So you thought you came from a dysfunctional family? Think again. As you'll find out at the limited engagement of Roundabout's Wishful Drinking at Studio 54, your life has been a month at Disneyland compared to Carrie Fisher, daughter of a long-ago era's Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston: hitmaking recording artist Eddie Fisher and legendary movie star Debbie Reynolds.
Eddie and Debbie were the American moviegoing public's sweethearts, having their wonderful bundle of joy (Carrie) until Angelina entered the picture in the form of Elizabeth Taylor. Scandal -- of the Confidential Magazine and National Enquirer kind.
Carrie's tale of growing up among Hollywood royalty is hilarious. She has the stories from her up-and-down struggle with celebrity (being cast as Princess Leia in the first Star Wars trilogy), growing up with a constant Tinseltown hangover in a world where d-i-v-o-r-c-e was as common as toothpaste and as often as brushing your teeth, drugs, breakdowns, alcoholism, you-name-it-she's-been-there; and yet, as she notes, she's a survivor.
She's still here and telling all; and with incredible wit, impeccable comic timing, and though Rip Taylor's threatening to sue, lots of glitter to have you cursing her all the way home.
To paraphrase Comden/Green/Styne's showstopping number of eternal optimism for Carol Burnett in Fade Out/Fade In: If you think you've hit rock bottom, and you're feeling really low, don't feel discouraged. There's always one step further down you can go." But, fear not, your life'll change when you visit with Carrie.
