11, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Utterly brilliant and very moving. My first visit to the Alexander. I’ll be back!

Susie • Attended June 26, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was excellent. Very pleased we got to see it.

Richard • Attended June 25, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was excellent. Very pleased we got to see it.

Richard • Attended June 25, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

The actors sucked me into a world gone by and made this couple come to life in a way that I will always remember.

Sjaka • Attended Oct. 10, 2018, 7 p.m.
3.5

It was a most enjoyable show and the performance by both actors cannot be faulted. They were most " in character " and one felt that both Gertrude and Alice were sharing their thoughts and feelings of their life and the time they spent with each other with you. The times that they spent together seemed so loving. Rob and Joanita

Rorbert • Attended June 26, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Liked fact that it was educational

Dieter • Attended June 19, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Wonderful and absolutely absorbing in all the details....superb, really!

shirley • Attended June 27, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

Breathtaking - outstanding acting

Reena • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.

Great performances from both actresses.

DEBORAH • Attended Oct. 9, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Fantastic

Don • Attended June 27, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Great acting - very enjoyable.

Diana • Attended June 29, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Excellent!! No wonder it is back by popular demand

etienne • Attended Oct. 15, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Excellent; great script and direction, and superb performances from both actresses. A real gem of a play.

Elisa • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Wonderful

Vivien • Attended Oct. 12, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

excellent. very cleverly staged

isabelle • Attended Oct. 12, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Superb - beautifully written piece and outstanding performances

Hilary • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.

Brilliant, riveting performances by two very fine actors, and beautifully directed. I thought it was one of the best dramas I've seen in years. Thank you !

Roy • Attended Oct. 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

High standard of acting The image projection really enhanced the impact and drew you into the ambiance

Barry • Attended Oct. 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Excellent show - the acting was superb & the storyline poignant & moving. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Jeanette • Attended June 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Two amazing actresses! Loved the show.

Jacky • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Shirley Johnston and Lynita Crofford were both brilliant in this poignant and funny play. A must-see if it returns.

Lesley • Attended June 30, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Fantastic

HESTER • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.

4

Melinda • Attended June 29, 2018, 7 p.m.

Exquisite performances in a moving and interesting play.

Sacha • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Rather uneventful, uninformative and less amusing/entertaining than was possible

Andre D • Attended Oct. 17, 2018, 7 p.m.
2.0

Brilliantly acted, touching and poignant play.

Alan • Attended June 27, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

we were four of the audience and all found the play excellent in every way. very cleverly put together in terms of script, staging and very very well acted. well done to all. thank you

gail • Attended Oct. 15, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Wonderful to see Shirley and Lynita perform on stage. A uniquely beautiful story and well told through the script.

Greg • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

excellent production and outstanding acting - even though we knew little of Stein and will now have to do some reading!

Heather • Attended June 28, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

I absolutely loved it! The performances were very moving and the script was so interesting and funny. I was riveted! This is a wonderful piece of theatre!

Sue • Attended Oct. 9, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

It was excellently presented - maybe not quite my preferred subject.... I will definitely return and experience the music and comedy next time!

Horst • Attended Oct. 12, 2018, 7 p.m.
3.5

Brilliant! Such a clever script enhansed by good visuals of photographs and pictures or Gertrude Steins Art.

Sandy • Attended June 27, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

5 It was a great venue for this excellent play. The acting was superb

Shelley • Attended Oct. 16, 2018, 7 p.m.

Gertrude Stein and a Companion . Brilliant performances by Shirley Johnston and Lynita Crofford. A master class in the skill of acting, bringing the page to life. Yet, I was not watching two actresses at work. I was in the room with Gertrude and Alice. The soul is fed. Thank you.

Kobus • Attended June 29, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

It’s a rare treat to see two actors at the top of their respective games in a powerful and poignant two-hander tour de force! Both Lynita Crofford and Shirley Johnston are superb in this wryly witty, tender piece detailing the relationship between Gertrude Stein and Alice B Toklas. Both performances were entirely credible, nuanced and deeply moving. Weare’s direction is seamless and spot on. Book, go, spread the word...

terry • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Touching and entertaining. Loved the show!

Diane • Attended June 28, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

A beautifully observed gem of a show! Shirley and Lynita were born to play these roles.

Bruce • Attended Oct. 10, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!! I saw the show for the second time and enjoyed it as much as the first time and would definitely see it again!! Great acting and a very touching story.

Lorraine • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Excellent acting and portrayal

Beryl • Attended Oct. 9, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Excellent production, script, acting. How lucky we are to have such 5 star theatre in (windy) Cape Town – thank you for keeping up your standards.

Heather • Attended Oct. 19, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

4 out of 5. Wonderful performances and direction. .interesting material. Learnt new things. One of the slides one couldnt read. 4 stars alk round. Great place

Janet • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.

I enjoyed it for what it was - my second time to see it, and I thought the acting really good. But my friend Jo whom I had brought along thought otherwise: I felt uninvolved throughout, without empathy or interest in the dialogue or the characters; the stage direction was non-existent - the portrayal was of two dreary and unimpressive women walking in the same circles, talking about famous people without any stirring of my interest, intellect or emotions - with visuals of Picasso and others paintings but not a word about the effect on them or on the art world - only that they owned them; I felt totally divorced from the characters and their situation; there was no energy or vibrancy, no reason for why avante garde writers or artists ever paid them any interest.

Heather • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

I rated this show a five. It was most enjoyable. Shirley Johnston and Lynita Crofford were superb in their roles and interacted so well. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend the show to others. Well done!

Meryl • Attended Oct. 16, 2018, 7 p.m.

Liked fact that it was educational

Dieter • Attended June 19, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

absolutely fabulous

Sue • Attended Oct. 11, 2018, 7 p.m.

Two doyens of the South African Stage. Magnificent and Flawless. A triumph.

Samantha • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Fantastic

HESTER • Attended Oct. 20, 2018, 7 p.m.

Love, love loved it! Phenomenal acting. Great story. Funny and poignant. A love story, a human story a story about art and literature.

Pascale • Attended Oct. 16, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Excellently directed with a charming script and quality performances by both actors. A complete evening of classy theatre.

Johan • Attended June 29, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Wonderful . Supurb performances by Shirley and Lynita. Best theatre evening in ages

Johnny • Attended June 30, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Very good story and acting!

Markus • Attended Oct. 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Very entertaining. The only thing I would change would be less fiddling around with actions like repeatedly taking shoes off and lighting cigarettes, it was a bit distracting. Trust in the words to be enough to maintain interest.

David • Attended June 30, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.5

Most satisfying. It entertains through humor, information and sentiment. If you feel strongly about celebration relations, see it. And the acting and direction is ........lovely.

Chris • Attended Oct. 8, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Loved it - great script - fine performances

Nancy • Attended Oct. 9, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

5+ star rating. Excellent acting. I loved that the set was so simple, and it did not detract from the actors and their dialogue. As I think one of them said ? it was like looking down the lens of a camera. I continued to think about the play when I got home and for the rest of to day. It was definitely NOT forgettable. It portrays life on so many levels and has universal appeal. The concept of lesbians was so far from my thoughts. {I don't have a problem with lesbianism} but it made me feel a bit envious of lesbians!!! They seem to have it all!! I just loved their relationship. In terms of a period piece it has to have been a stellar time in life. I would go and see it again and again [with accomplished actors?]

sally • Attended Oct. 19, 2018, 7 p.m.

Wonderful. Play. First class acting. Real joy.

Karen • Attended June 30, 2018, 4 p.m.
5.0

Excellent acting, directing, set design

Rouxnette • Attended June 25, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

Delightfully witty and sad play. Outstanding performance by both very talented girls

Anne • Attended June 27, 2018, 7 p.m.
5.0

A really good piece and sensitively directed. Thoughtful and entertaining. Thank you.

Patrick • Attended Oct. 18, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed it, discovered interesting information about their relationship as well as Ernest Hemingway and The Great Artists of the era friendship.Acting was superb, they lit and extinguished many cigarrettes continuously in those days! Great acting, good lighting, music etc and a great atmosphere with good viewing from anywhere as it only holds 70 people! An allround great show for an hour was lovely!

Miranda • Attended Oct. 15, 2018, 7 p.m.
4.0

Awesome

Gisele • Attended June 18, 2018, 7 p.m.

Absolutely stunning performances!