Really enjoyed the Reprise! production of "Applause" at the Freud Playhouse on the campus of UCLA.
Reprise! stages three older musicals a year in a deluxe concert format (basic sets and costumes). Since their shows only run for two weeks they are able to attract major talent from television and the silver screen.
"Applause" is the musical version of the movie "All About Eve." (Bette Davis' famous line from the movie is "Fasten your seatbelts it's going to be a bumpy night.") It won the Tony for Best Musical in 1970 and Lauren Bacall won the Tony (and revived her career) playing Margo Channing -- the older actress challenged by upstart Eve Harrington (played on Broadway by Bonnie Franklin).
The early 70s sensibility was a hoot. And tonight Sheryl Lee Ralph (who originated the role of Deena Jones on "Dreamgirls") rocked as Margo Channing. And Jean Louisa Kelly, of CBS' "Yes, Dear" did a fine job as Eve Harrington.
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