3 TALL WOMEN Edward Albee's Pulitzer Prize Play Starring Glenda Jackson and Laurie Metcalff

The most highly honored American playwright, Edward Albee (b Amer 1928-2016) has received more Pulitzer Prizes for Drama (5) and Tony awards including the Tony for Award for Lifetime Achievement  ('05).  A revival of his play 3 TALL WOMEN is in previews on Broadway with a trio of A+ stars including Glenda Jackson (A), Laurie Metcalf  (B) and Alison Pill (C).  "A", "B" and "C" refer to the 3 personnas of the same woman who is "A" a woman re-examining & redefining her life as a frail, bedridden (having suffered a stroke) at the age of 92 or 91 if you want to take "A" at her word with skepticism.  The play premiered in 1991 and won the Pulitzer Prize.  I'm perplexed, because I fail to grasp why this play was so heralded.  The construct of the play, done in 2 acts without intermission (or late seating/re-entry) is a melodrama of a rich old bitch, frail & cantankerous who looks back on her long-life as portrayed by Pill as the young, coquettish ingenue who sets the foundation of her character & plots the future.  "B" played by Metcalf is 52, midway in life; an apex for evaluating, projecting and rationalizing her story.  "A" is Glenda Jackson who plays the part of a self-absorbed aristocratic dame who was not only in control of her destiny but reigned upon all those who deigned to enter her fiefdom. The first act "A" is a young atty. who takes umbrage "A"'s commanding domineering ways and takes pleasure in exacerbating "A"'s testy temperament.  "B" is  the paid caregiver who shows genuine affection for her ward and tries to navigate a serene environment.  Needless, as "A" is holding forth on her "haughty taughty" equestrian, bejeweled lascivious lifestyle she suffers a stroke.  The 2nd Act is an affective smoke & mirrors staging which shows "A" lying in a coma and very much alive and well with so much more to tell.  The acting by the 3 distinct women who represent the same woman at 3 phases in her life are outstanding & captivating.  However, the history of this woman reads like a B movie that feels dated and droll.  Is Glenda Jackson worth the price of admission?  Yes, and Metcalf and Pill fill large shoes in balancing the acting amongst this talented trio.  Overall, the revival of Albee's "3 Tall Women" is not triumphant.  Is there salvation in forgetting?  Memory, regrets, expectations - reaping what you sow, and so it goes.  Everyone wants something.  I wanted to see great acting and I did.  3 Tall Women doesn't stand up to its glory days in the theater.