Elizabeth McGovern's Ava: The Secret Conversations to Play Off-Broadway

Following its acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, Elizabeth McGovern's AVA: The Secret Conversations, which the Academy Award-nominated actress has both written and stars in, will premiere in New York this summer.

Playing New York City Center's Stage I July 30—September 13, the production stars McGovern (Downton Abbey, The Talamasca) as Ava Gardner, recounting her life in a series of interviews with writer Peter Evans, including details on her marriages to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra, and her turbulent relationship to Howard Hughes. Initially barred from publication, Evans�� account of a bygone era was published 25 years later with permission from Gardner’s estate.

Directed by Tony nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel (Hand to God, Present Laughter) and produced by Karl Sydow, the production also features Aaron Costa Ganis (Bull, Blue Bloods). Additional casting will be revealed at a later date.

Scenic design will be by David Meyer with costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Cricket S. Myers, projection design by Alex Basco Koch, and wig design by Matthew Armentrout. The production stage manager will be Avery Trunko and general management by Pemberley Productions.

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