WAR PAINT Starring LuPone and Ebersole Closes Today in Chicago; Is Broadway Next?

War Paint, starring Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole has been hailed as the most successful musical in Chicago's Goodman Theatre's history. After extending multiple times, the show ends its run today, August 21st. While no official plans have yet to be announced, the high-level of talent involved with the production (on-stage and off) have had audiences wondering and expecting - is Broadway next? Stay tuned.

"We are enormously proud of War Paint, our brilliant leading ladies and glorious company, and all of the first-rate artists who have assembled to create this quintessential American success story of reinvention, glamour and feminine power," said Artistic Director Robert Falls. "The wildly enthusiastic response of our audiences-the sold-out houses and the full standing ovations they give for every performance, without exception-is unprecedented."

Directed by Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal, If/Then, Grey Gardens), War Paint reunites Scott Frankel andMichael Korie-the acclaimed composer and lyricist team of Grey Gardens and Far From Heaven-with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright (Grey Gardens, I Am My Own Wife, The Little Mermaid). The musical, which features choreography by Christopher Gattelli, is inspired by the book, War Paint, by Lindy Woodhead and the documentary film, The Powder & the Glory, by Ann Carol Grossman and Arnie Reisman.

War Paint tells the story of Helena Rubinstein (LuPone) and Elizabeth Arden (Ebersole )-brilliant innovators with humble roots, both masters of self-invention who sacrificed everything to become the country's first major female entrepreneurs. They were also fierce competitors, whose 50-year tug-of-war would give birth to an industry. From Fifth Avenue society to the halls of Congress, their remarkable rivalry was ruthless, relentless and legendary-pushing both women to build international empires in a world dominated by men. John Dossettportrays Tommy Lewis, Miss Arden's husband and chief marketing manager, and Douglas Sills portrays Harry Fleming, Madame Rubinstein's clubby confidante and faithful ally. Joining the cast are Mary Ernster, Leslie Donna Flesner, David Girolmo, Joanna Glushak, Chris Hoch, Mary Claire King, Steffanie Leigh, Erik Liberman, Barbara Marineau, Stephanie Jae Park and Angel Reda. The design team includes David Korins(set design), Catherine Zuber (costume design), Kenneth Posner (lighting design) and Brian Ronan (sound design), as well as Bruce Coughlin (orchestrations), Christopher Gattelli (choreographer) and Lawrence Yurman (music director).Photo Credit: Joan Marcus