Arts News

Legends! To Make Broadway Run

By Amy Somensky Feb 25, 2005, 15:43 GMT

Linda Evans and Joan Collins in their Dynasty days

Broadway producer Ben Sprecher told The NY Post that the new production will try out in Toronto in 2006 before opening on Broadway.

Joan Collins will play Sylvia Glenn, the movie star modeled on Joan Crawford, while Linda Evans will play Leatrice Monsee, based on Loretta Young.

Sprecher said, this time around the script is actually quite good. "I was looking for a play for Joan," he says, "something she would feel comfortable in. I read the script and thought it was very, very funny. I was prepared for her to think it was too lightweight, but she really enjoyed it."

Sprecher pointed out that Legends! was a hit on the road. The production grossed $10 million during its 23-city tour.

"The reason Legends! didn't come to New York, Sprecher says, is that Martin pulled out at the last minute, furious that the director cut her big second-act speech in which she talks about her battle with breast cancer." "Mary went away and then Jimmy Kirkwood got sick, and the play fell between the cracks," Sprecher says.

The book, Diary of a Mad Playwright backs up his point.
From the NY Post: When she learned the scene had been cut, Martin slammed down her script and said: "This is a very rare moment in my professional career. Not only is the speech ruined for me, but also the play is ruined for me. I will go on, but I will not play London, and I will not come to New York. I'll fulfill my contract, and then you can get someone else and cut anything you want." Channing was equally blunt (and more honest about the script): "Oh, for God's sake, if you're going to please the critics, cut the whole damned play. Really!"