Thespian Thoughts: “When Garbo Talks!:” “Say Goodbye to Silent Films.”
When Garbo Talks!
Say Goodbye to Silent Films
The International City Theater presents the elegant and entertaining production, “When Garbo Talks!” The International City Theater, located in Long Beach, CA provides a wonderful theatrical experience. “When Garbo Talks!” is a fun musical that takes the audience back to Hollywood’s Golden Age, with the transition from silent films to speaking movies. It gives a little back-story to the way movies were made in the 1920s. The play focuses on the starlit Gretta Garbo, who in her time was Hollywood’s highest paid actress. Garbo is discovered in Sweden, signs a contract with MGM and travels to California, where the wonderful story continues.
The director of “When Garbo Talks!,” Jules Aaron does an excellent job unfolding the story of the great Gretta Garbo. All the actors within the production make the show entertaining. Between the music and dancing, I was left in excitement for the next scene. Also, every actor’s voice shines from scene to scene. Every attribute on and off the stage are positively accepted from the audience.
My favorite part of the production, without a doubt is the actor’s costumes. The vintage style of the 1920s has influence on every generation up to date. The fabrics, colors and shapes shine on the stage of “When Garbo Talks!” Gretta’s outfits are stunning and showcase her development from struggling a Swedish actress to Hollywood star.
For people interested in Hollywood’s history, “When Garbo Talks!” is the play to attend.
WHEN:
Performances: October 15 through November 7
Thursdays at 8 pm: October 21, 28; November 4
Fridays at 8 pm: October 22, 29; November 5
Saturdays at 8 pm: October 16, 23, 30; November 6
Sundays at 2 pm: October 17, 24, 31; November 7
WHO:
Original Book and Lyrics by Buddy Kaye
Music by Mort Garson
Additional Book by Richard D. Kaye
Directed by Jules Aaron
Featuring Alexandra Ackerman, Jessica Burrows, Christopher
and Catey Rudoy
