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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Mary Beth Peil
| name = Mary Beth Peil
| image = Mary Beth Peil 2011 (cropped).jpg
| image = Mary Beth Peil 2011 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Peil at the 2011 [[Peabody Award]]s
| caption = Peil at the 2011 [[Peabody Award]]s
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1940|06|25|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1940|06|25|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Davenport, Iowa|Davenport]], [[Iowa]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Davenport, Iowa]], U.S.
| education = [[Northwestern University]]
| education = [[Northwestern University]]
| spouse = Jerry Kirkbride (divorced 1993)
| spouse =
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Actress
* Actress
* [[Singing|Singer]]}}
* [[Singing|Singer]]}}
| years_active = 1962–present
| years_active = 1962–present
}}
}}


'''Mary Beth Peil''' (born June 25, 1940) is an [[Americans|American]] actress and [[soprano]]. She began her career as an [[opera]] singer in 1962 with the [[Boris Goldovsky|Goldovsky Opera Theater]]. In 1964 she won two major singing competitions, the [[Young Concert Artists International Auditions]] and the [[Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions]]; the latter of which earned her a contract with the [[Metropolitan Opera National Company]] with whom she performed in two seasons of national tours as a leading soprano from 1965–1967. She continued to perform in operas through the 1970s, notably creating the role of Alma in the world premiere of [[Lee Hoiby]]'s ''Summer and Smoke'' at the [[Minnesota Opera]] in 1971. She later recorded that role for American television in 1982. With that same opera company she transitioned into [[musical theatre]], performing the title role of [[Cole Porter]]'s '' [[Kiss Me, Kate]]'' in 1983. Later that year she joined the national tour of [[Rodgers and Hammerstein]]'s ''[[The King and I]]'' as [[Anna Leonowens]] opposite [[Yul Brynner]], and continued with that production when it opened on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] on January 7, 1985. She was nominated for a [[Tony Award]] for her portrayal.
'''Mary Beth Peil''' ({{IPAc-en|'|p|iː|l}}; born June 25, 1940) is an [[Americans|American]] actress and [[soprano]]. She began her career as an [[opera]] singer in 1962 with the [[Boris Goldovsky|Goldovsky Opera Theater]]. In 1964 she won two major singing competitions, the [[Young Concert Artists International Auditions]] and the [[Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions]]; the latter of which earned her a contract with the [[Metropolitan Opera National Company]] with whom she performed in two seasons of national tours as a leading soprano from 1965 to 1967. She continued to perform in operas through the 1970s, notably creating the role of Alma in the world premiere of [[Lee Hoiby]]'s ''Summer and Smoke'' at the [[Minnesota Opera]] in 1971. She later recorded that role for American television in 1982. With that same opera company she transitioned into [[musical theatre]], performing the title role of [[Cole Porter]]'s '' [[Kiss Me, Kate]]'' in 1983. Later that year she joined the national tour of [[Rodgers and Hammerstein]]'s ''[[The King and I]]'' as [[Anna Leonowens]] opposite [[Yul Brynner]], and continued with that production when it opened on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] on January 7, 1985. She was nominated for a [[Tony Award]] for her portrayal.


After her Broadway debut, Peil has remained a stage actress in musicals and plays. She is the recipient of an [[Obie Award]] and has been nominated for a [[Drama Desk Award]], a [[Helen Hayes Award]], and two [[Outer Critics Circle Award]]s. She received a second Tony nomination in 2017 for her portrayal of [[Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark)|Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna]] in ''[[Anastasia (musical)|Anastasia]]''. In 1992 she made her film debut in a small role in the movie ''[[Jersey Girl (1992 film)|Jersey Girl]]'', and made her first appearance on television in 1994 on the program ''[[Law & Order]]''. She is best known for her roles in the main casts of two television series: as Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan in ''[[Dawson's Creek]]'' (1998–2003) and Jackie Florrick in ''[[The Good Wife]]'' (2009–2016). Her notable film credits include portraying [[Jack Lemmon]]'s love interest in ''[[The Odd Couple II]]'' (1999), and performances in ''[[The Stepford Wives (2004 film)|The Stepford Wives]]'' (2004), ''[[Flags of Our Fathers (film)|Flags of Our Fathers]]'' (2006), ''[[Mirrors (2008 film)|Mirrors]]'' (2008), ''[[Maladies (film)|Maladies]]'' (2012), and ''[[Collateral Beauty]]'' (2016). In 2020 she was nominated for the [[Daytime Emmy Award|Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Digital Drama Series]] for the role of Helen in ''After Forever''.
After her Broadway debut, Peil has remained a stage actress in musicals and plays. She is the recipient of an [[Obie Award]] and has been nominated for a [[Drama Desk Award]], a [[Helen Hayes Award]], and two [[Outer Critics Circle Awards]]. She received a second Tony nomination in 2017 for her portrayal of [[Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark)|Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna]] in ''[[Anastasia (musical)|Anastasia]]''. In 1992 she made her film debut in a small role in the movie ''[[Jersey Girl (1992 film)|Jersey Girl]]'', and made her first appearance on television in 1994 on the program ''[[Law & Order]]''. She is best known for her roles in the main casts of two television series: as Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan in ''[[Dawson's Creek]]'' (1998–2003) and Jackie Florrick in ''[[The Good Wife]]'' (2009–2016). Her notable film credits include portraying [[Jack Lemmon]]'s love interest in ''[[The Odd Couple II]]'' (1999), and performances in ''[[The Stepford Wives (2004 film)|The Stepford Wives]]'' (2004), ''[[Flags of Our Fathers (film)|Flags of Our Fathers]]'' (2006), ''[[Mirrors (2008 film)|Mirrors]]'' (2008), ''[[Maladies (film)|Maladies]]'' (2012), and ''[[Collateral Beauty]]'' (2016). In 2020 she was nominated for the [[Daytime Emmy Award|Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Digital Drama Series]] for the role of Helen in ''After Forever''.


In an ''[[Opera News]]'' interview in 2019, Peil stated, "Opera is big and scary. You constantly strive for perfection. I think I always had my fingers crossed every time I sang in opera. On Broadway, you do eight shows a week, and there is no such thing as perfection. Every night, you try to find something new and true, perfect or not. Film and television is an intimate medium. You are communicating to one viewer instead of thousands. It is more of a physical and mental adjustment. The emotions are the same."<ref name="ON"/>
In an ''[[Opera News]]'' interview in 2019, Peil stated, "Opera is big and scary. You constantly strive for perfection. I think I always had my fingers crossed every time I sang in opera. On Broadway, you do eight shows a week, and there is no such thing as perfection. Every night, you try to find something new and true, perfect or not. Film and television is an intimate medium. You are communicating to one viewer instead of thousands. It is more of a physical and mental adjustment. The emotions are the same."<ref name="ON"/>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Peil (pronounced ''peel'') was born in 1940 in [[Davenport, Iowa]].<ref>{{cite work|title=N.U. Gard, Baritone, Wins Met's National Council Auditions|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=March 23, 1964|page=A3}}</ref> She trained as a [[soprano]] at [[Northwestern University]] under [[Lotte Lehmann]], and gave her senior recital on April 9, 1962.<ref>{{cite work|title=Soprano in Recital|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=April 7, 1962|page=w6}}</ref> Other influential teachers in her development in the university's music department included Robert Gay, the director of the opera program, and Ewald Nolte, who taught courses in music theory and composition and conducted a university chorus in which Peil performed.<ref name="NW">{{cite news|url=https://www.music.northwestern.edu/news/2021/alumni-spotlight-mary-beth-peil|title=Alumni Spotlight: Mary Beth Peil|date=March 24, 2021|work=Alumni Spotlight|publisher=Northwestern University}}</ref> While a college student she was a member of the [[Gamma Phi Beta]] sorority.
Peil (pronounced ''peel'') was born in 1940 in [[Davenport, Iowa]].<ref>{{cite news|title=N. U. Gard, Baritone, Wins Met's National Council Auditions|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=March 23, 1964|page=A3}}</ref> She trained as a [[soprano]] at [[Northwestern University]] under [[Lotte Lehmann]], and gave her senior recital on April 9, 1962.<ref>{{cite news|title=Soprano in Recital|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=April 7, 1962|page=w6}}</ref> Other influential teachers in her development in the university's music department included Robert Gay, the director of the opera program, and Ewald Nolte, who taught courses in music theory and composition and conducted a university chorus in which Peil performed.<ref name="NW">{{cite web|url=https://www.music.northwestern.edu/news/2021/alumni-spotlight-mary-beth-peil|title=Mary Beth Peil|date=March 24, 2021|work=Alumni Spotlight|publisher=Northwestern University}}</ref> While a college student she was a member of the [[Gamma Phi Beta]] sorority.


==Career==
==Career==
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In 1964 Peil won two major singing contests, the [[Young Concert Artists International Auditions]] and the [[Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions]] (MONCA), which significantly furthered her career as a classical soprano in concerts and opera. In March 1964 she won the MONCA which earned her a contract with the newly formed [[Metropolitan Opera National Company]] (MONC); a second touring company of the [[Metropolitan Opera]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iowa Baritone Wins First Prize in Met Auditions; Gets Contract and Award of $2,000 – Four Others Are Chosen by Judges|date=March 23, 1964|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Mezzo-soprano [[Risë Stevens]] was one of the co-directors of the MONC, and Stevens mentored her during the two seasons that she performed with the company.<ref name="ON" />
In 1964 Peil won two major singing contests, the [[Young Concert Artists International Auditions]] and the [[Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions]] (MONCA), which significantly furthered her career as a classical soprano in concerts and opera. In March 1964 she won the MONCA which earned her a contract with the newly formed [[Metropolitan Opera National Company]] (MONC); a second touring company of the [[Metropolitan Opera]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iowa Baritone Wins First Prize in Met Auditions; Gets Contract and Award of $2,000 – Four Others Are Chosen by Judges|date=March 23, 1964|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Mezzo-soprano [[Risë Stevens]] was one of the co-directors of the MONC, and Stevens mentored her during the two seasons that she performed with the company.<ref name="ON" />


Peil made her opera debut with the MONC in September 1965 as Clorinda in [[Gioachino Rossini]]'s ''[[La Cenerentola]]''; going on to perform that role in 72 cities on a nine-month national tour with the MONC through May 1966.<ref>{{cite work|title=Legitimate: Met's Road Opera In on Wingding|author= Robert J. Landry|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|volume=240|issue=12|date=November 10, 1965|page=77, 80}}</ref><ref name="ON">{{cite news|url=https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2006/8/Features/The_Not-So-Grand_Tour.html|title=The Not-So-Grand Tour|author=Martin Bernheimer|work=[[Opera News]]|date=August 2006|volume=71|issue=2|pages=40–45}}</ref> She also performed the role of Micaëla in [[Georges Bizet]]'s ''[[Carmen]]'' with the MONC that first season.<ref>{{cite work|title=Met Troupe Sings Bizet's Carmen|author=[[Harold C. Schonberg]]|work=[[The New York Times]]|page=18|date=November 6, 1965}}</ref> She toured nationally with the company again in its second season as Susanna in [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]]'s ''[[The Marriage of Figaro]]'' and Mimì in [[Giacomo Puccini]]'s ''[[La bohème]]'' from September 1966 through May 1967; with periodic breaks during that period.<ref name="ON" /><ref>{{cite work|title=Legitimate: Met's Touring Juniors Use Indianapolis As 'Home Base' for Next Five Years|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|volume=244|issue=5|date=September 21, 1966|page= 64}}</ref><ref>{{cite work|title=Met Road Troupe Sings 2 'Bohemes'|author=[[Allen Hughes]]|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 16, 1967|page=26}}</ref>
Peil made her opera debut with the MONC in September 1965 as Clorinda in [[Gioachino Rossini]]'s ''[[La Cenerentola]]''; going on to perform that role in 72 cities on a nine-month national tour with the MONC through May 1966.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Legitimate: Met's Road Opera in on Wingding|author= Robert J. Landry|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|volume=240|issue=12|date=November 10, 1965|pages=77, 80}}</ref><ref name="ON">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2006/8/Features/The_Not-So-Grand_Tour.html|title=The Not-So-Grand Tour|author=[[Martin Bernheimer]]|magazine=[[Opera News]]|date=August 2006|volume=71|issue=2|pages=40–45}}</ref> She also performed the role of Micaëla in [[Georges Bizet]]'s ''[[Carmen]]'' with the MONC that first season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Met Troupe Sings Bizet's ''Carmen''|author=[[Harold C. Schonberg]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|page=18|date=November 6, 1965}}</ref> She toured nationally with the company again in its second season as Susanna in [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]]'s ''[[The Marriage of Figaro]]'' and Mimì in [[Giacomo Puccini]]'s ''[[La bohème]]'' from September 1966 through May 1967; with periodic breaks during that period.<ref name="ON" /><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Legitimate: Met's Touring Juniors Use Indianapolis as 'Home Base' for Next Five Years|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|volume=244|issue=5|date=September 21, 1966|page= 64}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Met Road Troupe Sings 2 ''Bohème''s|author=[[Allen Hughes]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 16, 1967|page=26}}</ref>


In 1965 Peil was the featured soprano soloist in a concert honoring Risë Stevens with the [[California Chamber Symphony]] at [[The Beverly Hilton]].<ref>{{cite work|title='Allegro Ball' Will Recall Mozart Era|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=February 17, 1965|page=D4}}</ref> That same year she performed the role of Pamina in ''[[The Magic Flute]]'' with conductor [[Thomas Scherman]] and the [[Little Orchestra Society]] at [[David Geffen Hall|Philharmonic Hall]].<ref>{{cite work|title=The Magic Flute Is Staged In Wood|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Raymond Ericson|page=91|date=February 28, 1965}}</ref> In 1966 she was the soprano soloist in performances of [[Christian Ignatius Latrobe]]'s ''Dies Irae'' at the Early American Moravian Music Festival at [[Salem College]].<ref>{{cite work|title=Music: Moravian Singing|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Raymond Ericson|page=16|date=June 18, 1966}}</ref> In 1968 she made her much delayed New York recital debut at [[Weill Recital Hall]] of [[Carnegie Hall]] as part of her Young Concert Artists win from years earlier.<ref>{{cite work|title=VOICE RECITAL GIVEN BY MARY BETH PEIL|author=Donal Henahan|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 19, 1968}}</ref> She also sang with the [[New York City Opera]], making her debut with the company in the Spring of 1972.<ref>{{cite work|title=4 More to Make Debuts With City Opera in Spring|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/31/archives/4-more-to-make-debuts-with-city-opera-in-spring.html?searchResultPosition=6|date=January 31, 1972|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
In 1965 Peil was the featured soprano soloist in a concert honoring Risë Stevens with the [[California Chamber Symphony]] at [[The Beverly Hilton]].<ref>{{cite news|title='Allegro Ball' Will Recall Mozart Era|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=February 17, 1965|page=D4}}</ref> That same year she performed the role of Pamina in ''[[The Magic Flute]]'' with conductor [[Thomas Scherman]] and the [[Little Orchestra Society]] at [[David Geffen Hall|Philharmonic Hall]].<ref>{{cite news|title=The Magic Flute Is Staged in Wood|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|author=[[Raymond Ericson]]|page=91|date=February 28, 1965}}</ref> In 1966 she was the soprano soloist in performances of [[Christian Ignatius Latrobe]]'s ''Dies Irae'' at the Early American Moravian Music Festival at [[Salem College]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Music: Moravian Singing|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|author=[[Raymond Ericson]]|page=16|date=June 18, 1966}}</ref> In 1968 she made her much delayed New York recital debut at [[Weill Recital Hall]] of [[Carnegie Hall]] as part of her Young Concert Artists win from years earlier.<ref>{{cite news|title=Voice Recital Given by Mary Beth Peil|author=[[Donal Henahan]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 19, 1968}}</ref> She also sang with the [[New York City Opera]], making her debut with the company in the Spring of 1972.<ref>{{cite news|title=4 More to Make Debuts with City Opera in Spring|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/31/archives/4-more-to-make-debuts-with-city-opera-in-spring.html|date=January 31, 1972|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


Peil performed as a chamber musician during the late 1960s and 1970s, often in conjunction with her then husband, the clarinetist Jerry Kirkbride. Both were members of the Divario Chamber Ensemble in 1969 and 1970.<ref>{{cite work|title=Musical America: International directory of the performing arts|year=1970|page=189}}</ref> In 1976 the two of them were guest artists with the Boehm Quintette in a concert organized by the New York Flute Club entitled "The Flute In American Music- A Concert commemorating the Bicentennial of the Independence of the United States" at [[Carnegie Hall]].<ref>{{cite work|title=Bicentennial Concert|work=[[The New Yorker]]|volume=51 (part 7) |page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite work|title=A History of the New York Flute Club|author=David J. Wechsler|work=Doctoral Dissertation, City University of New York|year=2012|publisher=City University of New York}}</ref> On her own, she was the featured soprano soloist in a concert of Bach cantatas with the Hampshire Quartet at [[Alice Tully Hall]] in 1972.<ref>{{cite work|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/01/archives/bachs-flute-music-played-by-kraber.html?searchResultPosition=8|title= BACH'S FLUTE MUSIC PLAYED BY KRABER|date= December 1, 1972|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In the mid 1970s she performed with the Musical Arts Studio chamber opera ensemble, including performances at the [[Library of Congress]] in 1973.<ref>{{cite work|title= Singers in Harmony|author=Joan Reinthaler|work=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 6, 1973|page= E2}}</ref> In 1977 she performed in a concert of Gerald Ginsburg's 'theatre lieder' at Alice Tully Hall.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/12/archives/westchester-weekly-too-much-is-plenty-at-ginsburg-concert.html?searchResultPosition=1|title=Too Much Is Plenty At Ginsburg Concert|author= Donal Henahan|date=January 12, 1977}}</ref>
Peil performed as a chamber musician during the late 1960s and 1970s, often in conjunction with her then husband, the clarinetist Jerry Kirkbride. Both were members of the Divario Chamber Ensemble in 1969 and 1970.<ref>{{cite book|title=Musical America: International directory of the performing arts|year=1970|page=189}}</ref> In 1976 the two of them were guest artists with the Boehm Quintette in a concert organized by the New York Flute Club entitled "The Flute In American Music- A Concert commemorating the Bicentennial of the Independence of the United States" at [[Carnegie Hall]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Bicentennial Concert|magazine=[[The New Yorker]]|volume=51 (part 7) |page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite thesis|title=A History of the New York Flute Club|author=David J. Wechsler|type=doctoral dissertation|publisher=City University of New York|year=2012}}</ref> On her own, she was the featured soprano soloist in a concert of [[Bach cantatas]] with the Hampshire Quartet at [[Alice Tully Hall]] in 1972.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/01/archives/bachs-flute-music-played-by-kraber.html|title=Bach's Flute Music Played by Kraber|date= December 1, 1972|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In the mid 1970s she performed with the Musical Arts Studio chamber opera ensemble, including performances at the [[Library of Congress]] in 1973.<ref>{{cite news|title= Singers in Harmony|author=Joan Reinthaler|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 6, 1973|page= E2}}</ref> In 1977 she performed in a concert of Gerald Ginsburg's 'theatre [[lied]]er' at Alice Tully Hall.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/12/archives/westchester-weekly-too-much-is-plenty-at-ginsburg-concert.html|title=Too Much Is Plenty at Ginsburg Concert|author=[[Donal Henahan]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 12, 1977}}</ref>


In 1971, Peil originated the role of Alma in the world premiere of [[Lee Hoiby]]'s opera adaptation of [[Tennessee Williams]]'s play ''[[Summer and Smoke]],'' at the [[Minnesota Opera]].<ref>{{cite work|title='Summer and Smoke' Bows as an Opera|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/06/25/archives/summer-and-smoke-bows-as-an-opera.html?searchResultPosition=5|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Raymond Ericson|date=June 25, 1971}}</ref> She performed it again with the [[Chicago Opera Theater]] when it was broadcast on television in 1982 (based on a 1980 performance).<ref>O'Connor, John J.[https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/23/arts/tv-summer-and-smoke-an-opera.html "TV: 'Summer And Smoke,' An Opera] ''The New York Times'', June 23, 1982</ref> She returned to the Minnesota Opera several more times. With that company she portrayed Leonora in the United States premiere of [[Carl Nielsen]]'s ''[[Maskarade]]'' in 1972.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/06/25/archives/opera-belated-debut-for-maskarade.html?searchResultPosition=7|title=Allen Hughes|date=June 25, 1972|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
In 1971, Peil originated the role of Alma in the world premiere of [[Lee Hoiby]]'s opera adaptation of [[Tennessee Williams]]'s play ''[[Summer and Smoke]]'', at the [[Minnesota Opera]].<ref>{{cite news|title=''Summer and Smoke'' Bows as an Opera|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/06/25/archives/summer-and-smoke-bows-as-an-opera.html|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|author=[[Raymond Ericson]]|date=June 25, 1971}}</ref> She performed it again with the [[Chicago Opera Theater]] when it was broadcast on television in 1982 (based on a 1980 performance).<ref>O'Connor, John J. [https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/23/arts/tv-summer-and-smoke-an-opera.html "TV: ''Summer And Smoke'', an Opera"] ''[[The New York Times]]'', June 23, 1982</ref> She returned to the Minnesota Opera several more times. With that company she portrayed Leonora in the United States premiere of [[Carl Nielsen]]'s ''[[Maskarade]]'' in 1972.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/06/25/archives/opera-belated-debut-for-maskarade.html|title=Opera: Belated Debut for ''Maskarade''|author=[[Allen Hughes]]|date=June 25, 1972|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


=== Transition to stage actress: 1983–1991 ===
=== Transition to stage actress: 1983–1991 ===
Peil made a transition into musical theatre with the Minnesota Opera, performing the title role of [[Cole Porter]]'s '' [[Kiss Me, Kate]]'' in 1983.<ref>{{cite work|title=Minnesota Opera's 'Kate' Has Women At The Helm|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|volume=311|issue=4|date=May 25, 1983|page=83}}</ref> Of that experience Peil stated, "That was when the light bulb went on. Doing ''Kiss Me, Kate'' with my beloved [[John Reardon (baritone)|John Reardon]] made me realize I was a singing actor, not an acting singer."<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2019/8/Departments/Liner_Notes__Mary_Beth_Peil.html|title=Liner Notes: Mary Beth Peil|author=Louise T. Guinther|work=[[Opera News]]|date=August 2019|volume=84|number=2}}</ref>
Peil made a transition into musical theatre with the Minnesota Opera, performing the title role of [[Cole Porter]]'s '' [[Kiss Me, Kate]]'' in 1983.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Minnesota Opera's ''Kate'' Has Women at the Helm|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|volume=311|issue=4|date=May 25, 1983|page=83}}</ref> Of that experience Peil stated, "That was when the light bulb went on. Doing ''Kiss Me, Kate'' with my beloved [[John Reardon (baritone)|John Reardon]] made me realize I was a singing actor, not an acting singer."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2019/8/Departments/Liner_Notes__Mary_Beth_Peil.html|title=Liner Notes: Mary Beth Peil|author=Louise T. Guinther|magazine=[[Opera News]]|date=August 2019|volume=84|number=2}}</ref>


She soon found herself on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]]. In May 1983 she was cast in a national tour as the twelfth and final [[Anna Leonowens]] opposite [[Yul Brynner]]'s [[monarch]] of [[Siam]] in a revival of ''[[The King and I]]''. The production toured the United States, closing on Broadway shortly before Brynner's death in 1985. In an interview in ''[[The New York Times]]'', she described how Brynner could barely walk from his dressing room to the stage, due to his radiation therapy to treat his cancer, but when it was time to go on he somehow managed; "gliding into the light, erect, with the body of a sleek jungle cat."<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/31/arts/brynner-s-friends-reminisce-at-actor-s-memorial-service.html?searchResultPosition=10|title=BRYNNER'S FRIENDS REMINISCE AT ACTOR'S MEMORIAL SERVICE|author=Nan Robertson|date=January 31, 1986|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> She was nominated for a 1985 [[Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical]].<ref>{{cite work|title=TWO MORE TONY CATEGORIES DROPPED|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/07/arts/two-more-tony-categories-dropped.html?searchResultPosition=6|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Samuel G. Freedman|date=May 7, 1985}}</ref><ref name="EAD" /> She later returned to the role of Anna Leonowens for a revival of the musical at the [[Shubert Theatre (New Haven)|Shubert Theatre]] in New Haven, Connecticut in 1990 with [[Stacy Keach]] as the King.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/25/nyregion/theater-king-and-i-is-back-where-it-began.html?searchResultPosition=4|title=THEATER; 'King and I' Is Back Where It Began|author=Alvin Kline|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 25, 1990}}</ref>
She soon found herself on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]]. In May 1983 she was cast in a national tour as the twelfth and final [[Anna Leonowens]] opposite [[Yul Brynner]]'s [[monarch]] of [[Siam]] in a revival of ''[[The King and I]]''. The production toured the United States, closing on Broadway shortly before Brynner's death in 1985. In an interview in ''[[The New York Times]]'', she described how Brynner could barely walk from his dressing room to the stage, due to his radiation therapy to treat his cancer, but when it was time to go on he somehow managed; "gliding into the light, erect, with the body of a sleek jungle cat".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/31/arts/brynner-s-friends-reminisce-at-actor-s-memorial-service.html|title=Brynner's Friends Reminisce at Actor's Memorial Service|author=Nan Robertson|author-link=Nan C. Robertson|date=January 31, 1986|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> She was nominated for a 1985 [[Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Two More Tony Categories Dropped|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/07/arts/two-more-tony-categories-dropped.html|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|author=[[Samuel G. Freedman]]|date=May 7, 1985}}</ref><ref name="EAD" /> She later returned to the role of Anna Leonowens for a revival of the musical at the [[Shubert Theatre (New Haven)|Shubert Theatre]] in New Haven, Connecticut in 1990 with [[Stacy Keach]] as the King.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/25/nyregion/theater-king-and-i-is-back-where-it-began.html|title=Theater; ''King and I'' Is Back Where It Began|author=Alvin Kline|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 25, 1990}}</ref>


In 1986 Peil starred in [[Michel Tremblay]]'s play ''The Impromptu of Outremont'' at the Lincoln Theater on the campus of the [[University of Hartford]].<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/19/nyregion/theater-lincoln-makes-a-bold-debut-into-professional-theater.html?searchResultPosition=16 |title= THEATER; LINCOLN MAKES A BOLD DEBUT INTO PROFESSIONAL THEATER|author= Alvin Klein|date=January 19, 1986|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> She starred in the 1987 [[Off-Broadway]] musical ''[[Birds of Paradise (musical)|Birds of Paradise]]''.<ref>Evans, David, and Holzman, Winnie.[https://books.google.com/books?id=WBlUXMG8H-8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22Winnie+Holzman%22+%22Birds+of+Paradise+%22&source=bl&ots=bkHBLqgaxO&sig=I9FeWEkC7rn2xTgvy-mCUbYxokE&hl=en&ei=9S7gTJy7KIWglAe1msy5Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false Script] books.google.com, ''Birds of paradise'' (1988), Samuel French, Inc., {{ISBN|0-573-68189-9}}</ref> In 1988 she portrayed Desiree Armfeldt in [[Stephen Sondheim]]’s ''[[A Little Night Music]]'' with the [[Opera Ensemble of New York]].<ref>{{cite work|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/24/arts/the-pop-life-590988.html?searchResultPosition=19 |title= THE POP LIFE|author=Stephen Holden|date= February 24, 1988|work=The New York Times}}</ref> In 1989 she performed in [[William Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Cymbeline]]'' at [[The Public Theater]] under the direction of [[JoAnne Akalaitis]].<ref>{{cite work|title=Review/Theater; Fantasy 'Cymbeline' Set Long After Shakespeare|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/01/theater/review-theater-fantasy-cymbeline-set-long-after-shakespeare.html?searchResultPosition=3|author=Frank Rich|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 1, 1989}}</ref> She portrayed President J.F.K.'s secretary, a central character in the musical, in [[Michael John LaChiusa]]'s ''Over Texas'' with the [[Ensemble Studio Theatre]] in 1991.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/09/theater/review-theater-several-slices-of-life-in-festival-of-one-acts.html?searchResultPosition=2|title=Review/Theater; Several Slices of Life In Festival of One-Acts|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 9, 1991|author=Mel Gussow}}</ref> That same year she starred in [[Ödön von Horváth]]'s ''[[Tales from the Vienna Woods (play)|Tales from the Vienna Woods]]'' at the [[Actors Theater of Louisville]].<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/23/theater/critic-s-notebook-examining-the-dark-flower-that-was-weimar-culture.html?searchResultPosition=3|title=Critic's Notebook; Examining the Dark Flower That Was Weimar Culture|author=Mel Gussow|date=October 23, 1991|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
In 1986 Peil starred in [[Michel Tremblay]]'s play ''The Impromptu of Outremont'' at the Lincoln Theater on the campus of the [[University of Hartford]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/19/nyregion/theater-lincoln-makes-a-bold-debut-into-professional-theater.html |title= Theater; Lincoln Makes a Bold Debut Into Professional Theater|author= Alvin Klein|date=January 19, 1986|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> She starred in the 1987 [[off-Broadway]] musical ''[[Birds of Paradise (musical)|Birds of Paradise]]''.<ref>Evans, David, and Holzman, Winnie. [https://books.google.com/books?id=WBlUXMG8H-8C&q=%22Winnie+Holzman%22+%22Birds+of+Paradise+%22 ''Birds of Paradise''] (1988), Samuel French, Inc., {{ISBN|0-573-68189-9}}</ref> In 1988 she portrayed Desiree Armfeldt in [[Stephen Sondheim]]'s ''[[A Little Night Music]]'' with the [[Opera Ensemble of New York]].<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/24/arts/the-pop-life-590988.html |title=The Pop Life|author=[[Stephen Holden]]|date= February 24, 1988|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> In 1989 she performed in [[William Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Cymbeline]]'' at [[The Public Theater]] under the direction of [[JoAnne Akalaitis]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Review/Theater; Fantasy ''Cymbeline'' Set Long After Shakespeare|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/01/theater/review-theater-fantasy-cymbeline-set-long-after-shakespeare.html|author=[[Frank Rich]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 1, 1989}}</ref> She portrayed President J.F.K.'s secretary, a central character in the musical, in [[Michael John LaChiusa]]'s ''Over Texas'' with the [[Ensemble Studio Theatre]] in 1991.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/09/theater/review-theater-several-slices-of-life-in-festival-of-one-acts.html|title=Review/Theater; Several Slices of Life in Festival of One-Acts|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 9, 1991|author=[[Mel Gussow]]}}</ref> That same year she starred in [[Ödön von Horváth]]'s ''[[Tales from the Vienna Woods (play)|Tales from the Vienna Woods]]'' at the [[Actors Theater of Louisville]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/23/theater/critic-s-notebook-examining-the-dark-flower-that-was-weimar-culture.html|title=Critic's Notebook; Examining the Dark Flower That Was Weimar Culture|author=[[Mel Gussow]]|date=October 23, 1991|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


=== Career on screen and stage: 1992–2003 ===
=== Career on screen and stage: 1992–2003 ===
In 1993 Peil moved back to New York City after divorcing Jerry Kirkbride with whom she had raised two children, Gwyneth and Michael, in [[Leonia, New Jersey]].<ref name="RS">{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/02/realestate/an-actress-at-home-on-the-upper-west-side.html?searchResultPosition=2|title=An Actress at Home on the Upper West Side|date=December 2, 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> She had made her film debut earlier in 1992's ''[[Jersey Girl (1992 film)|Jersey Girl]]'' and her television debut on ''[[Law & Order]]'' in 1994. Her first larger role in film was in the 1995 independent drama film ''[[Comfortably Numb (film)|Comfortably Numb]]''. She portrayed Felice, the love interest of Felix (played by [[Jack Lemmon]]), in the 1999 comedy film ''[[The Odd Couple II]]''. She portrayed [[Nancy Reagan]]'s mother, actress [[Edith Luckett]], in the [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] movie ''[[The Reagans]]'' (2003). Between 1998 and 2003, she was introduced to a wider audience through her role as [[Evelyn Ryan (Dawson's Creek character)|Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan]] on the teen television drama ''[[Dawson's Creek]]''. Alongside the four main young stars of that show, she was the only actress to appear as a credited regular throughout the show's six-season run, appearing in 74 of 128 episodes.
In 1993 Peil moved back to New York City after divorcing Jerry Kirkbride with whom she had raised two children, Gwyneth and Michael, in [[Leonia, New Jersey]].<ref name="RS">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/02/realestate/an-actress-at-home-on-the-upper-west-side.html|title=An Actress at Home on the Upper West Side|date=December 2, 2016|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|last=Kaufman |first=Joanne}}</ref> She had made her film debut earlier in 1992's ''[[Jersey Girl (1992 film)|Jersey Girl]]'' and her television debut on ''[[Law & Order]]'' in 1994. Her first larger role in film was in the 1995 independent drama film ''[[Comfortably Numb (film)|Comfortably Numb]]''. She portrayed Felice, the love interest of Felix (played by [[Jack Lemmon]]), in the 1999 comedy film ''[[The Odd Couple II]]''. She portrayed [[Nancy Reagan]]'s mother, actress [[Edith Luckett]], in the [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] movie ''[[The Reagans]]'' (2003). Between 1998 and 2003, she was introduced to a wider audience through her role as [[Evelyn Ryan (Dawson's Creek character)|Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan]] on the teen television drama ''[[Dawson's Creek]]''. Alongside the four main young stars of that show, she was the only actress to appear as a credited regular throughout the show's six-season run, appearing in 74 of 128 episodes.


Peil continued in the theatre while branching out into television and film. In 1992 she portrayed the beggar woman in ''[[Sweeney Todd (musical)|Sweeney Todd]]'' at the [[Paper Mill Playhouse]] with [[George Hearn]] as Sweeney and [[Judy Kaye]] as Mrs. Lovett.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/15/nyregion/theater-sweeney-todd-in-all-its-musical-power.html?searchResultPosition=5|title=THEATER; 'Sweeney Todd,' in All Its Musical Power|author=Alvin Klein|date=November 15, 1992}}</ref> That same year she appeared in the premiere of [[Romulus Linney (playwright)|Romulus Linney]]'s ''Democracy and Esther''; an adaptation of [[Henry Adams]]'s novels ''[[Democracy: An American Novel]]'' (1880) and ''[[Esther (novel)|Esther]]'' (1884) into a single play.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/07/theater/theater-in-review-194792.html?searchResultPosition=25|title=Theatre in Review|author=Mel Gussow|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=October 7, 1992}}</ref> She starred in the premiere of another play by Linney in 1993; the role of the psychoanalyst in ''Spain''.<ref>{{cite work|title=Reviews/Theater; Looking At Guilt, Present And Past|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/13/theater/reviews-theater-looking-at-guilt-present-and-past.html?searchResultPosition=6|date=April 13, 1993|author=Mel Gussow|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 1994 she starred in three one act plays by [[Edward Albee]] presented collectively under the tile "Sand" by the [[Signature Theatre Company]]: "Box" (1968), "The Sandbox" (1960), and "Finding the Sun" (1983).<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/10/theater/review-theater-3-albee-one-acters-about-people-boxed-in.html?searchResultPosition=7|title=Review/Theater; 3 Albee One-Acters About People Boxed In|author= David Richards|date=February 10, 1994}}</ref>
Peil continued in the theatre while branching out into television and film. In 1992 she portrayed the beggar woman in ''[[Sweeney Todd (musical)|Sweeney Todd]]'' at the [[Paper Mill Playhouse]] with [[George Hearn]] as Sweeney and [[Judy Kaye]] as Mrs. Lovett.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/15/nyregion/theater-sweeney-todd-in-all-its-musical-power.html|title=Theater; ''Sweeney Todd'', in All Its Musical Power|author=Alvin Klein|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 15, 1992}}</ref> That same year she appeared in the premiere of [[Romulus Linney (playwright)|Romulus Linney]]'s ''Democracy and Esther''; an adaptation of [[Henry Adams]]'s novels ''[[Democracy: An American Novel]]'' (1880) and ''[[Esther (novel)|Esther]]'' (1884) into a single play.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/07/theater/theater-in-review-194792.html|title=Theatre in Review|author=[[Mel Gussow]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=October 7, 1992}}</ref> She starred in the premiere of another play by Linney in 1993, the role of the psychoanalyst in ''Spain''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reviews/Theater; Looking At Guilt, Present And Past|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/13/theater/reviews-theater-looking-at-guilt-present-and-past.html|date=April 13, 1993|author=[[Mel Gussow]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 1994 she starred in three one act plays by [[Edward Albee]] presented collectively under the tile ''Sand'' by the [[Signature Theatre Company]]: ''Box'' (1968), ''The Sandbox'' (1960), and ''Finding the Sun'' (1983).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/10/theater/review-theater-3-albee-one-acters-about-people-boxed-in.html|title=Review/Theater; 3 Albee One-Acters About People Boxed In|author=David Richards|author-link=David Richards (writer)|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 10, 1994}}</ref>


Peil won an [[Obie Award]] in 1995 for her work in three non-musical plays [[Off-Broadway]]: [[Paul Rudnick]]'s ''The Naked Truth'' (as Nan, 1994 at the WPA Theater<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/26/theater/sunday-view-and-the-truth-set-her-free-albeit-naked.html?searchResultPosition=3|title=SUNDAY VIEW; And The Truth Set Her Free (Albeit Naked)|author=Vincent Canby|date=June 26, 1994|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>),<ref name="Boston">{{cite journal|last=Dyer |first=Richard|date=June 1996|title=The Bold Soprano: After Leaving Opera For Stage, Mary Beth Peil Gets 'Naked'|journal=[[Boston Globe]]}}</ref> [[A. R. Gurney]]'s ''A Cheever Evening'' (as Peaches, 1994 with [[Playwrights Horizons]] <ref>{{cite work|title=SUNDAY VIEW; The Evening Is Both Cheever's And Gurney's|author= Vincent Canby|date=October 16, 1994|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/16/theater/sunday-view-the-evening-is-both-cheever-s-and-gurney-s.html?searchResultPosition=6}}</ref>), and Craig Lucas's ''Missing Persons'' (1995, as Addie with the [[Atlantic Theater Company]]<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/02/theater/theater-review-family-relationships-both-real-and-spectral.html?searchResultPosition=1|title=THEATER REVIEW; Family Relationships, Both Real and Spectral|author=Ben Brantley|date=February 2, 1995|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>).<ref name="EAD">[http://theenvelope.latimes.com/factsheets/awardsdb/env-awards-db-search,0,7169155.htmlstory?searchtype=all&query=Mary+Beth+Peil&x=0&y=0 Entertainment Awards Database at ''L.A. Times'']</ref><ref>[http://www.villagevoice.com/obies/search 1995 Obie Awards at VillageVoice.com]</ref> She returned to the role of Nan in a revision of ''The Naked Truth'', now retitled ''The Naked Eye'', at [[Harvard University]]'s [[American Repertory Theater]] in 1996.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/29/theater/theater-review-a-character-adds-energy-and-a-play-picks-up-bite.html?searchResultPosition=10|title=THEATER REVIEW;A Character Adds Energy, And a Play Picks Up Bite|author=Ben Brantley|date=June 29, 1996|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 1996 and 1997, she toured in Gurney's play, ''[[Sylvia (play)|Sylvia]]'' with [[Charles Kimbrough]] and [[Stephanie Zimbalist]]. In 1997 she appeared in the celebrated revival of [[George S. Kaufman]] and [[Ring Lardner]]'s ''[[June Moon]]'' at the Ohio Theater in SoHo.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/26/theater/june-moon-is-a-boon-with-its-own-kick.html?searchResultPosition=12|title='June Moon' Is a Boon, With Its Own Kick|author=Vincent Canby|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 26, 1997}}</ref> That same year she portrayed Hesione in [[Pierre de Marivaux]]'s ''[[The Triumph of Love (play)|The Triumph of Love]]'' at the [[Yale Repertory Theatre]] (YRT).<ref>{{cite work|title=Imbued With Love, Imbued With Effort|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Alvin Klein|date=February 2, 1997|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/02/nyregion/imbued-with-love-imbued-with-effort.html?searchResultPosition=4}}</ref>
Peil won an [[Obie Award]] in 1995 for her work in three non-musical plays [[off-Broadway]]: [[Paul Rudnick]]'s ''The Naked Truth'' (as Nan, 1994 at the WPA Theater),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/26/theater/sunday-view-and-the-truth-set-her-free-albeit-naked.html|title=Sunday View; And the Truth Set Her Free (Albeit Naked)|author=[[Vincent Canby]]|date=June 26, 1994|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="Boston">{{cite news|last=Dyer |first=Richard|date=June 1996|title=The Bold Soprano: After Leaving Opera for Stage, Mary Beth Peil Gets 'Naked'|newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref> [[A. R. Gurney]]'s ''A Cheever Evening'' (as Peaches, 1994 with [[Playwrights Horizons]]),<ref>{{cite news|title=Sunday View; The Evening Is Both Cheever's And Gurney's|author=[[Vincent Canby]]|date=October 16, 1994|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/16/theater/sunday-view-the-evening-is-both-cheever-s-and-gurney-s.html}}</ref> and Craig Lucas's ''Missing Persons'' (1995, as Addie with the [[Atlantic Theater Company]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/02/theater/theater-review-family-relationships-both-real-and-spectral.html|title=Theater Review; Family Relationships, Both Real and Spectral|author=[[Ben Brantley]]|date=February 2, 1995|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>).<ref name="EAD">[http://theenvelope.latimes.com/factsheets/awardsdb/env-awards-db-search,0,7169155.htmlstory?searchtype=all&query=Mary+Beth+Peil&x=0&y=0 Entertainment Awards Database at ''L.A. Times'']</ref><ref>[http://www.villagevoice.com/obies/search 1995 Obie Awards at VillageVoice.com]</ref> She returned to the role of Nan in a revision of ''The Naked Truth'', now retitled ''The Naked Eye'', at [[Harvard University]]'s [[American Repertory Theater]] in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/29/theater/theater-review-a-character-adds-energy-and-a-play-picks-up-bite.html|title=Theater Review; A Character Adds Energy, And a Play Picks Up Bite|author=[[Ben Brantley]]|date=June 29, 1996|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 1996 and 1997, she toured in Gurney's play, ''[[Sylvia (play)|Sylvia]]'' with [[Charles Kimbrough]] and [[Stephanie Zimbalist]]. In 1997 she appeared in the celebrated revival of [[George S. Kaufman]] and [[Ring Lardner]]'s ''[[June Moon]]'' at the Ohio Theater in SoHo.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/26/theater/june-moon-is-a-boon-with-its-own-kick.html|title=''June Moon'' Is a Boon, With Its Own Kick|author=[[Vincent Canby]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 26, 1997}}</ref> That same year she portrayed Hesione in [[Pierre de Marivaux]]'s ''[[The Triumph of Love (play)|The Triumph of Love]]'' at the [[Yale Repertory Theatre]] (YRT).<ref>{{cite news|title=Imbued With Love, Imbued With Effort|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|author=Alvin Klein|date=February 2, 1997|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/02/nyregion/imbued-with-love-imbued-with-effort.html}}</ref>


Peil played evangelist [[Aimee Semple McPherson]] and First Lady [[Lou Henry Hoover]] in a 1998 [[off-Broadway]] revival of the [[Irving Berlin]] – [[Moss Hart]] [[revue]] ''[[As Thousands Cheer]]'' at the Greenwich House Theater.<ref>{{cite work|title=THEATER; A Lost Theatrical Form Returns With a Smile|author=Vincent Canby|date=June 21, 1998|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/theater/theater-a-lost-theatrical-form-returns-with-a-smile.html?searchResultPosition=7|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In May 1999, Peil portrayed Judith in the YRT's production of the [[Noël Coward]] play ''[[Hay Fever (play)|Hay Fever]]''.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/16/nyregion/theater-among-a-smart-set-more-bad-manners.html?searchResultPosition=1|title=THEATER; Among a Smart Set, More Bad Manners|author=Alvin Klein|date=May 16, 1999|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> She played the beggar woman in ''[[Sweeney Todd (musical)|Sweeney Todd]]'' at the [[Kennedy Center]] in 2002 and in the spring of 2003 she played the mother of [[Antonio Banderas]]'s character in a Broadway revival of the musical ''[[Nine (musical)|Nine]]''.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/15/theater/theater-review-adding-love-to-the-pies-time-tested-recipe.html?searchResultPosition=4|title=THEATER REVIEW; Adding Love To the Pies' Time-Tested Recipe|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=May 15, 2002|author=Ben Brantley}}</ref><ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/30/movies/a-sisterhood-of-self-effacing-stars.html?searchResultPosition=1|title=A Sisterhood of Self-Effacing Stars|author=Robin Pogrebin|date=May 30, 2003|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In the winter of 2003, she again appeared [[off-Broadway]], starring in ''Frame 312'', [[Keith Reddin]]'s play about the [[John F. Kennedy assassination|Kennedy assassination]].<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/17/theater/theater-review-the-kennedy-assassination-as-the-root-of-america-s-ills.html?searchResultPosition=2|title=THEATER REVIEW; The Kennedy Assassination As the Root of America's Ills|author=Bruce Weber|date=December 17, 2003|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
Peil played evangelist [[Aimee Semple McPherson]] and First Lady [[Lou Henry Hoover]] in a 1998 [[off-Broadway]] revival of the [[Irving Berlin]] – [[Moss Hart]] [[revue]] ''[[As Thousands Cheer]]'' at the Greenwich House Theater.<ref>{{cite news|title=Theater; A Lost Theatrical Form Returns With a Smile|author=[[Vincent Canby]]|date=June 21, 1998|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/theater/theater-a-lost-theatrical-form-returns-with-a-smile.html|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In May 1999, Peil portrayed Judith in the YRT's production of the [[Noël Coward]] play ''[[Hay Fever (play)|Hay Fever]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/16/nyregion/theater-among-a-smart-set-more-bad-manners.html|title=Theater; Among a Smart Set, More Bad Manners|author=Alvin Klein|date=May 16, 1999|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> She played the beggar woman in ''[[Sweeney Todd (musical)|Sweeney Todd]]'' at the [[Kennedy Center]] in 2002 and in the spring of 2003 she played the mother of [[Antonio Banderas]]'s character in a Broadway revival of the musical ''[[Nine (musical)|Nine]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/15/theater/theater-review-adding-love-to-the-pies-time-tested-recipe.html|title=Theater Review; Adding Love To the Pies' Time-Tested Recipe|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=May 15, 2002|author=[[Ben Brantley]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/30/movies/a-sisterhood-of-self-effacing-stars.html|title=A Sisterhood of Self-Effacing Stars|author=[[Robin Pogrebin]]|date=May 30, 2003|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In the winter of 2003, she again appeared [[off-Broadway]], starring in ''Frame 312'', [[Keith Reddin]]'s play about the [[assassination of John F. Kennedy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/17/theater/theater-review-the-kennedy-assassination-as-the-root-of-america-s-ills.html|title=Theater Review; The Kennedy Assassination as the Root of America's Ills|author=Bruce Weber|date=December 17, 2003|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


=== Recent career: 2004–present ===
=== Recent career: 2004–present ===
After ''Dawson's Creek'' ended in 2003, Peil portrayed Helen Devlin in [[Frank Oz]]'s 2004 film ''[[The Stepford Wives (2004 film)|The Stepford Wives]]'' with [[Nicole Kidman]], [[Matthew Broderick]], and [[Bette Midler]]. Her other recent film credits include [[Clint Eastwood]]'s ''[[Flags of Our Fathers (film)|Flags of Our Fathers]]'' (2006), the thriller ''[[Mirrors (2008 film)|Mirrors]]'' (2008), ''[[Maladies (film)|Maladies]]'' (2012), ''[[Contest (2013 film)|Contest]]'' (2013), ''[[Collateral Beauty]]'' (2016), ''[[The Song of Sway Lake]]'' (2018), and ''[[Here and Now (2018 film)|Here and Now]]'' (2018). From 2009 to 2016, she played Jackie Florrick, the mother of [[Chris Noth]]'s character Peter Florrick, on the [[CBS]] drama ''[[The Good Wife]]''.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/fashion/01CULTURAL.html?searchResultPosition=9|title=‘The Good Wife’ and Its Women|author= Jan Hoffman|date=April 29, 2011|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 2019 she portrayed the recurring role of Gwendolina Ferrari on NBC's ''[[The Village (2019 TV series)|The Village]]'' and in 2020 she portrayed the recurring role of Loretta Lacy on [[The CW]]'s ''[[Katy Keene (TV series)|Katy Keene]]''. In 2021 she appeared in the role of [[Martha Graham]] in the Netflix series ''[[Halston (miniseries)|Halston]]''.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://ew.com/tv/halston-real-people-gallery-netflix/|title=See the cast of Halston and their real-life counterparts|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|author=Maureen Lee Lenker|date=May 14, 2021}}</ref>
After ''Dawson's Creek'' ended in 2003, Peil portrayed Helen Devlin in [[Frank Oz]]'s 2004 film ''[[The Stepford Wives (2004 film)|The Stepford Wives]]'' with [[Nicole Kidman]], [[Matthew Broderick]], and [[Bette Midler]]. Her other recent film credits include [[Clint Eastwood]]'s ''[[Flags of Our Fathers (film)|Flags of Our Fathers]]'' (2006), the thriller ''[[Mirrors (2008 film)|Mirrors]]'' (2008), ''[[Maladies (film)|Maladies]]'' (2012), ''[[Contest (2013 film)|Contest]]'' (2013), ''[[Collateral Beauty]]'' (2016), ''[[The Song of Sway Lake]]'' (2018), and ''[[Here and Now (2018 film)|Here and Now]]'' (2018). From 2009 to 2016, she played Jackie Florrick, the mother of [[Chris Noth]]'s character Peter Florrick, on the [[CBS]] drama ''[[The Good Wife]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/fashion/01CULTURAL.html|title=''The Good Wife'' and Its Women|author= Jan Hoffman|date=April 29, 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 2019 she portrayed the recurring role of Gwendolina Ferrari on NBC's ''[[The Village (2019 TV series)|The Village]]'' and in 2020 she portrayed the recurring role of Loretta Lacy on [[The CW]]'s ''[[Katy Keene (TV series)|Katy Keene]]''. In 2021 she appeared in the role of [[Martha Graham]] in the Netflix series ''[[Halston (miniseries)|Halston]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/halston-real-people-gallery-netflix/|title=See the cast of Halston and their real-life counterparts|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|author=Maureen Lee Lenker|date=May 14, 2021}}</ref>


On the stage, Peil portrayed [[Eleanor Roosevelt]] in the 2004 Off-Broadway revival of [[Michael John LaChiusa]] ''[[First Lady Suite]]'' at The Connelly Theater.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/06/theater/theater-review-why-the-caged-first-ladies-sing.html?searchResultPosition=5|title=THEATER REVIEW; Why the Caged First Ladies Sing|author= Ben Brantley|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 6, 2004}}</ref> That same year she portrayed Juliana Tesman in [[Henrik Ibsen]]'s ''[[Hedda Gabler]]'' with the [[New York Theatre Workshop]] under the direction of [[Ivo van Hove]];<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/22/theater/reviews/a-hedda-for-selfabsorbed-modern-times.html?searchResultPosition=7|title=A Hedda for Self-Absorbed Modern Times|author= Charles Isherwood|date=September 22, 2004|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and performed the role of Mrs. Mallard in [[Jeffrey Hatcher]] and [[Bill Russell (composer)|Bill Russell]]'s musical ''Lucky Duck'' at the [[Old Globe Theatre]].<ref>{{cite work|url=https://variety.com/2004/legit/markets-festivals/lucky-duck-1200532113/|title=Lucky Duck|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 20, 2004|author=Joel Hirschhorn}}</ref> In 2005 she performed the role of Rose in [[Harold Pinter]]'s ''[[The Room (play)|The Room]]'' with the [[Atlantic Theater Company]] (ATC).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/06/theater/reviews/lifting-the-art-of-namedropping-to-a-cosmic-level.html?searchResultPosition=8|title=Lifting the Art of Name-Dropping to a Cosmic Level|author=Ben Brantley|date=December 6, 2005|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 2006 she created the role of Clare in the world premiere of Joan Vail Thorne's ''The Things You Least Expect'' at the [[George Street Playhouse]].<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/14/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/15njtheat.html?searchResultPosition=3|title=A Widow With an Agenda and a Young New Boyfriend|author=Naomi Siegel|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=October 14, 2006}}</ref> That same year she starred as Celeste Albaret in the world premiere of [[Mary Zimmerman]]'s monodrama ''M. Proust'' with the [[Steppenwolf Theatre Company]] in Chicago.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://variety.com/2006/legit/reviews/m-proust-1200515346/|title=M. Proust|author=Steven Oxman|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=June 20, 2006}}</ref> In 2007 she performed the role of Ann in Gurney's ''[[The Cocktail Hour]]'' at the [[Long Wharf Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/28cttheater.html?searchResultPosition=5|title=An America Where Much Was Left Unsaid|date=January 28, 2007|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Sylviane Gold}}</ref>
On the stage, Peil portrayed [[Eleanor Roosevelt]] in the 2004 off-Broadway revival of [[Michael John LaChiusa]] ''[[First Lady Suite]]'' at The Connelly Theater.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/06/theater/theater-review-why-the-caged-first-ladies-sing.html|title=Theater Review; Why the Caged First Ladies Sing|author=[[Ben Brantley]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 6, 2004}}</ref> That same year she portrayed Juliana Tesman in [[Henrik Ibsen]]'s ''[[Hedda Gabler]]'' with the [[New York Theatre Workshop]] under the direction of [[Ivo van Hove]];<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/22/theater/reviews/a-hedda-for-selfabsorbed-modern-times.html|title=A Hedda for Self-Absorbed Modern Times|author=[[Charles Isherwood]]|date=September 22, 2004|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and performed the role of Mrs. Mallard in [[Jeffrey Hatcher]] and [[Bill Russell (composer)|Bill Russell]]'s musical ''Lucky Duck'' at the [[Old Globe Theatre]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2004/legit/markets-festivals/lucky-duck-1200532113/|title=Lucky Duck|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 20, 2004|author=Joel Hirschhorn}}</ref> In 2005 she performed the role of Rose in [[Harold Pinter]]'s ''[[The Room (play)|The Room]]'' with the [[Atlantic Theater Company]] (ATC).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/06/theater/reviews/lifting-the-art-of-namedropping-to-a-cosmic-level.html|title=Lifting the Art of Name-Dropping to a Cosmic Level|author=[[Ben Brantley]]|date=December 6, 2005|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In 2006 she created the role of Clare in the world premiere of Joan Vail Thorne's ''The Things You Least Expect'' at the [[George Street Playhouse]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/14/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/15njtheat.html|title=A Widow With an Agenda and a Young New Boyfriend|author=Naomi Siegel|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=October 14, 2006}}</ref> That same year she starred as Celeste Albaret in the world premiere of [[Mary Zimmerman]]'s monodrama ''M. Proust'' with the [[Steppenwolf Theatre Company]] in Chicago.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2006/legit/reviews/m-proust-1200515346/|title=''M. Proust''|author=Steven Oxman|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=June 20, 2006}}</ref> In 2007 she performed the role of Ann in Gurney's ''[[The Cocktail Hour]]'' at the [[Long Wharf Theatre]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/28cttheater.html|title=An America Where Much Was Left Unsaid|date=January 28, 2007|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|author=Sylviane Gold}}</ref>
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In 2008 Peil appeared as the Old Lady and Blair Daniels in the [[Roundabout Theatre]] Broadway revival of [[Stephen Sondheim]]'s [[musical theatre|musical]] ''[[Sunday in the Park with George]]''.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/theater/reviews/22geor.html?searchResultPosition=1|title=Down by the Blue Purple Yellow Red Water|author=Ben Brantley|date=February 22, 2008|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Starting in October 2010 she appeared in the original Broadway cast of the Lincoln Center Theater production of the musical ''[[Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (musical)|Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown]]'', which is based upon the movie of the same name.<ref>Hetrick, Adam.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141520-Patti-LuPone-Brian-Stokes-Mitchell-Sherie-Rene-Scott-Cast-in-Broadways-Women-on-the-Verge "Patti LuPone, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sherie Rene Scott Cast in Broadway's "Women on the Verge'"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105104950/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141520-Patti-LuPone-Brian-Stokes-Mitchell-Sherie-Rene-Scott-Cast-in-Broadways-Women-on-the-Verge |date=November 5, 2013 }} Playbill.com, July 26, 2010</ref> The show had a limited run until January 2011. Peil appeared in Stephen Sondheim's ''[[Follies]]'' on Broadway in the role of Solange LaFitte, alongside [[Bernadette Peters]] and [[Elaine Paige]], starting in August 2011.<ref>Gans, Andrew.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/154125-DIVA-TALK-Chatting-with-Follies-Star-Mary-Beth-Peil "DIVA TALK: Chatting with 'Follies' Star Mary Beth Peil"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213181819/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/154125-DIVA-TALK-Chatting-with-Follies-Star-Mary-Beth-Peil |date=December 13, 2011 }} Playbill.com, September 2, 2011</ref><ref>Gans, Andrew.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/153410-The-Right-Girls-Kennedy-Center-Follies-With-Bernadette-Peters-Jan-Maxwell-Elaine-Paige-Begins-Broadway-Previews "The Right Girls: Kennedy Center 'Follies', With Bernadette Peters, Jan Maxwell, Elaine Paige, Begins Broadway Previews"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915024925/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/153410-The-Right-Girls-Kennedy-Center-Follies-With-Bernadette-Peters-Jan-Maxwell-Elaine-Paige-Begins-Broadway-Previews |date=September 15, 2011 }} Playbill.com, August 7, 2011</ref> In March 2012, she appeared as [[Erica Morini]] in [[Willy Holtzman]]'s off-Broadway play ''The Morini Strad'' about the concert violinist.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://primarystages.org/morinistrad |title=The Morini Strad |access-date=June 30, 2012}}</ref> Later that year she performed the role of Alison Woollley in the New York premiere of [[Simon Stephens]]'s ''[[Harper Regan]]'' with the ATC.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/11/theater/reviews/mary-mccann-in-harper-regan-at-atlantic-theater-company.html?searchResultPosition=10|title=Sometimes You Just Need to Get Away|author=Ben Brantley|date=October 10, 2012|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


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In 2008 Peil appeared as the Old Lady and Blair Daniels in the [[Roundabout Theatre]] Broadway revival of [[Stephen Sondheim]]'s [[musical theatre|musical]] ''[[Sunday in the Park with George]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/theater/reviews/22geor.html|title=Down by the Blue Purple Yellow Red Water|author=[[Ben Brantley]]|date=February 22, 2008|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Starting in October 2010 she appeared in the original Broadway cast of the Lincoln Center Theater production of the musical ''[[Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (musical)|Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown]]'', which is based upon the movie of the same name.<ref>Hetrick, Adam. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141520-Patti-LuPone-Brian-Stokes-Mitchell-Sherie-Rene-Scott-Cast-in-Broadways-Women-on-the-Verge "Patti LuPone, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sherie Rene Scott Cast in Broadway's ''Women on the Verge''"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105104950/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141520-Patti-LuPone-Brian-Stokes-Mitchell-Sherie-Rene-Scott-Cast-in-Broadways-Women-on-the-Verge |date=November 5, 2013}} ''[[Playbill]]'', July 26, 2010</ref> The show had a limited run until January 2011. Peil appeared in Stephen Sondheim's ''[[Follies]]'' on Broadway in the role of Solange LaFitte, alongside [[Bernadette Peters]] and [[Elaine Paige]], starting in August 2011.<ref>Gans, Andrew.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/154125-DIVA-TALK-Chatting-with-Follies-Star-Mary-Beth-Peil "Diva Talk: Chatting with ''Follies'' Star Mary Beth Peil"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213181819/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/154125-DIVA-TALK-Chatting-with-Follies-Star-Mary-Beth-Peil |date=December 13, 2011}} ''[[Playbill]]'', September 2, 2011</ref><ref>Gans, Andrew.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/153410-The-Right-Girls-Kennedy-Center-Follies-With-Bernadette-Peters-Jan-Maxwell-Elaine-Paige-Begins-Broadway-Previews "The Right Girls: Kennedy Center ''Follies'', With Bernadette Peters, Jan Maxwell, Elaine Paige, Begins Broadway Previews"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915024925/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/153410-The-Right-Girls-Kennedy-Center-Follies-With-Bernadette-Peters-Jan-Maxwell-Elaine-Paige-Begins-Broadway-Previews |date=September 15, 2011}} ''[[Playbill]]'', August 7, 2011</ref> In March 2012, she appeared as [[Erika Morini]] in [[Willy Holtzman]]'s off-Broadway play ''The Morini Strad'' about the concert violinist.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://primarystages.org/morinistrad |title=''The Morini Strad''|access-date=June 30, 2012}}</ref> Later that year she performed the role of Alison Woollley in the New York premiere of [[Simon Stephens]]'s ''[[Harper Regan]]'' with the ATC.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/11/theater/reviews/mary-mccann-in-harper-regan-at-atlantic-theater-company.html|title=Sometimes You Just Need to Get Away|author=[[Ben Brantley]]|date=October 10, 2012|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
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In 2013 Peil starred alongside [[Jeff Goldblum]] and [[Laurie Metcalf]] in the world premiere of [[Bruce Norris (playwright)|Bruce Norris]]'s ''Domesticated'' at the [[Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater]] at [[Lincoln Center]].<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/05/theater/reviews/in-domesticated-with-jeff-goldblum-a-power-couple-duels.html?searchResultPosition=18|title=After Extramarital Activities, Politician Looks for the Words|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 4, 2013|author=Ben Brantley}}</ref> In 2014 she portrayed Celia Peachum in [[Bertolt Brecht]]'s ''[[The Threepenny Opera]]'' with the ATC.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/08/theater/atlantic-theaters-decadent-decorous-threepenny-opera.html?searchResultPosition=14|title=Dogs and Scoundrels, Well Dressed|author= Charles Isherwood|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> In 2015 she appeared as Serafima in [[Moira Buffini]]'s ''Dying for It'', an adaptation of [[Nikolai Erdman]]'s ''[[The Suicide (play)|The Suicide]]'', with the ATC.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/09/theater/dying-for-it-adapted-from-a-banned-soviet-era-satire.html?searchResultPosition=1|title=A Martyr for the Cause, if Only He Could Pick One|author=Charles Isherwood|date=January 8, 2015}}</ref> She returned to Broadway as Matilde Schell in the 2015 revival of [[Kander and Ebb]]'s ''[[The Visit (musical)|The Visit]]'' starring [[Chita Rivera]];<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/theater/review-chita-rivera-stars-in-kander-and-ebbs-the-visit.html?searchResultPosition=2|title=Review: Chita Rivera Stars in Kander and Ebb’s ‘The Visit’|author=Ben Brantley|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 23, 2015}}</ref> and as Madame de Rosemonde in the 2016 revival of [[Christopher Hampton]]'s ''[[Les Liaisons Dangereuses (play)|Les Liaisons Dangereuses]]''.<ref name="RS"/>


⚫
In 2013 Peil starred alongside [[Jeff Goldblum]] and [[Laurie Metcalf]] in the world premiere of [[Bruce Norris (playwright)|Bruce Norris]]'s ''Domesticated'' at the [[Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater]] at [[Lincoln Center]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/05/theater/reviews/in-domesticated-with-jeff-goldblum-a-power-couple-duels.html|title=After Extramarital Activities, Politician Looks for the Words|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 4, 2013|author=[[Ben Brantley]]}}</ref> In 2014 she portrayed Celia Peachum in [[Bertolt Brecht]]'s ''[[The Threepenny Opera]]'' with the ATC.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/08/theater/atlantic-theaters-decadent-decorous-threepenny-opera.html|title=Dogs and Scoundrels, Well Dressed|author=[[Charles Isherwood]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> In 2015 she appeared as Serafima in [[Moira Buffini]]'s ''Dying for It'', an adaptation of [[Nikolai Erdman]]'s ''[[The Suicide (play)|The Suicide]]'', with the ATC.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/09/theater/dying-for-it-adapted-from-a-banned-soviet-era-satire.html|title=A Martyr for the Cause, if Only He Could Pick One|author=[[Charles Isherwood]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 8, 2015}}</ref> She returned to Broadway as Matilde Schell in the 2015 revival of [[Kander and Ebb]]'s ''[[The Visit (musical)|The Visit]]'' starring [[Chita Rivera]];<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/theater/review-chita-rivera-stars-in-kander-and-ebbs-the-visit.html|title=Review: Chita Rivera Stars in Kander and Ebb's ''The Visit''|author=[[Ben Brantley]]|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 23, 2015}}</ref> and as Madame de Rosemonde in the 2016 revival of [[Christopher Hampton]]'s ''[[Les Liaisons Dangereuses (play)|Les Liaisons Dangereuses]]''.<ref name="RS"/>
⚫
Peil next joined the cast of the musical ''[[Anastasia (musical)|Anastasia]]'' playing the [[Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark)|Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna]], the grandmother of the [[Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia|Grand Duchess Anastasia]]. Based on the [[Anastasia (1997 film)|1997 animated film]], ''Anastasia'' has music and lyrics by [[Lynn Ahrens]] and [[Stephen Flaherty]] and a book by [[Terrence McNally]]. The musical began as a workshop in 2015, it then had out of town tryouts in [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford, CT]] in 2016 before eventually opening on Broadway in 2017. Peil was nominated for a Tony Award,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/The-2017-Tony-Awards-And-the-Nominees-Are-Updating-LIVE-20170502|title=The 2017 Tony Awards – And the Nominees Are... Complete List! NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 and HELLO, DOLLY! Lead Pack|author=BWW News Desk|work=BroadwayWorld.com|access-date=June 26, 2018|language=en}}</ref> a Drama Desk Award<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/2017-drama-desk-award-nominations-announced|title=2017 Drama Desk Awards Presented June 4 {{!}} Playbill|website=Playbill|language=en|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> and an Outer Critics Circle Award<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Outer-Critics-Circle-Nominations-Announced-20170425|title=Outer Critics Circle Nominations Announced: Hello, Dolly!, Anastasia, Groundhog Day and More!|author=BWW News Desk|work=BroadwayWorld.com|access-date=June 26, 2018|language=en}}</ref> for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role. In 2019 she portrayed Mama Mizner in the [[Encores!]] revival of [[Stephen Sondheim]]'s ''[[Road Show (musical)|Road Show]]''.<ref>{{cite work|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/25/theater/road-show-review-sondheim.html?searchResultPosition=8|title=Review: Sondheim’s Bumpy ‘Road Show,’ Now at the End of the Line|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 25, 2019}}</ref>

⚫
Peil next joined the cast of the musical ''[[Anastasia (musical)|Anastasia]]'' playing the [[Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark)|Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna]], the grandmother of the [[Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia|Grand Duchess Anastasia]]. Based on the [[Anastasia (1997 film)|1997 animated film]], ''Anastasia'' has music and lyrics by [[Lynn Ahrens]] and [[Stephen Flaherty]] and a book by [[Terrence McNally]]. The musical began as a workshop in 2015, it then had out of town tryouts in [[Hartford, Connecticut]], in 2016 before eventually opening on Broadway in 2017. Peil was nominated for a Tony Award,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/The-2017-Tony-Awards-And-the-Nominees-Are-Updating-LIVE-20170502|title=The 2017 Tony Awards – And the Nominees Are... Complete List! ''Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812'' and ''Hello, Dolly!'' Lead Pack|website=[[BroadwayWorld]]|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> a Drama Desk Award<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/2017-drama-desk-award-nominations-announced|title=2017 Drama Desk Awards Presented June 4|website=[[Playbill]]|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> and an Outer Critics Circle Award<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Outer-Critics-Circle-Nominations-Announced-20170425|title=Outer Critics Circle Nominations Announced: ''Hello, Dolly!'', ''Anastasia'', ''Groundhog Day'' and More!|website=[[BroadwayWorld]]|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role. In 2019 she portrayed Mama Mizner in the [[Encores!]] revival of [[Stephen Sondheim]]'s ''[[Road Show (musical)|Road Show]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/25/theater/road-show-review-sondheim.html|title=Review: Sondheim's Bumpy ''Road Show'', Now at the End of the Line|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 25, 2019|last1=Green |first1=Jesse}}</ref>


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
Line 151: Line 151:
| 1985 || ''[[The King and I]]'' || [[Anna Leonowens]] || [[Broadway Theatre (53rd Street)|Broadway Theatre]], Broadway
| 1985 || ''[[The King and I]]'' || [[Anna Leonowens]] || [[Broadway Theatre (53rd Street)|Broadway Theatre]], Broadway
|-
|-
| 1987 || ''[[Birds of Paradise (musical)|Birds of Paradise]]'' || Marjorie || [[Promenade Theatre]], Off-Broadway
| 1987 || ''[[Birds of Paradise (musical)|Birds of Paradise]]'' || Marjorie || [[Promenade Theatre]], off-Broadway
|-
| 1988 || ''[[The Sound of Music]]'' || Elsa Schraeder || regional tour
|-
|-
| 1988 || ''[[The Sound of Music]]'' || Elsa Schraeder || Regional Tour
| 1989 || ''[[Cymbeline]]'' || Ghost Mother || [[The Public Theater]], off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 1989 || ''[[Cymbeline]]'' || Ghost Mother || [[The Public Theater]], Off-Broadway
| 1991 || ''[[Four Short Operas]]'' || Mary/Woman/Woman/Madge || [[Playwrights Horizons]], off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 1991 || ''[[Four Short Operas]]'' || Mary/Woman/Woman/Madge || [[Playwrights Horizons]], Off-Broadway
| 1992 || ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street|Sweeney Todd]]'' || Beggar Woman || [[Paper Mill Playhouse]], regional
|-
|-
| 1992 || ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street|Sweeney Todd]]'' || Beggar Woman || [[Paper Mill Playhouse]], Regional
| 1993 || ''[[Assassins (musical)|Assassins]]'' || [[Sara Jane Moore]] || [[San Jose Civic]], regional
|-
|-
| 1993 || ''[[Assassins (musical)|Assassins]]'' || [[Sara Jane Moore]] || [[San Jose Civic]], Regional
| 1994 || [[Floyd Collins (musical)|''Floyd Collins'']] || Miss Jane || [[Prince Music Theater]]
|-
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Box (play)|Box]]'', ''[[The Sandbox (play)|The Sandbox]]'', and ''[[Finding the Sun]]'' || Edmee || [[Signature Theatre Company]], Off-Broadway
| 1994 || ''[[Box (play)|Box]]'', ''[[The Sandbox (play)|The Sandbox]]'', and ''[[Finding the Sun]]'' || Edmee || [[Signature Theatre Company]], off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 1994 || ''[[The Naked Truth (play)|The Naked Truth]]'' || Nan Bemiss || [[WPA Theatre]], Off-Broadway
| 1994 || ''[[The Naked Truth (play)|The Naked Truth]]'' || Nan Bemiss || [[WPA Theatre]], off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 1994–1995 || ''[[A Cheever Evening]]'' || Performer || Playwrights Horizons, Off-Broadway
| 1994–1995 || ''[[A Cheever Evening]]'' || Performer || Playwrights Horizons, off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 1995 || ''[[Missing Persons (play)|Missing Persons]]'' || Addie || [[Atlantic Theater Company]], Off-Broadway
| 1995 || ''[[Missing Persons (play)|Missing Persons]]'' || Addie || [[Atlantic Theater Company]], off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 1995 || ''[[Sylvia (play)|Sylvia]]'' || Kate (Replacement) || [[New York City Center]] Stage I, Off-Broadway
| 1995 || ''[[Sylvia (play)|Sylvia]]'' || Kate (Replacement) || [[New York City Center]] Stage I, off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 1998–1999 || ''[[As Thousands Cheer]]'' || Performer || [[Greenwich House]], Off-Off-Broadway
| 1998–1999 || ''[[As Thousands Cheer]]'' || Performer || [[Greenwich House]], [[off-off-Broadway]]
|-
|-
| 2002 || ''Sweeney Todd'' || Beggar Woman || [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|The Kennedy Center]], Regional
| 2002 || ''Sweeney Todd'' || Beggar Woman || [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|The Kennedy Center]], regional
|-
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Nine (musical)|Nine]]'' || Guido's Mother || [[Eugene O'Neill Theatre]], Broadway
| 2003 || ''[[Nine (musical)|Nine]]'' || Guido's Mother || [[Eugene O'Neill Theatre]], Broadway
|-
|-
| 2003–2004 || ''[[Frame 312]]'' || Lynette (1990's) || Atlantic Theater Company, Off-Broadway
| 2003–2004 || ''[[Frame 312]]'' || Lynette (1990's) || Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2004 || ''[[First Lady Suite]]'' || [[Eleanor Roosevelt]] || [[Connelly Theatre]], Off-Off-Broadway
| 2004 || ''[[First Lady Suite]]'' || [[Eleanor Roosevelt]] || [[Connelly Theatre]], off-off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Lucky Duck]]'' || Various || [[Old Globe Theatre]], Regional
| 2004 || ''[[Lucky Duck (2004 film)|Lucky Duck]]'' || Various || [[Old Globe Theatre]], regional
|-
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Hedda Gabler]]'' || Aunt Julia || [[New York Theatre Workshop]], Off-Broadway
| 2004 || ''[[Hedda Gabler]]'' || Aunt Julia || [[New York Theatre Workshop]], off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2005–2006 || ''[[Celebration (play)|Celebration]]'' and ''[[The Room (play)|The Room]]'' || Rose || Atlantic Theater Company, Off-Broadway
| 2005–2006 || ''[[Celebration (play)|Celebration]]'' and ''[[The Room (play)|The Room]]'' || Rose || Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2007 || ''[[33 Variations]]'' || Katherine Brandt || [[Arena Stage]], Regional
| 2007 || ''[[33 Variations]]'' || Katherine Brandt || [[Arena Stage]], regional
|-
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Sunday in the Park with George]]'' || Old Lady/Blair Daniels || [[Studio 54]], Broadway
| 2008 || ''[[Sunday in the Park with George]]'' || Old Lady/Blair Daniels || [[Studio 54]], Broadway
Line 197: Line 199:
| 2011–2012 || ''[[Follies]]'' || Solange LaFitte || [[Marquis Theatre]], Broadway
| 2011–2012 || ''[[Follies]]'' || Solange LaFitte || [[Marquis Theatre]], Broadway
|-
|-
| 2012 || ''[[The Morini Strad]]'' || Erica || [[59E59 Theaters]], Off-Broadway
| 2012 || ''[[The Morini Strad]]'' || Erica || [[59E59 Theaters]], off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2012 || ''Follies'' || Solange LaFitte || [[Ahmanson Theatre]], Regional
| 2012 || ''Follies'' || Solange LaFitte || [[Ahmanson Theatre]], regional
|-
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Harper Regan]]'' || Allison Wooley || Atlantic Theater Company, Off-Broadway
| 2012 || ''[[Harper Regan]]'' || Allison Wooley || Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2013–2014 || ''[[Domesticated (play)|Domesticated]]'' || Shrink || [[Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater]], Off-Broadway
| 2013–2014 || ''[[Domesticated (play)|Domesticated]]'' || Shrink || [[Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater]], off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2014 || ''[[The Threepenny Opera]]'' || Mrs. Peachum || Atlantic Theater Company, Off-Broadway
| 2014 || ''[[The Threepenny Opera]]'' || Mrs. Peachum || Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Dying For It]]'' || Serafima Ilyinichna || Atlantic Theater Company, Off-Broadway
| 2015 || ''[[Dying For It]]'' || Serafima Ilyinichna || Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2015 || ''[[The Visit (musical)|The Visit]]'' || Matilde Schell || [[Lyceum Theatre (Broadway)|Lyceum Theatre]], Broadway
| 2015 || ''[[The Visit (musical)|The Visit]]'' || Matilde Schell || [[Lyceum Theatre (Broadway)|Lyceum Theatre]], Broadway
Line 215: Line 217:
| 2017–2018 || ''[[Anastasia (musical)|Anastasia]]'' || [[Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark)|Dowager Empress]] || [[Broadhurst Theatre]], Broadway
| 2017–2018 || ''[[Anastasia (musical)|Anastasia]]'' || [[Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark)|Dowager Empress]] || [[Broadhurst Theatre]], Broadway
|-
|-
| 2019 || ''[[Macbeth]]'' || Duncan/Old Woman || [[Classic Stage Company]], Off-Broadway
| 2019 || ''[[Macbeth]]'' || Duncan/Old Woman || [[Classic Stage Company]], off-Broadway
|-
|-
| 2019 || ''[[Road Show (musical)|Road Show]]'' || Mama Mizner || [[New York City Center]], [[Encores!]]
| 2019 || ''[[Road Show (musical)|Road Show]]'' || Mama Mizner || [[New York City Center]], [[Encores!]]
Line 227: Line 229:
* {{IMDb name|0670526}}
* {{IMDb name|0670526}}
* {{IBDB name}}
* {{IBDB name}}
* {{iobdb name|3401}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121006094316/http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=people&keyword=name&first=Mary&last=Peil&middle=Beth Mary Beth Peil] at [[Internet Off-Broadway Database]]
* [http://www.americanrepertorytheater.org/person/mary-beth-peil Biography from American Repertory Theater with photo]
* [http://www.americanrepertorytheater.org/person/mary-beth-peil Biography from American Repertory Theater with photo]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040917150441/http://www.usoperaweb.com/2002/june/h_smoke.htm Photos] from ''Summer and Smoke''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040917150441/http://www.usoperaweb.com/2002/june/h_smoke.htm Photos] from ''Summer and Smoke''


{{Portal bar|Biography|Opera|Film|Theatre}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control|state=collapsed}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Peil, Mary Beth}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Peil, Mary Beth}}

Revision as of 21:35, 22 June 2024

Mary Beth Peil
Peil at the 2011 Peabody Awards
Born (1940-06-25) June 25, 1940 (age 84)
Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
EducationNorthwestern University
Occupations
Years active1962–present

Mary Beth Peil (/ˈpiːl/; born June 25, 1940) is an American actress and soprano. She began her career as an opera singer in 1962 with the Goldovsky Opera Theater. In 1964 she won two major singing competitions, the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions; the latter of which earned her a contract with the Metropolitan Opera National Company with whom she performed in two seasons of national tours as a leading soprano from 1965 to 1967. She continued to perform in operas through the 1970s, notably creating the role of Alma in the world premiere of Lee Hoiby's Summer and Smoke at the Minnesota Opera in 1971. She later recorded that role for American television in 1982. With that same opera company she transitioned into musical theatre, performing the title role of Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate in 1983. Later that year she joined the national tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I as Anna Leonowens opposite Yul Brynner, and continued with that production when it opened on Broadway on January 7, 1985. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal.

After her Broadway debut, Peil has remained a stage actress in musicals and plays. She is the recipient of an Obie Award and has been nominated for a Drama Desk Award, a Helen Hayes Award, and two Outer Critics Circle Awards. She received a second Tony nomination in 2017 for her portrayal of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna in Anastasia. In 1992 she made her film debut in a small role in the movie Jersey Girl, and made her first appearance on television in 1994 on the program Law & Order. She is best known for her roles in the main casts of two television series: as Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan in Dawson's Creek (1998–2003) and Jackie Florrick in The Good Wife (2009–2016). Her notable film credits include portraying Jack Lemmon's love interest in The Odd Couple II (1999), and performances in The Stepford Wives (2004), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), Mirrors (2008), Maladies (2012), and Collateral Beauty (2016). In 2020 she was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Digital Drama Series for the role of Helen in After Forever.

In an Opera News interview in 2019, Peil stated, "Opera is big and scary. You constantly strive for perfection. I think I always had my fingers crossed every time I sang in opera. On Broadway, you do eight shows a week, and there is no such thing as perfection. Every night, you try to find something new and true, perfect or not. Film and television is an intimate medium. You are communicating to one viewer instead of thousands. It is more of a physical and mental adjustment. The emotions are the same."[1]

Early life

Peil (pronounced peel) was born in 1940 in Davenport, Iowa.[2] She trained as a soprano at Northwestern University under Lotte Lehmann, and gave her senior recital on April 9, 1962.[3] Other influential teachers in her development in the university's music department included Robert Gay, the director of the opera program, and Ewald Nolte, who taught courses in music theory and composition and conducted a university chorus in which Peil performed.[4] While a college student she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

Career

Career as an opera and concert soprano: 1962–1982

In her senior year, Peil performed the role of Violetta in Giuseppe Verdi's La traviata in a student production directed by Gay at Northwestern; a performance which was attended by Boris Goldovsky.[4] This led to an invitation to audition for Goldovsky's opera company for an upcoming national tour of that opera. She was offered a contract, and moved to New York City in order to take that job.[4] She made her professional debut as Violetta in the Fall of 1962 with the Goldovsky Opera Theater.[4]

In 1964 Peil won two major singing contests, the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (MONCA), which significantly furthered her career as a classical soprano in concerts and opera. In March 1964 she won the MONCA which earned her a contract with the newly formed Metropolitan Opera National Company (MONC); a second touring company of the Metropolitan Opera.[5] Mezzo-soprano Risë Stevens was one of the co-directors of the MONC, and Stevens mentored her during the two seasons that she performed with the company.[1]

Peil made her opera debut with the MONC in September 1965 as Clorinda in Gioachino Rossini's La Cenerentola; going on to perform that role in 72 cities on a nine-month national tour with the MONC through May 1966.[6][1] She also performed the role of Micaëla in Georges Bizet's Carmen with the MONC that first season.[7] She toured nationally with the company again in its second season as Susanna in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and Mimì in Giacomo Puccini's La bohème from September 1966 through May 1967; with periodic breaks during that period.[1][8][9]

In 1965 Peil was the featured soprano soloist in a concert honoring Risë Stevens with the California Chamber Symphony at The Beverly Hilton.[10] That same year she performed the role of Pamina in The Magic Flute with conductor Thomas Scherman and the Little Orchestra Society at Philharmonic Hall.[11] In 1966 she was the soprano soloist in performances of Christian Ignatius Latrobe's Dies Irae at the Early American Moravian Music Festival at Salem College.[12] In 1968 she made her much delayed New York recital debut at Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall as part of her Young Concert Artists win from years earlier.[13] She also sang with the New York City Opera, making her debut with the company in the Spring of 1972.[14]

Peil performed as a chamber musician during the late 1960s and 1970s, often in conjunction with her then husband, the clarinetist Jerry Kirkbride. Both were members of the Divario Chamber Ensemble in 1969 and 1970.[15] In 1976 the two of them were guest artists with the Boehm Quintette in a concert organized by the New York Flute Club entitled "The Flute In American Music- A Concert commemorating the Bicentennial of the Independence of the United States" at Carnegie Hall.[16][17] On her own, she was the featured soprano soloist in a concert of Bach cantatas with the Hampshire Quartet at Alice Tully Hall in 1972.[18] In the mid 1970s she performed with the Musical Arts Studio chamber opera ensemble, including performances at the Library of Congress in 1973.[19] In 1977 she performed in a concert of Gerald Ginsburg's 'theatre lieder' at Alice Tully Hall.[20]

In 1971, Peil originated the role of Alma in the world premiere of Lee Hoiby's opera adaptation of Tennessee Williams's play Summer and Smoke, at the Minnesota Opera.[21] She performed it again with the Chicago Opera Theater when it was broadcast on television in 1982 (based on a 1980 performance).[22] She returned to the Minnesota Opera several more times. With that company she portrayed Leonora in the United States premiere of Carl Nielsen's Maskarade in 1972.[23]

Transition to stage actress: 1983–1991

Peil made a transition into musical theatre with the Minnesota Opera, performing the title role of Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate in 1983.[24] Of that experience Peil stated, "That was when the light bulb went on. Doing Kiss Me, Kate with my beloved John Reardon made me realize I was a singing actor, not an acting singer."[25]

She soon found herself on Broadway. In May 1983 she was cast in a national tour as the twelfth and final Anna Leonowens opposite Yul Brynner's monarch of Siam in a revival of The King and I. The production toured the United States, closing on Broadway shortly before Brynner's death in 1985. In an interview in The New York Times, she described how Brynner could barely walk from his dressing room to the stage, due to his radiation therapy to treat his cancer, but when it was time to go on he somehow managed; "gliding into the light, erect, with the body of a sleek jungle cat".[26] She was nominated for a 1985 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical.[27][28] She later returned to the role of Anna Leonowens for a revival of the musical at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut in 1990 with Stacy Keach as the King.[29]

In 1986 Peil starred in Michel Tremblay's play The Impromptu of Outremont at the Lincoln Theater on the campus of the University of Hartford.[30] She starred in the 1987 off-Broadway musical Birds of Paradise.[31] In 1988 she portrayed Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music with the Opera Ensemble of New York.[32] In 1989 she performed in William Shakespeare's Cymbeline at The Public Theater under the direction of JoAnne Akalaitis.[33] She portrayed President J.F.K.'s secretary, a central character in the musical, in Michael John LaChiusa's Over Texas with the Ensemble Studio Theatre in 1991.[34] That same year she starred in Ödön von Horváth's Tales from the Vienna Woods at the Actors Theater of Louisville.[35]

Career on screen and stage: 1992–2003

In 1993 Peil moved back to New York City after divorcing Jerry Kirkbride with whom she had raised two children, Gwyneth and Michael, in Leonia, New Jersey.[36] She had made her film debut earlier in 1992's Jersey Girl and her television debut on Law & Order in 1994. Her first larger role in film was in the 1995 independent drama film Comfortably Numb. She portrayed Felice, the love interest of Felix (played by Jack Lemmon), in the 1999 comedy film The Odd Couple II. She portrayed Nancy Reagan's mother, actress Edith Luckett, in the Showtime movie The Reagans (2003). Between 1998 and 2003, she was introduced to a wider audience through her role as Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan on the teen television drama Dawson's Creek. Alongside the four main young stars of that show, she was the only actress to appear as a credited regular throughout the show's six-season run, appearing in 74 of 128 episodes.

Peil continued in the theatre while branching out into television and film. In 1992 she portrayed the beggar woman in Sweeney Todd at the Paper Mill Playhouse with George Hearn as Sweeney and Judy Kaye as Mrs. Lovett.[37] That same year she appeared in the premiere of Romulus Linney's Democracy and Esther; an adaptation of Henry Adams's novels Democracy: An American Novel (1880) and Esther (1884) into a single play.[38] She starred in the premiere of another play by Linney in 1993, the role of the psychoanalyst in Spain.[39] In 1994 she starred in three one act plays by Edward Albee presented collectively under the tile Sand by the Signature Theatre Company: Box (1968), The Sandbox (1960), and Finding the Sun (1983).[40]

Peil won an Obie Award in 1995 for her work in three non-musical plays off-Broadway: Paul Rudnick's The Naked Truth (as Nan, 1994 at the WPA Theater),[41][42] A. R. Gurney's A Cheever Evening (as Peaches, 1994 with Playwrights Horizons),[43] and Craig Lucas's Missing Persons (1995, as Addie with the Atlantic Theater Company).[44]).[28][45] She returned to the role of Nan in a revision of The Naked Truth, now retitled The Naked Eye, at Harvard University's American Repertory Theater in 1996.[46] In 1996 and 1997, she toured in Gurney's play, Sylvia with Charles Kimbrough and Stephanie Zimbalist. In 1997 she appeared in the celebrated revival of George S. Kaufman and Ring Lardner's June Moon at the Ohio Theater in SoHo.[47] That same year she portrayed Hesione in Pierre de Marivaux's The Triumph of Love at the Yale Repertory Theatre (YRT).[48]

Peil played evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover in a 1998 off-Broadway revival of the Irving Berlin – Moss Hart revue As Thousands Cheer at the Greenwich House Theater.[49] In May 1999, Peil portrayed Judith in the YRT's production of the Noël Coward play Hay Fever.[50] She played the beggar woman in Sweeney Todd at the Kennedy Center in 2002 and in the spring of 2003 she played the mother of Antonio Banderas's character in a Broadway revival of the musical Nine.[51][52] In the winter of 2003, she again appeared off-Broadway, starring in Frame 312, Keith Reddin's play about the assassination of John F. Kennedy.[53]

Recent career: 2004–present

After Dawson's Creek ended in 2003, Peil portrayed Helen Devlin in Frank Oz's 2004 film The Stepford Wives with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, and Bette Midler. Her other recent film credits include Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers (2006), the thriller Mirrors (2008), Maladies (2012), Contest (2013), Collateral Beauty (2016), The Song of Sway Lake (2018), and Here and Now (2018). From 2009 to 2016, she played Jackie Florrick, the mother of Chris Noth's character Peter Florrick, on the CBS drama The Good Wife.[54] In 2019 she portrayed the recurring role of Gwendolina Ferrari on NBC's The Village and in 2020 she portrayed the recurring role of Loretta Lacy on The CW's Katy Keene. In 2021 she appeared in the role of Martha Graham in the Netflix series Halston.[55]

On the stage, Peil portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt in the 2004 off-Broadway revival of Michael John LaChiusa First Lady Suite at The Connelly Theater.[56] That same year she portrayed Juliana Tesman in Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler with the New York Theatre Workshop under the direction of Ivo van Hove;[57] and performed the role of Mrs. Mallard in Jeffrey Hatcher and Bill Russell's musical Lucky Duck at the Old Globe Theatre.[58] In 2005 she performed the role of Rose in Harold Pinter's The Room with the Atlantic Theater Company (ATC).[59] In 2006 she created the role of Clare in the world premiere of Joan Vail Thorne's The Things You Least Expect at the George Street Playhouse.[60] That same year she starred as Celeste Albaret in the world premiere of Mary Zimmerman's monodrama M. Proust with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago.[61] In 2007 she performed the role of Ann in Gurney's The Cocktail Hour at the Long Wharf Theatre.[62]

In 2008 Peil appeared as the Old Lady and Blair Daniels in the Roundabout Theatre Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical Sunday in the Park with George.[63] Starting in October 2010 she appeared in the original Broadway cast of the Lincoln Center Theater production of the musical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, which is based upon the movie of the same name.[64] The show had a limited run until January 2011. Peil appeared in Stephen Sondheim's Follies on Broadway in the role of Solange LaFitte, alongside Bernadette Peters and Elaine Paige, starting in August 2011.[65][66] In March 2012, she appeared as Erika Morini in Willy Holtzman's off-Broadway play The Morini Strad about the concert violinist.[67] Later that year she performed the role of Alison Woollley in the New York premiere of Simon Stephens's Harper Regan with the ATC.[68]

In 2013 Peil starred alongside Jeff Goldblum and Laurie Metcalf in the world premiere of Bruce Norris's Domesticated at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center.[69] In 2014 she portrayed Celia Peachum in Bertolt Brecht's The Threepenny Opera with the ATC.[70] In 2015 she appeared as Serafima in Moira Buffini's Dying for It, an adaptation of Nikolai Erdman's The Suicide, with the ATC.[71] She returned to Broadway as Matilde Schell in the 2015 revival of Kander and Ebb's The Visit starring Chita Rivera;[72] and as Madame de Rosemonde in the 2016 revival of Christopher Hampton's Les Liaisons Dangereuses.[36]

Peil next joined the cast of the musical Anastasia playing the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the grandmother of the Grand Duchess Anastasia. Based on the 1997 animated film, Anastasia has music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and a book by Terrence McNally. The musical began as a workshop in 2015, it then had out of town tryouts in Hartford, Connecticut, in 2016 before eventually opening on Broadway in 2017. Peil was nominated for a Tony Award,[73] a Drama Desk Award[74] and an Outer Critics Circle Award[75] for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role. In 2019 she portrayed Mama Mizner in the Encores! revival of Stephen Sondheim's Road Show.[76]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1992 Jersey Girl Day Care Center Teacher
1995 Reckless Bartender
1995 Comfortably Numb Emily Best
1998 Number One Lana Short film
1999 The Odd Couple II Felice
1999 Advice from a Caterpillar Homeless Woman
2004 The Stepford Wives Helen Devlin
2006 Shortbus Ann
2006 The Caretakers Olivia Short film
2006 Flags of Our Fathers Mrs. Bradley
2007 The List Daisy Stokes
2008 Old Days Lillian Short film
2008 Mirrors Anna Esseker
2010 The Locksmith Celine
2011 Small, Beautifully Moving Parts Marjorie Sparks
2012 Maladies Blind Woman
2013 Contest "Gran" Angela Maria Tucci
2016 Collateral Beauty Mrs. Yardsham
2017 The Song of Sway Lake Charlie Sway
2018 Here and Now Dr. Marianne Holt

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1994 Law & Order Dr. Emma Hiltz Episode: "Family Values"
1998–2003 Dawson's Creek Evelyn "Grams" Ryan 66 episodes
2001 The Job Mrs. Peg Bermance Episode: "Massage"
2003 The Reagans Edith Davis Television movie
2005 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Deb Boyd Episode: "Alien"
2009–2016 The Good Wife Jackie Florrick 49 episodes
2009 Fringe Jessica Warren Episode: "The No-Brainer"
2011 American Masters Mrs. Carr (voice) Episode: "John Muir in the New World"
2012 Submissions Only Beverly Wilcox Episode: "The Growing Interconnectedness"
2019 The Village Gwendolina Ferrari 5 episodes
2020 Katy Keene Loretta Lacy 4 episodes
2021 Halston Martha Graham Episode: "Critics"

Theater

Year Play Role Theatre
1985 The King and I Anna Leonowens Broadway Theatre, Broadway
1987 Birds of Paradise Marjorie Promenade Theatre, off-Broadway
1988 The Sound of Music Elsa Schraeder regional tour
1989 Cymbeline Ghost Mother The Public Theater, off-Broadway
1991 Four Short Operas Mary/Woman/Woman/Madge Playwrights Horizons, off-Broadway
1992 Sweeney Todd Beggar Woman Paper Mill Playhouse, regional
1993 Assassins Sara Jane Moore San Jose Civic, regional
1994 Floyd Collins Miss Jane Prince Music Theater
1994 Box, The Sandbox, and Finding the Sun Edmee Signature Theatre Company, off-Broadway
1994 The Naked Truth Nan Bemiss WPA Theatre, off-Broadway
1994–1995 A Cheever Evening Performer Playwrights Horizons, off-Broadway
1995 Missing Persons Addie Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
1995 Sylvia Kate (Replacement) New York City Center Stage I, off-Broadway
1998–1999 As Thousands Cheer Performer Greenwich House, off-off-Broadway
2002 Sweeney Todd Beggar Woman The Kennedy Center, regional
2003 Nine Guido's Mother Eugene O'Neill Theatre, Broadway
2003–2004 Frame 312 Lynette (1990's) Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
2004 First Lady Suite Eleanor Roosevelt Connelly Theatre, off-off-Broadway
2004 Lucky Duck Various Old Globe Theatre, regional
2004 Hedda Gabler Aunt Julia New York Theatre Workshop, off-Broadway
2005–2006 Celebration and The Room Rose Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
2007 33 Variations Katherine Brandt Arena Stage, regional
2008 Sunday in the Park with George Old Lady/Blair Daniels Studio 54, Broadway
2010–2011 Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Pepa's Concierge Belasco Theatre, Broadway
2011–2012 Follies Solange LaFitte Marquis Theatre, Broadway
2012 The Morini Strad Erica 59E59 Theaters, off-Broadway
2012 Follies Solange LaFitte Ahmanson Theatre, regional
2012 Harper Regan Allison Wooley Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
2013–2014 Domesticated Shrink Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, off-Broadway
2014 The Threepenny Opera Mrs. Peachum Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
2015 Dying For It Serafima Ilyinichna Atlantic Theater Company, off-Broadway
2015 The Visit Matilde Schell Lyceum Theatre, Broadway
2016–2017 Les Liaisons Dangereuses Madame de Rosemonde Booth Theatre, Broadway
2017–2018 Anastasia Dowager Empress Broadhurst Theatre, Broadway
2019 Macbeth Duncan/Old Woman Classic Stage Company, off-Broadway
2019 Road Show Mama Mizner New York City Center, Encores!

References

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  52. ^ Robin Pogrebin (May 30, 2003). "A Sisterhood of Self-Effacing Stars". The New York Times.
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  55. ^ Maureen Lee Lenker (May 14, 2021). "See the cast of Halston and their real-life counterparts". Entertainment Weekly.
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  58. ^ Joel Hirschhorn (July 20, 2004). "Lucky Duck". Variety.
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  60. ^ Naomi Siegel (October 14, 2006). "A Widow With an Agenda and a Young New Boyfriend". The New York Times.
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  63. ^ Ben Brantley (February 22, 2008). "Down by the Blue Purple Yellow Red Water". The New York Times.
  64. ^ Hetrick, Adam. "Patti LuPone, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sherie Rene Scott Cast in Broadway's Women on the Verge" Archived November 5, 2013, at the Wayback Machine Playbill, July 26, 2010
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  66. ^ Gans, Andrew."The Right Girls: Kennedy Center Follies, With Bernadette Peters, Jan Maxwell, Elaine Paige, Begins Broadway Previews" Archived September 15, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Playbill, August 7, 2011
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