The Garland Civic Theatre’s current production, “Legends” is about a producer named Martin Klemmer who has found a new script called “Star Wars the Musical,” but he needs a commitment from big name actresses to get money to do the show. The biggest problem is that the two lead actresses he needs cannot stand each other. They’ve been feuding for years and will not work together.
Hilarity ensues when the two get together to meet with Klemmer and discuss the possibilities. Both of the fading stars are broke and determined to hide that fact from each other, but Klemmer is aware of their situation and not above using their hard luck to his own advantage.
As the women wait for Klemmer to arrive, they go from hurling insults at each other to sharing their deepest secrets and tragedies. Then with the aid of some mistakenly eaten hashish brownies the women reach common ground
Laura C. Cutler is wonderful in the role of Sylvia Glenn as is Sue Goodner as Leatrice Monsee. The duo’s chemistry is delightful, making their exchange of insults memorable. The quick delivery adds to the effectiveness. For example, when Leatrice talks about a prior role and says, “I was retarded in that film!” Sylvia’s answer, “And you were perfect,” the result is deliberate and hilarious.
Ray-Nita Powell is also funny in the role of maid Aretha Thomas. The character’s sarcastic sense of humor supplies extra fun and she successfully delivers the sarcasm.
Thomas McKee plays Martin Klemmer with just the right amount of shadiness and does a great job in a scene as he stands at a bank of pay phones and juggles conversations with three separate people on three separate telephones.
“Legends” is written by James Kirkwood and directed by Josh Hensley.
“Legends” runs through Saturday, Sept. 24 in the small theatre at the Granville Arts Center, 300 North Fifth Street in Garland. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday Matinees (Sept. 11 and 18) at 2:30 p.m.
Call the Arts Center Box Office at 972-205-2790 for tickets or order online at www.garlandartsboxoffice.com. Tickets are $22 including the service fee.