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Poster for Stage Beauty

Stage Beauty

She was the first of her kind. He was the last of his.

2004 · 1h 46m · R Comedy, Romance
Directed by Richard Eyre

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Overview

Humble Maria, who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston, takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
Fresh

The attraction to Stage Beauty is that it is just as much a campy comedy as it is an elegant drama.

Kathy Cano Murillo, Arizona Republic
Rotten

It's a Restoration romantic comedy that struggles with the romance and isn't nearly comic enough.

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Fresh

Has a weird, compelling energy, fueled by a deliciously dynamic cast, a cheerfully bawdy and odd story line and a refreshing, impossible romance.

Connie Ogle, Miami Herald
Fresh

Even if playwright Jeffrey Hatcher was a bit too tied up in his original play, there's no denying the wonderful wit at its center.

Tom Long, Detroit News
Fresh

While Eyre's direction is somewhat squarely theatrical, his sense both of period and the theatrical milieu is powerful.

Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

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