Linda Evans and Joan Collins became household names during their on-screen rivalry in the television series “Dynasty.” Since then, both stars have successfully pursued separate careers and causes, never dreaming that their mutual chemistry would be the catalyst for aBroadway-bound comedy.
Written by Tony Award-winning playwright James Kirkwood, “Legends!” is the tale of two has-been movie stars who hate each other, but are lured into working together in a new show by a deceptive young producer.
Although Evans has never acted on stage and hesitated to do it at first, Kirkwood convinced her that his was the perfect vehicle for venturing into a new experience. Already the show has received raves since its opening in Toronto last month.
“Firstly, I just didn’t know if I could perform on stage,” Evans says. “I was raised with cameras and knew I was faced with a tremendous amount of catch-up because I’d be working with people who have been doing wondrous things on stage for years. When I arrived at the first rehearsal, I had no idea what was meant by stage right, stage left and down stage, but now I certainly know what it means to upstage someone.”
Her infectious laugh reflects her new-found joy in unfamiliar surroundings.
“The one problem I have is that I can’t say I don’t like the way I did this scene and can we do it again. But already I see why people are addicted to the theater. There’s such a communion between the actors and the audience. Our audiences in Toronto and Philadelphia have been absolutely wonderful. When they laugh, we know we’re right on target. This is such a stressful time in everyone’s life that we all need refreshing comedy and laughter.”
Evans, who trained at Lee Strasberg’s Actor’s Studio, boasts many film and television credits that have earned her five People’s Choice Awards, a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Dramatic Television Series, a Best Actress Emmy nomination and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also named four times as one of the world’s “Ten Most Beautiful Women” by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine.
“Even though I’ve had everything anyone could want, success and wealth don’t give you what you truly need,” she says. “For that reason, I was drawn to Washington state to study at Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment, a spiritual school. It taught me that your life is improved by the choices you make. I’ve arrived at a state of awareness that lets me understand why people are as they are. This helps in acting. You have 24 hours each day to give joy to others and receive it in return.”
Evans has been giving to others for many years. Long recognized as a fervent environmentalist, she was spokeswoman for the “Take Pride in America” campaign.
“The farther I moved into the country [she now lives near Rainier, Wash.], the more I worked to defend my property,” she says. “People don’t realize the problems they’re making for future generations when they dump things, erect cell towers, and create sludge in the water. Once they view Al Gore’s film, ‘An Inconvenient Truth,’ it’s hard to ignore man’s obligation to make a difference.”
‘Legends!’
“Legends!” runs through Dec. 3.
Venue: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington
Performances: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Tickets: $36.25 to $71.25
More info: 800-447-7400 or www.nationaltheatre.org
