“Ava: The Secret Conversations” will have its New York premiere this summer at New York City Center, Stage I, following an acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. The show was written by and stars Elizabeth McGovern, an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actress who is best known for her performances in “Ragtime,” “Ordinary People” and “Downton Abbey.” Here, she plays Ava Gardner, one of the brightest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
The production is directed by Tony nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel, whose Broadway work includes “Hand to God” and “Present Laughter.” It is produced by Karl Sydow. The show will also feature Aaron Costa Ganis (“Bull,” “Blue Bloods”).
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“Ava: The Secret Conversations” begins performances July 30 and will open Aug. 7. It will play a strictly limited engagement through Sept. 13. Tickets go on sale April 22.
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The play follows Gardner as she sits for a series of interviews with writer Peter Evans, who is trying to get her to divulge the juicy details about her life story, her marriages to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw and Frank Sinatra, as well as her turbulent relationship to Howard Hughes. Initially barred from publication, Evans’ account was published 25 years later with permission from Gardner’s estate. It is now reimagined on stage.
McGovern will be seen this fall on screen in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” the latest installment in the popular film and TV franchise. She also stars in Anne Rice’s “The Talamasca” on AMC this fall.
“I am beyond thrilled to bring ‘Ava: The Secret Conversations’ to New York,” McGovern said in a statement. “Gardner’s life was one of incredible complexity, and I feel so privileged to step into her world and share her story onstage at New York City Center this summer.”
Scenic design is by David Meyer, costume design is by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design is by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design is by Cricket S. Myers, projection design is by Alex Basco Koch and wig design is by Matthew Armentrout. Production Stage Manager is Avery Trunko. General management is by Pemberley Productions.
