This summer, Elizabeth McGovern is set to captivate New York audiences as she stars in the premiere of “Ava: The Secret Conversations” at New York City Center, Stage I. The production, which opens on July 30 and runs through September 13, follows an acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. It promises to deliver an alluring portrayal of Ava Gardner’s life, exploring her Hollywood legacy with depth and intrigue.
The play, written by Elizabeth McGovern herself, will see her take on the role of Ava Gardner, a luminary from Hollywood’s Golden Age. With her impressive background, including nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy, McGovern’s performance in works like “Ragtime,” “Ordinary People,” and “Downton Abbey” has already captivated audiences worldwide.
Under the direction of Tony nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel, known for Broadway hits like “Hand to God” and “Present Laughter,” the show will also feature performances by Aaron Costa Ganis, recognized for roles in “Bull” and “Blue Bloods.” These seasoned talents promise an engaging theatrical experience.
“Ava: The Secret Conversations” takes inspiration from Gardner’s candid interviews with writer Peter Evans, who sought to uncover the fascinating details of her life, including her marriages to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra. Initially forbidden from seeing the light of publication, these interviews were eventually shared 25 years later, with permission from Gardner’s estate, and are now ingeniously adapted for the stage.
McGovern expressed her excitement by stating, “I am beyond thrilled to bring ‘Ava: The Secret Conversations’ to New York. 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.”
This production brings together a talented creative team with scenic design by David Meyer, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, and other notable contributions from experts like Amith Chandrashaker, Cricket S. Myers, and Alex Basco Koch. The craft of wig design comes from Matthew Armentrout, with production stage management by Avery Trunko and general management by Pemberley Productions.
Elizabeth McGovern continues to shine this fall, returning to the screen in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” and starring in Anne Rice’s “The Talamasca” on AMC. With “Ava: The Secret Conversations,” she offers New York theater-goers a chance to step back into the glamorous yet complex world of Ava Gardner, providing a compelling story that promises not to be missed this summer.
