The show consists of spoken monologues from Stritch following her life and career, interspersed with showtunes and pop standards which complement her stories.

Many of these songs had been previously sung by Stritch in major productions, such as "The Ladies Who Lunch" from Company and "Civilization" from Angel in the Wings which she originated on Broadway.

[1] Originally directed and produced by George C. Wolfe at The Public Theater, the show premiered on November 7, 2001.

[2] The show then transferred to Broadway, opening on February 21, 2002 in the Neil Simon Theatre, closing on May 26 of that year.

Stritch's exuberant acceptance speech—during which she danced up to the stage, uttered profanities, expressed gladness that her fellow nominees lost, reeled off a long list of comedic dedications, and declared that she would not leave until forcibly removed—has been described in retrospect as "something of an Emmy legend.