FEB 12, 1979

Tony Nomination: Best Actress in a Musical

In this setting Tovah Feldshuh creates delight and astonishment. Delight, because she has joined the actress and the performer to make Dona Flor who is not merely incandescent but fascinating as well. Astonishment, because physically she seems too slight and thoughtful for this outsized, sultry role. Indeed, in the opening dance, she is frail and virtually inconspicuous among the exuberant dancers.

But Miss Feldshuh is simply awaiting possession. Her face ignites into a lopsided blaze: she is beautiful, but some extra quality of thought imprints an irregularity that turns good looks into sorcery.