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Legends!
By James Kirkwood
Directed by John Bowab
Presented by Broadway in Chicago
At the LaSalle Bank Theatre
18 W. Monroe
Chicago, IL
Call 312-902-1400, tickets $20 - $70
Tuesdays at 7:30 pm
Wednesdays at 2 & 7:30 pm
Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2 & 8 pm
Sundays at 2 pm
Running time is 2hours, 10 minutes with intermission
Through March 4, 2007
Mega-stars not enough to make Legends work
Legends! is a curious choice as a vehicle to showcase mega-stars Joan Collins and Linda Evans since the script is a dated, cliché ridden silly farce. The original production by James Kirkwood (think A Chorus Line), a 1986 show featuring Carol Channing and Mary Martin received universally negative reviews and failed to make it to Broadway. Why anyone would remount this show is one of life’s little mysteries!. I was embarrassed for Joan Collins and Linda Evans for having to play this inept comedy/farce. The cliché of the two aging, and currently broke film/TV divas, who hate one another, being forced to maneuver and charm each other into agreeing to accept the Broadway show being offered. This premise wears thin quickly and never gets us to care about these two whinny plastic characters.
The zany producer, played with terrific comic aplomb by Joe Farrell and the commanding presence of Tonye Patano steal many of the scenes as they have the more juicy parts containing most of the meager laughs. This shows never captures our attention due to its dated and show-warren script. Collins and Evan’s charm, charisma and polished craft can’t over come the lame writing. Both stars gave it their all but I was embarrassed for them. Having to play scenes like the one where they eat brownies laced with pot was excruciatingly to witness. The only reason to see this dumb show is to admire the talents of two true legends. Too bad, they didn’t have better material to work with.
Somewhat Recommended for Joan Collins & Linda Evans fans only
Tom Williams
tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2007
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