Frank and Ava

I went not expecting to much, because two character plays are usually hard to pull off,and then when I finally found the venue at 1123 Vine St, I was more turned off. You enter in this rowdy bar. There was loud talking and two females laughing loudly and hysterically like laughing hyenas, and they didn't let up. I asked the guy taking reservations, where the theatre was, and he pointed to a door right next to all this going on in the bar, and I was sure I'd would be hearing more of the bar than the play. Well, that was the bad part, but when I finally got in this beautiful little intimate space, it was like Alice going into the Looking Glass.It was charming with tables on the top and seats around the set of the living room. It was the ... full review

I was a little bummed when I learned that the understudies would be performing this afternoon, but I was surprised at their level of performance. They were engaging and believable and especially in the Three Clubs setting, they brought me back to Frank and Eva's tumultuous times... Bravo! I'm going back to see Stefany and Rico... Can't wait!!! Jim Clemente, Tech Advisor, Writer, Criminal Minds... full review

A compelling story that crackles with lust and passion, Will Manus' "Frank and Ava" chronicles the explosive relationship of two of the brightest stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. Most of the crowd in attendance when I saw the show was significantly older than I am, but it's a credit to the writing that I was able to understand, relate to and appreciate this true Hollywood story, even though I'm not as familiar with the details of Frank and Ava's life as others may be. The only drawback to the production itself were interminably long scene changes that hurt the momentum of this otherwise fast-paced and engaging show.... full review

A delightful insight to the behind closed doors relationship of two iconic Hollywood figures. Rico Simonini's portrayal of Frank Sinatra comes across as natural as the role within a role of Angelo Maggio that Frank holds as pinnacle for the continuation of his career throughout the play. The sultry siren Ava Gardner is portrayed perfectly by the equally beautiful and captivating Stefany Northcutt who brings Ava to life from her country roots through Hollywood celebrity and into the strong women still trying to find her place in the man's world of the studio system. Together Stefany and Rico bring to life the private side of two very public figures. ... full review

This show is fantastic!! The setting of the stage area at the 3 Clubs is perfect for this show, and after a few minutes, I felt I was actually watching Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner! The acting is top-notch, and I loved all the references in the writing to actual events of that time. If you are in Hollywood and can make it to the 3 Clubs on a Sunday at 4pm --- this show is NOT TO BE MISSED~!! I believe it has been extended until the end of August!!! ... full review

The actress Stefany Northcutt is a rising star before my very eyes! She portrays Ava brilliantly and her performance is completely riveting from start to finish. (70 mins is a long time to hold my attention). There was not one moment where I thought she was obviously 'acting'. I saw her last Fringe show where she played a divorced woman and I thought she may be too young to play such an emotionally demanding piece until I saw her in the production. She was truly smashing in that role as well! She has depth beyond her years and her talent is unmatchable, in my opinion. Meryl Streep caliber! She has a way of beautifully connecting with the most novice of actors with unbelievable ease as I saw her do with Frank as well as the last production. S... full review

I just finished reading the excerpt from Ava Gardner’s memoir in Vanity Fair about her years with Sinatra. Well, playwright Willard Manus certainly gets all the facts right in this intriguing if melodramatic short play. It’s never boring, but somehow they still didn’t ring true to me as human beings. Ava says they drank and fought and made love and that’s pretty much what they do here. We are flies on the wall enjoying this glimpse into their love nest. It’s a series of snapshot scenes, starting with Frank’s depression over his failing career, through Ava’s wild success in films, then Frank’s decision to try for the role of Maggio in “From Here to Eternity,” their tempestuous marriage, her month’s long shoot in Africa, their infidelities, et... full review

I love that it was intimate. The chemistry between the two was well portraited. The play wasn't dragged out. It was the right amount of time to keep everyone's interest. My friends and I really enjoyed last night's performance, and we would definitely go see another play there.... full review

Will Manus has forgotten more about playwriting than most of us will ever know. Frank and Ava is another feather in his cap. The production, which is housed fittingly at the Three of Clubs, takes you inside the lives of two entertainment icons at their most visceral level. It was simply but expertly staged. The director guided the actors on a emotional journey and let the events unfold naturally. Both actors were great but Stephanie Northcutt was mesmerizing. When many shows rely on a gimmick to get butts in the seats, this show insists on excellent theatre craft. ... full review