What I liked
I found Joanne Hartstone’s performance to be real and authentic, and her voice to be as soulfully melodic as Judy Garland’s, as she portrayed a young woman filled with misplaced devotion to those not able or willing to assist her in reaching her self-prescribed goal of being more than Peg Entwhistle, a former starlet known only as “the girl who jumped off the Hollywood sign.” But stardom was not to be for her, not even her talent or looks would ever be enough, nor her Theda Bara recycled dress. So what other way was there for fame other than Peg’s way? Did she jump? It’s left up to us to decide.
What I didn't like
Hopefully in the midst of Evie’s depression as she stands on the Hollywood sign at the end of the play, a light at the end of the tunnel pulled her down from the sign rather than pushed her to jump. After all, tomorrow’s another day…. and there is always hope. At least I’d like to think that, and hope she did too. Thought-provoking and eye opening at the same time! Brava!
My overall impression
I really enjoyed this solo show about a young woman named Evie Edwards who came to Hollywood during its heyday to make a name for herself in the movies, telling her story from the time she dreamed of being a star as a young girl living in a Hooverville. Speaking to all the unfair practices she encountered along the way, friends who helped and encouraged her, her father whose gambling would seal his fate, and then on to the popularity of the Hollywood Canteen for starlets during WWII, the bosses who expect more after hours, and all the usual propaganda that lured so many here to make it big only to find their lives in ruins, is just as true today and it was back then. Joanne’s performance was totally engaging from start to finish, with her stage presence grabbing your attention whether portraying one of many characters in Evie Edwards life or singing the blues about how life has let her down.
