BWW Reviews: Mills Sisters, Juliet and Hayley Play Feuding Faded Stars In The Hilarious LEGENDS As It Tours Australia

Tuesday 23rd June 2015, 8pm, Theatre Royal, Sydney

Making LEGENDS a family affair, Producer John Frost's latest show teams Hayley Mills, Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caulfield in the update of James Kirkwood's 1986 comedy. The sibling stars of large and small screen and stage are pitted against each other as rival former movie stars that a shady producer, played by Juliet's husband Caulfield, is trying to convince to star together in his dubious new production.

Opening on a New York diner, somewhere near Times Square given the Playbills posted on the wall, a disheveled theatre producer, Martin Klemmer (Caulfield), sets up his skype office, trying to convince George Clooney and two former movie stars, Sylvia Glenn(Juliet Mills), and Leatrice Monsée(Hayley Mills) to star in his new play. The two women agree to meet Klemmer at an Upper East Side apartment and whilst they wait, they dig up old rivalries as housekeeper Aretha (Leah Howard) attempts to keep the peace.

Juliet carries Sylvia's "bad girl" reputation with the right amount of sass and confidence as she conspires with Aretha to manipulate her rival. Her delivery is smooth, comfortable and convincing as she moves with ease and great attention to detail with the small reactions adding to the humor. In contrast, Hayley portrays Leatrice, who always won the "good girl" roles, as a bit more reserved and more deliberate in her sparring. Whether it is the direction or characterization, Leatrice's movements can appear forced and less fluid, demonstrating unease with the confrontation and the deception that unfolds.

Caulfield, in shaggy mop of hair and baggy brown clothes, is physically unrecognizable for those that wanted to get a glimpse of the handsome heartthrob, but conveys the persona of the dubious producer compellingly. Klemmer is a modern day Max Bialystock, doing deals and fudging the truth to get his dodgy production off the ground. Most of Caulfield's work is done solo in the dodgy locations Klemmer sets his "mobile office" in, demonstrating his flexibility and timing before joining the ensemble for an amusing meeting with Sylvia and Leatrice.

Howard is hilarious as the maid who's own plans have been put into disarray with Juliet's arrival. Playing along with Sylvia's scheme, Aretha accepts the politically incorrect comments and Howard's comic timing is delightful as Aretha demonstrates her knowledge of Sylvia and Leatrice's careers. David Denis' appearance as Boom-Boom Johnson, a remnant of Aretha's plans prior to Sylvia's arrival, is met with roars of laughter. Phillip Lowe plays the dimwitted policeman with a perfect dryness as he misunderstands Boom-Boom and unintentionally insults Sylvia and Leatrice.

Kirkwood's script is filled with snarky barbs and clever one liner and has clearly been updated with contemporary references including references to modern stars, socialites, and social media. A number of the jokes, verbal and physical, are predictable but are delivered in a manner to still garner laughter and gasps of shock and beneath the bitterness, there is a sadness and pathos to the women as they discover their similarities as they examine their history.

LEGENDS is an amusing work and a must see for fans of the visiting stars. Hayley and Juliet are well matched, having an understanding of the industry in which their characters belong, having had illustrious careers before choosing other priorities and also understanding each other.

LEGENDS

Theatre Royal, Sydney

Season: From Thursday 18 June

Performance Times: Wed-Sat 8:00pm, Matinees Tues & Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sun 3pm

Price: From $79.90 + booking fee

Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 723 038

Groups 8+ call 02 8240 2290

His Majesty's Theatre, Perth

Season: From Sunday 2 August

Performance Times: Tues-Sat 8:00pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sun 3pm

Price: from $79.90 + booking fee

Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 795 012

Groups 8+ call 1300 364 001

Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide

Season: from Thursday 20 August

Performance Times: Tues - Sat 8:00pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sun 3pm

Price: from $79.90 + booking fee

Bookings: www.bass.net.au or 131 246

Groups 8+ call 08 8205 2220

Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

Season: from Wednesday 2 September

Performance Times: Wed - Sat 8pm, Matinees Tues & Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sun 3pm

Price: From $79.90 + booking fee

Bookings: www.Ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 111 011

Groups 8+ call 1300 889 278

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