Opened: April 13, 2023

Book by: Elizabeth McGovern

Original Los Angeles Cast: Aaron Costa Ganis, Ryan W. Garcia & Elizabeth McGovern

Having legendary film star Ava Gardner (Elizabeth McGovern) first appear in a pair of sweats immediately lets the audience know that this is an Ava we haven’t seen before.

Ava Gardner hires Peter Evans (Aaron Costa Ganis) to ghostwrite her autobiography. Though he starts learning about Ava the person, his publishing company wants stories about Ava’s famous husbands.

Seeing Ava’s story be turned into the story of the men surrounding her and seeing the crew tear down the set while McGovern and Ganis are still acting are brilliant moves that show how people care about Ava the star not Ava the human.

However, Peter transforming into her three husbands plays well until it cuts back to reality. These jumps are harsh and make for strange moments between Peter and Ava.

Final say: An interesting look of an icon’s former life. ★★★☆☆