The world premiere of Twelve O’Clock Tales with Ava Gardner is hosted by The Whitefire Theatre. The solo play was written by Alessandra Assaf and Michael Lorre. The director is Michael A. Shepperd.
From her humble origins in Grabtown to the glamorous life of Hollywood, Ava Gardner (Alessandra Assaf) became an icon of beauty and fast life in a career than spanned more than forty years. Twelve O’Clock Tales with Ava Gardner is a homage to the extraordinary life of one of the most alluring stars in the history of cinema.
The play is an insightful compilation of events in the life of an actress/singer who struggle to find her place in the industry. From her rural life in North Carolina, her relationship with her family, and the three marriages and the romantic relationships in between, Assaf presents the complicated personality of a woman who defied stereotypes with her strong will, but also her insecurities and vulnerabilities.
Assaf’s play gives details about what could have been going through Gardner’s mind at the time of each of her marriages and relationships with the people around her. Her marriage to Frank Sinatra and the scandalous incidents during their time together, proved that she could be independent, even helping Sinatra to resurface from a fading career. The play also delves into her abusive relationship with George C. Scott and how Sinatra had to help her out during one of Scott’s violent episodes. Gardner’s friendship with other actresses and their bonding shows how they leaned on each other to navigate the misogynistic attitudes in Hollywood at the time.
Through dialogue and blocking, Assaf, Lorre, and Shepperd offer an entertaining and witty piece that brings memories and spicy details of the iconic life of one of the greatest stars of the golden age of Hollywood, when MGM was one of the Big 5 and Louis B. Mayer was at the helm. The play is a window to the star system and the positive and negative consequences that came with it.
Twelve O’Clock Tales with Ava Gardner
Written by Alessandra Assaf and Michael Lorre. Directed by Michael A. Shepperd. Starring Alessandra Assaf as Ava Gardner. Creative team: Stage Managed by Mitch Rosander Dramaturg: Gregory Gunter. Set, Props, Costumes: Irmgard Quint. Lights: Derrick McDaniel. Sound: Jin Tor Brown. Wig Stylist: Sheila Dorn.
Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
PARKING:
• Metered parking on and just south of Ventura Blvd. (off on Sundays)
• 2-hour parking available in residential neighborhoods (before 6 p.m. only)
• Unrestricted parking available on Moorpark St. and on the west side of Dixie Canyon Ave.
January 15 – March 5:
Sundays at 2 p.m.: 22; Jan. 29; Feb. 5; Feb. 12; Feb. 19; Feb. 26; March 5
Tickets: https://www.whitefiretheatre.com/
