The Heiress

Wednesday evening Shelby and I headed to Broadway once again to see the play The Heiress staring Jessica Chastain and Dan Stevens (aka Matthew Crawley from Downton Abbey). We've each seen a ton of musicals but this was our first Broadway play. It's set in 1850s New York City. Young Catherine Sloper (Jessica Chastain) lives with her father, Dr. Austin Sloper. Catherine is shy, unsophisticated and plain-looking; her father blames her for the death of her mother, who died giving birth to her. Morris Townsend (Dan Stevens) courts her. Catherine believes him sincere, her father believes he's after her inheritance. When the three confront each other, they agree that Austin will take his daughter to Europe for six months. He believes that either Morris or his daughter will give up, they don't think so. On their return, Dr. Sloper sees that nothing has changed, and threatens to disinherit her if she marries Morris. Catherine suggests to Morris that they elope immediately, she cannot stand to be in her father's house another night; but she also mentions the threat of disinheritance. Morris leaves to get his things, but does not return, and Catherine is crushed. Three days later Dr Sloper realizes that he is mortally ill, and tries to reconcile with Catherine. She refuses. Two years later Morris returns, and makes excuses about his jilting her. She seems to be swept away again, and tells him to go fetch his things so they can elope; but when he returns, she has the maid bolt the door against him, and turns out the lights.

 After the show Shelby and I ran over to the stage door to meet Dan and Jessica. There were a ton of people with the same idea but they each took time to say hi to everyone, take pictures, and sign autographs.

 Jessica came out last and by that time a lot of people had left. She took a few minutes with each person answering questions and cracking jokes. I told her I really enjoyed the play and she said she loved this role and was sad for it to end in a few days (the show is closing on Saturday). I also wished her good luck at the Oscars and she thanked me and said she was excited. She was very sweet and I know this gets said about a lot of celebrities but a lot shorter than I was expecting. She looks so tall on red carpets!

 

We walked away with both of their autographs. Such a great night!

Until next time

XOXO

Ashley