By Robert Simonson
25 Feb 2004

Eva Braun and Clara Petacchi, the mistresses of Hitler and Mussolini, respectively, might not be your idea of ideal tea- time company, but Off-Broadway audiences are apparently enjoying them in Summit Conference, which sees the two World War II concubines chatting over some English Breakfast.

The Robert David MacDonald play, directed by Kit Thacker, began performances at Urban Stages Feb. 5 for a run through Feb. 28. Good reviews have led to an extension to March 6. Now, a write-up in the New York Times may have led to a further extension, to March 13. Starring are Rita Petropinto and Sarah Megan Thomas, as well as Eric Altheide as their Jewish guard.

Braun and Petacchi's conversation explores music, fashion, power, anti-Semitism and gender roles. Historically, the two women did not do well by their relationships. Petacchi was executed along with her lover on April 29, 1945, and hung by her ankles at an Esso gas station in Milan, where the gathering crowds vented their anger on the corpses. When Hitler heard of the nature of Mussolini's death, he shot Braun and poisoned himself in the safety of his bunker. Their bodies were burned by German troops, in accordance with Hitler's orders.

The play, originally written for the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, had a notable West End debut, featuring Gary Oldman, Glenda Jackson and Georgina Hale.

For tickets, call (212) 868-4444.