APPLAUSE – The Lonny Chapman Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Theatre! Fame! Applause!
The place of ambition, betrayal, concentration, desire, and sacrifice, such as no other profession makes. What happens when you trust someone that is sweet and beautiful but has a dark agenda?
Based on one of the greatest films ever made, All About Eve,’ which got fourteen nominations during the Academy Awards in 1929, out of which only six Oscars were received. It set a record for 47 years until in 1998 ‘Titanic’ got fourteen nominations as well. The role of Margot Channing went through a lot, and the last-minute phone call changed Hollywood.
The story is taken from the real-life skiing accident. Imagine you have prepared for months for one of the biggest roles of your career. You’ve read the script many times, you’ve already memorized the lines. The sets have been built, the costumes have been made, and the cameras are ready to roll and then you – fall, you hurt your back and you need to rest. What a heartbreaking story!
That is exactly what happened during the summer of 1950 to Claudette Colbert, the celebrated Hollywood actress, when she has been cast as Margot Channing. Through the unfortunate circumstances of events, Bette Davis got that fortunate phone call, and she very quickly said ‘Yes’ to a role of a lifetime.
Later, the screenplay was written and the musical was born, under the name ‘Applause.’ Many clever dialogues and monologues have been created.
Produced by Melisssa Strauss, Tony Award-winning APPLAUSE takes center stage at the Group Rep at the present time, with the book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, memorable lyrics by Lee Adams, and enchanting music by Charles Strouse, this musical is recommended to be seen.
A famous, successfully accomplished actress Margot Channing, thrillingly portrayed by Leslie Stevens who is beyond phenomenal. Her beauty, her strength, flexibility, and exceptional performance in every way possible, reveals the magic performance and distinguished achievement in that role. She is super professional, and truly magical. One can never get tired of watching her. Magnificent!
When ready to fight for what she really loves, Margot expresses the famous quote, ‘Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.’
The young girl who dreams of fame Eve Harrington, excitingly portrayed by Savannah Mortenson, is very exciting. With strong determination to get herself close to the famous actress, she knows how to create the touchy stories, which open the heart of everyone.
Margot got protective feelings towards her. She invites her to move into a little guestroom on the top floor of her house, and she becomes everything to her. Life became a fairytale for Eve.
But her obsession with the theater has her be very effective. She studies Margot’s every move; how she walks, talks, eats, sleeps. Since she watched every performance, she knew all her lines and could replace her at any moment if there was a need for it. Wonderful job indeed!
How vicious can the girl be to develop a deep close friendship with someone, and then work on destroying her? She’ll do anything for the great part. She wants to be an actress more than anything else in the world and to give a brilliant performance. If there is nothing else there is – applause. It is like waves of love washing over you night after night, and hundreds of people adore you, sending you love. Everyone wants you to belong to them.
An actress is living in the theater and have no other life except the life in the theatre.
Then there is Bill Sampson (Damon Kirsche), Margot’s true love and strong admirer. When she’s jealous, presumptuous, and hysterical about the young exciting vibrant girl, with his strong acting skills, he is terribly tolerant and takes her emotions because – he truly loves her. Beautifully done!
Karen Richards (Constance Mellors), and Buzz Richards (Doug Haverty) and Tony Awards Announcer (Bert Emmett), all have one thing in common – well cast and they shine.
And the rest of the cast are Lee Grober/Michael Sabatino, Darrell Mondaine, Ken Patton, Tom Allen, Lloyd Pedersen, Zak Herman, Angie Lin, Alison Jakubowski, Melissa Strauss, Mia Catalano, Hisato Masuyama, Judy Rosenfeld, Avan Seals and Jennifer Skiffington. It is a lovely performance!
*** As I am writing this review, I am thinking of whether it is coincidence or not for me to be invited to that performance at this time. Today, Aug. 5th we are celebrating Marilyn Monroe’s day of death. And ‘All About Eve’ was one of her first films, where she was recognized and stood out for outstanding performance. She had only a few lines, but she shined like a diamond.
The run of ‘Applause is from July 24 – August 30, 2026, with the performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm. The Lonny Chapman Theatre – Mainstage (first floor) is at 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, 91601. Approximate running time is 2hrs & 20 minutes (not including intermission). General Admission is $44. Students/Seniors with ID: $38. Discount for Groups 10+.
For tickets, please call 818-763-5990 or go to www.theGROUPrep.com