While it's not necessary, it can't hurt to rent/borrow the DVD of the original documentary so you can see what these crazy ladies were like in the 1970s. If you do that, then you'll be amazed when you see how well Christine and Mary-Louise capture the physicalities and accents and essence of their characters. billeyler used the word "unhinged"... that comes close to explaining them! The 1941 first act is a completely invented conceit which is meant as a prologue to the documentary-documented second act; in inventing Act 1 the creators lifted many lines from the movie, shifting the context where necessary.

I should add, by way of piquing your interest, that Bob Stillman, who plays the fey, gin-soaked accompanist George Gould Strong, does his own piano playing onstage. He's nothing short of miraculous in the role. Think Liberace with more conservative attire.

Wish I knew whether or when I might be playing. It's too early to tell right now. You implied that you have all your tickets reserved, yes? Can you tell me what the dates are? (...in an email if you like...)