Post | 05/01/2008 11:20 am

It Happened Last Night: Lily Tomlin Brings Edith Ann and Ernestine to Vancouver

By Mary Wells
Mary Wells

Lily Tomlin is performing in a multitude of cities and was in Vancouver Tuesday evening, the toast of this town. A Canadian bug had its way with me and so I was flat out for the evening, but I have spies and pals all around here so I heard all that I missed.

The theater was jammed with fans and it was a big party even before Lily appeared on stage. Apparently half of America has practiced being Ernestine and many of them were there waiting for her. Few actors have brought imagined characters to life as Lily has. The audience was there as much for Ernestine and Edith Ann as for Lily. But my spies tell me they were deeply impressed Tuesday evening with the warm affection for Lily and the appreciation not only for her talent and her humor but for her sweetness, and her ability to be so funny yet leave you feeling so happy and good. In this era, I think that is indeed a special gift and I have noticed it when we wOw women are together, all of us talking at the same time the way we do. Many of us can be edgy funny. But Lily’s edge is aware. As a result, she has built an enormous connection with people who appreciate her and want her to know they do and, waiting for her to appear, they jumped up and down and became Ernestine and Edith Ann with each other at the theater Tuesday night.

She appears on a bare stage all alone, but there is no sense of lonely drama up there; there is a fully realized happy talent. She is so glad to see each and every member of the audience and is so in touch with each one. So much electricity goes on back and forth and she brings forth so many kinds of laughs and so much understanding of her stories — so deliciously personal that the stage gets very busy with illusions. My spies kept telling me that trying to leave the theater when Lily had left the stage was an athletic event because no one wanted to leave and everyone was everyone else’s buddy by then. And they each seemed to want to take Lily and Ernestine out for a drink or home for dinner because they loved them. Wonderful, that kind of talent that makes people feel loving, in this world at this time especially.

Read more about: Edith Ann, Gypsy, It Happened Last Night, Life in the Little Lane, Vancouver
◄wOw's Views on the News: A Break from the Gas Tax?'wOw Friend' Caterine Milinaire Explains Why Lily of the Valley is the May Day Flower►

16 Reader Comments (so far…)

Liz Seger

Funny is funny, no matter what country you are in, because you can readily identify with the situations. Ernestine, Edith Ann and Lily Tomlin may reside in the USA but they belong to the world.

By Liz Seger on 05/01/2008 11:30 am
Esther Bradley-DeTally

I adore her. I could repeat that phrase a 1,000 times, and Jane too! What a writer! My husband and I saw the play, one act-where Lili played a bag lady. She has given the public so many endearing images that are part of our innards, like DNA. Wonderful. Hugs and gratitude!

By Esther Bradley-DeTally on 05/01/2008 2:38 pm
Elizabeth Bennett

One of my very best theatre experiences was seeing Lily Tomlin on Broadway in Search for Signs… with my kid sister. We had flown to NYC from LA for a holiday and I had gotten tickets in the third row center. It did seem like Lily [in her various characters] twinkled at each one of us in turn. My sister was forever after hooked on Ms. Tomlin’s ability to enchant, amuse and enlighten. [I was already a Big Fan.] Much later I saw the same play in San Francisco and thought I could see this play again and again and again. But it was not just the play. Most everything I have seen her in, I have been touched.

So sorry you were flat on your back! And thank you for reporting on it anyway. Hope you recover soon.

By Elizabeth Bennett on 05/01/2008 3:09 pm
Mugsy Peabody

When people don’t believe there are real angels among us….. Baci Baci, Missy.

By Mugsy Peabody on 05/01/2008 3:30 pm
Maurine H

Edith Ann and Ernestine - wisdom clothed in the warm blanket of delicious humor! Thank you, Lily, for your on-going wonderfulness.

By Maurine H on 05/01/2008 6:59 pm
Charles Dance

I don’t think I could survive without my funny friends and family!

By Charles Dance on 05/01/2008 8:30 pm
DiLori Wow

Having seen both Whoopi and Lily on various stages, I am wondering if they could be persuaded to do something on the same stage. Anything would do, even a short run. I’ll settle for ‘one night only’…

By DiLori Wow on 05/01/2008 9:44 pm
Jenny Oops

What a great idea!. That would be wonderful! Ladies??????

By Jenny Oops on 05/02/2008 2:32 am
Tammy Moore

I would stand in line for that ticket. These ladies not only make you laugh, they make you think about life and people. They have always made me feel good. Laughter is the best medicine as long as you don’t have tummy stitches.

By Tammy Moore on 05/02/2008 8:17 am
A B

Tammy, this is the first posting I’ve seen of yours recently. I missed you and your comments. I still remember your baby sticker idea.

By A B on 05/03/2008 5:44 pm
A B

Sorry folks. I got distracted when my phone rang. My neighbor called to get me to help a turkey out of her fenced in yard. The turkey got into her yard and can’t remember how to get out. I seem to be in the same league as the turkey, i.e., I can’t remember if I hit the submit button.

By A B on 05/03/2008 5:52 pm
Ms. Dee

Dear Mary. I wasn’t sick, but I missed it too. So you are really sweet to fill me in. Can it be Cannibus? Feel better soon. Thanks, as always.

By Ms. Dee on 05/02/2008 8:53 am
CAROLINE MuLVEY

I think that you are just great. I am working on my Husband to get tickets the next time you are well enough to perform. I have seen you on tv but I think that seeing you in person would be much better. Stay Healthy and safe……..Love you Carol

By CAROLINE MuLVEY on 05/02/2008 11:04 am
Rafael Vertamatti

Hi there, Mary! My name is Rafael and I’m the creative director of a reeeeaaaally small brazillian agency. I intend to change this and enter a major agency, so I’m studying art direction at Miami Ad School.

I know it’s completely out of focus here, but i can’t find any other way to get in touch with you.
I’ve got a presentation to make and, guess what, it’s about you! :)

I’ve got plenty of information already, but i would like to know if there’s any place where I can find some of your ads and campaigns online.

It would be amazing to show everyone in class your work as well as your story - by the way, I haven’t met anyone in my entire life with your commitment and dedication.

I’m sorry for this. And I’m sorry if my english is not so good.

I don’t know if you have access to my e-mail, so here it is: rafael.verta@gmail.com or fale_com_erto@yahoo.com.br

Thanks so much for your time. You are just great.

By Rafael Vertamatti on 05/03/2008 1:13 pm
Bobbi Heenan

I’ve always enjoyed Lilly, but never thought of myself as a fan. Then she appeared in Olympia, Washington…how she found it is another question…and I fell in love. Over the top energy, wit and knowledge of the world…even some study of Olympia. She is one busy woman. But what I didn’t expect and fell off my seat in laughter with was her physical humour, her movements where like a dance. I have a son living in New York now who is an actor, posing as a waiter…you can imagine how much I loved that routine! Magic…the evening was magic. Thank you Lilly. You brought me joy after a year filled with breast cancer….I love life and Lilly. Bobbi

By Bobbi Heenan on 05/04/2008 9:35 am
12next ›last »