The Goddess
Adapted and Directed by John Mossman
from the screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky
at The Artistic Home, 1376 W. Grand (map)
thru Nov 17 | tickets: $20-$32 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
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A glimpse into the tarnished side of Hollywood’s Golden Age
The Artistic Home presents
The Goddess
Review by Katy Walsh
Screen-playwright Paddy Chayefsky penned a Hollywood exposé. He wrote about small town, unloved Emily Ann blossoming into Tinsel Town siren Rita. Although Chayefsky denies that she is based on Marilyn Monroe, his Rita also became entangled with a sports celebrity and drugs on her climb to fame. The glamour of her celebrity-status is tainted by the demeaning journey. The story engages for its honest, true-Hollywood revelations.
Mossman skillfully orchestrates a cast of seventeen in his storytelling. The first act speeds quickly past with Stark never leaving the stage despite multiple wardrobe changes. Mossman illustrates Stark’s objectified façade as she is continually dolled up and rolled out. Costume Designer Lynn Sandberg outdoes herself with a dazzling mid-century fashion show. The heels, the furs, the dresses are vintage fabulous. She even has a floral two piece shorts-skirt ensemble that is enviable. Sandberg transforms the ensemble from hometown grit to Hollywood glam. It’s a visual feast.
In the second act, Mossman dramatically slows the pace down to focus on the relational angst between Stark and Josh Odor (Dutch). Stark epitomizes the loneliness and vulnerability of the lost girl in a bombshell body. She spirals between neediness and rage to the befuddled and brooding Odor. Stark’s performance is an ongoing emotional whirlwind. She perfectly coveys the unremitting mess of the rise and fall of a movie star.
This is a play about the movies. And Mossman never loses sight of the film industry essence of this story. At one end of the stage, period film footage is projected on a large screen. Video Designer Robert Stockwell helps determine time period in a play that spans 1930-1957. The screen also serves to silhouette memorable moments of profundity. Stark removes a stocking as projected fireworks illuminate her movements. Later, a now detached Odor stands silently behind the screen barrier. Although these type of theatrics add an aesthetic layer, they also keep the audience observing and not experiencing the turmoil. (Ironically, the play version of The Goddess is still more movie than play.)
I thoroughly enjoyed The Goddess for its talented, huge ensemble and colorful storytelling. I couldn’t help but wonder if Marilyn ever saw the 1958 film and did or didn’t identify with it… either possibility has its own degree of devastation. Whether Marilyn saw it or not, The Goddess is an opportunity for you to see the tarnished side of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Rating: ★★★
The Goddess continues through November 17th at The Artistic Home, 1376 W. Grand (map), with performances Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays 3pm. Tickets are $20-$32, and are available by phone (866-811-4111) or online through OvationTix.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at TheArtisticHome.org. (Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes, includes an intermission)
Photos by Tim Knight
artists
cast
Flavia Borges, Cat Chupein, Caitlin Jemison, Nick Jordan, Michael Krystosek, Andrew Marikis, Andy Monson, Dan McEvilly, Ava Morse, Josh Odor, Skye Shrum, Lee Stark, Maria Stephens, Katherine Swan, Leah Uteg, David Vogel, Phil Wasik.
behind the scenes
John Mossman (director, adaptor), Corinne Bass (set design), Lynn Sandberg (costume design), Mikey Moran (sound design), Garvin Jellison (lighting design), Elizabeth Pineda (props design), Robert Stockwell (projections), Tim Knight (photos)
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