JOAN RIVERS,
A WORK IN PROGRESS BY A LIFE IN PROGRESS
Joan Rivers not only stars in this production at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood, but she co-wrote it with Douglas Bernstein and Denis Markell. It opens with Joan in a dressing room (a wonderful set by Tom Buderwitz) prior to going on the red carpet with daughter Melissa before an awards show. Much to her chagrin, she finds that everything is going wrong. Her usual entourage is unavailable; her make-up artist has been replaced with star-struck Svetlana (Emily Kosloski), and her assistant, with nervous Kenny (Adam Kulbersh). And to top that off, she has been given Dressing Room B (as noted by her “cheesie” cheese tray) while daughter Melissa has been given Dressing Room A. Is it possible that something is amiss by her lack of star treatment?
Though the two cast members are on stage with her throughout, the focus of the entire play is definitely on Joan. As she speaks directly to her audience to tell her story, she delves into everything from face-lifts, her run-ins with stars, her husband’s suicide, to the many obstacles that she has overcome to get where she is today. Though, obviously, many of her stories are of a serious nature, there is no doubt that, as she takes her audience in and makes each one her confidante, she proves her comedic genius. Though I never thought of Joan Rivers as an actress, she puts this show over in great style (directed by Bart DeLorenzo). In the end, when the third cast member, Tara Joyce as Evan Goodheart, lets Joan know that she is “out” because they are seeking younger people to handle her job, in the final scheme of things, her survivorship wins out. After all, she hasn’t lived her 74 years without proving that she can endure. Continues through Sunday, April 6.
Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Avenue
Westwood, CA 90024
Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.
Fri., 8 p.m.
Sat., 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Sun. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets: (310) 208-5454