Despite testimonials from Lily Tomlin and Sir John Gielgud, those of us who are not theater buffs will probably be unfamiliar with Draper's (1884-1956) name. But with any luck this 1954 recording of monologs she wrote and performed will help restore her international fame. And what a treat it is. On the first CD, Draper presents portraits of society's upper crust: the woman with nothing to do but order servants and children around and have a manicurist come to her home while supposedly engaging in the worthwhile pursuit of learning Italian; four dieting ladies who lunch at the finest restaurant and order such things as a raw turnip, the juice of 11 lemons, or three ?clairs. On the second CD she portrays lower-class women, including a Maine woman with a somewhat strained yet identifiable New England accent and a rich man's private secretary. Besides the astuteness of her words, the modulations in her voice as her characters speak are rendered to delectable perfection. Essential for all libraries. Rochelle Ratner, formerly with "Soho Weekly News," New York Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
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