The Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue will soon be showcasing the talents of a star of a bygone era of Hollywood. Back in her 1950s heyday, Tinseltown was a very different place and though it was still obsessed with glitz, glamour and big stars, the studio system for which they worked had a different way of doing things.
Today, actors appear in a range of productions for various film studios and independent productions, but back in the time Debbie Reynolds was most famous it would not be uncommon for actors to work for one particular studio, only starring in their productions. For Reynolds, this took the form of MGM and with them she would appear in numerous classic films of the silver screen, working alongside some big names.
Her work in such productions made her a household name and cemented her status as an icon for many decades to come. Today, she is still working and has appeared in various film and television productions that have kept her alive in the hearts of her fans, allowing her to attract huge number to the auditorium of the Apollo when she appears in “Alive and Fabulous” in 2010.
The mother of “Star Wars” actress Carrie Fisher, best known for portraying Princess Leia in the original trilogy, has worked with the greats, from Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire to Leslie Nielson and Eddie Fisher. Her credits include the iconic movie “Singin’ in the Rain” and productions such as “That’s Entertainment”, “Bundle of Joy”, “Tammy and the Bachelor” and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”. In more recent years she has continued to make appearances in movies and TV shows such as “The Bodyguard”, opposite Kevin Costner, and “Will & Grace”.
Her long career has also been honoured with numerous awards and nominations. She was crowned Best Supporting Actress by the National Board of Review Awards for her role in “The Catered Affair”, whilst her appearance in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” earned her a nomination for Best Actress (ultimately losing out to Julie Andrews for “Mary Poppins”).
In “Debbie Reynolds: Alive and Fabulous”, audiences will be treated to her account of her long career in the spotlight, with actual MGM footage supporting her story, which covers the highs and lows of her career, as well as her famous marriages. She will sing, dance, and step into the shoes of some well known names.
“Debbie Reynolds: Alive and Fabulous” appears at the Apollo Theatre from Wednesday 28th April 2010 until Sunday 9th May 2010.