A new Australian play delves into the cosmetic industry and life of Australia’s first true business tycoon – Helena Rubinstein!
There have been many theatrical productions based on the lives of real-life successful women. Eva Peron, Gypsy Rose Lee, Fanny Brice, Maria von Trapp and Carole King are shining examples of interesting females, whose life stories bring the ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ element to the stage.
Helena Rubinstein is one such figure, with Patti LuPone currently playing the famed cosmetic icon on Broadway in a musical which highlights the rivalry between herself and fellow cosmetic giant Elizabeth Arden, aptly-tiled War Paint.
But there is another production currently playing in Sydney called Lip Service. Starring Amanda Muggleton (Shirley Valentine) as the cosmetic giant, with Tim Draxl (A Place To Call Home) as her personal assistant and confidante Patrick ‘Irish’ O’Higgins. The story focuses on the threat Rubinstein’s empire faced against her rivals Revlon and Elizabeth Arden (played by Linden Wilkinson of Packed to the Rafters), but a greater focus falls on the relationship with assistant Patrick who draws out her move vulnerable and sensitive side.
Written by John Misto (The Shoe-Horn Sonata), this new Australian play actually opened in April at London’s Park Theatre, under the title Madame Rubinstein (due to a similar and conflicting show name), with Miriam Margolyes in the title role.
But what many don’t realise is that Helena Rubinstein actually made her name in regional Australia. Having migrated from Poland in 1902 to the Victorian town of Coleraine, she produced and sold her face cream to many eager Aussie women. With a basic ingredient of lanolin, and a country full of sheep, it was the perfect time and place to build a multi-million dollar empire.
For Amanda Muggleton, playing Rubinstein is a challenge, given that her character is a famous real-life person.
“As an actor every role you take on is a challenge and it’s even more so when you’re playing someone who actually existed,” says Muggleton.
“There’ll be plenty of people who will remember Helena Rubinstein and some who may have met her, and they’ll all have opinions. You want to do the person you’re playing justice, but to also tell the truth.
I was very surprised at how tough and domineering she was. She was fearless, brutally honest and very mean financially. But, she had to be in what was then a man’s world. That’s how she became one of Australia’s first millionaires.”
For the role, Muggleton also had to dig deep with research, with information on Rubinstein’s personal life somewhat limited, however she did find a distant relation.
“Whilst in London I had a cup of tea with the niece of ‘Irish’. It was invaluable for my development, as she had met Rubinstein on several occasions and had many private photos and anecdotes to share. Rubinstein actually had a strong accent, which is also a challenge, and was rather plump, so I wear a padded costume, which is quite hot. Thank goodness it’s winter here!”
Director Nicole Buffoni (A History of Falling Things) brings the three actors together in a clash of bitchy humour, yet also great tenderness. Rubenstein’s story is charted from her humble beginnings to the international heights of her success, and along the way we discover three very human characters.
It’s a wonder that Rubenstein’s story, and that of the cosmetic industry battles, have only recently been embraced by the theatre world, especially given the Australian connection.
As Muggleton says, “The play’s topic is so fascinating and the makeup wars are still going on today. To think she was one of the pioneers of this multi billion-dollar industry at a time when only whores and actors wore make up!”
Lip Service is playing at The Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli 17 August to 27 September. For more: ensemble.com.au
