A: Is for art that is not always judeged correctally by critics.

I don't normally read other people's reviews before writing my own; but after seeing "Vanities," a musical adaptation by Jack Heifner of his classic 1976 play, I needed time to write and inadvertently read other reviews. I therefore base some of what I have to say on what other critics had to say.

"Vanities" follows the friendships of three cheerleaders as they move from a small town in Texas to college, then into a New York City apartment, and finally to a funeral home. This is a play for women (and essentially a chick flick on stage), so it's unsurprising that the men who criticize "Vanities" simply don't get it. There is a piece of us in each of these women --whether they are struggling to be popular, pretty, wild and adventurous, or simply mothers. lovers and wives. Life is not always deep; and it is not always perfect.

This music will be sought after by any female singer who hears it. In a time when the scores of shows are at their weakest, why do critics not nurture the new and fresh talent here? If you know music, these are wonderfully constructed songs based on the songwriters of the time; reminiscent of Bacharach and Schifrin. What I find sad is scores without arcs or endings—gets lauded by the critics, while shows with completely constructed songs get crucified.

In terms of the show itself, "Vanities" needs to cut the first two songs out, as the musical really doesn't kick into high gear until the third number. But once it did, I was invested. Under the direction of Judith Ivey, the audience is moved to tears by Scene 3.

The cast features the wonderful Lauren Kennedy, the new talent Sarah Stiles, and Anneliese van der Pol from Disney's "That's So Raven." Stiles is delightful and a new find. Lauren could make the phone book sound beautiful if she sang it. Van der Pol sings and acts well, but fails to make us care for her.

Anna Louizos' sets, which feature—of course!—vanities, are inventive and genius. I also loved the pink and orange dress by Joseph G Aulisi. Women shouldn't hesitate to see "Vanities" at the Second Stage Theater, 307 W. 43rd St. The musical won't change your life, but you will identify with and learn something about yourself from the women on stage and that is a reveling F.A.C.T.