• Stage Beauty (2004)

    Humble Maria (Claire Danes), who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston (Billy Crudup), takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II (Rupert Everett) lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.

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Stage Beauty
64
metacriticBased on 38 Critics
90
Based on 13 Users

Release Date: 2004

DVD Release Date: March 8th, 2005

R |1 hr 50 min

Plot Summary

Humble Maria (Claire Danes), who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston (Billy Crudup), takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II (Rupert Everett) lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.

Cast: Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Rupert Everett, Tom Wilkinson, Ben Chaplin, Hugh Bonneville, Richard Griffiths, Edward Fox

Director: Richard Eyre

Genres: Historical drama

Production Co: Returning Productions

Keywords: England, Underdog, Quest, Engaging, Girlfriend, Spirited, Transformation

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 88
    Michael WilmingtonChicago Tribune

    A rich, shining valentine to the British theater and the eternal joys of Shakespeare, show more

  • 90
    The Hollywood Reporter

    Those who thought "Shakespeare In Love" was as good as it gets in intelligent costume romantic comedy will find that director Richard Eyre and writer Jeffrey Hatcher have taken the form to a higher level. show more

  • 50
    Carrie RickeyPhiladelphia Inquirer

    Over-orchestrated and underdeveloped interpretation of Jeffrey Hatcher's play. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com