“I always loved too well, but never wisely.”
– Ava Gardner
Written by Alessandra Assaf & Michael Lorre
Directed by Michael A. Shepperd
Featuring Alessandra Assaf
“ALESSANDRA ASSAF ENCHANTS AS GARDNER… brings out all of the actress's fire, charisma and messiness.”
— Evan Henerson, BroadwayWorld
Experience the enthralling life of Ava Gardner, the iconic movie star and Civil Rights activist, in the hit solo play, "Twelve O’Clock Tales with Ava Gardner". Alessandra Assaf and Michael Lorre's script delves into the contradictions of Ava's persona, from Hollywood's femme fatale to her progressive beliefs ahead of her time. Directed by Michael A. Shepperd, with Alessandra Assaf portraying Ava, the play promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of this enigmatic woman.
Set in 1974 Hollywood during the filming of "Earthquake," the play showcases Ava Gardner's resilience and battle with her past while starring in her first significant role in over a decade. Beyond her silver screen allure, Ava's advocacy for Civil Rights shines, rooted in her upbringing as a "country girl" in North Carolina. Her defiance of Jim Crow laws and unwavering support for racial equality illustrate her profound impact.
Turner Classic Movies acknowledged Ava's timeless beauty and charisma, while the play challenges audiences to reflect on the influence of appearances on society. Don't miss the captivating performance of "Twelve O’Clock Tales with Ava Gardner”.
show cast, credits, and production
– a one-woman play
Written by Alessandra Assaf and Michael Lorre
Directed by Michael A. Shepperd
Hollywood, California… 1974.
On the set of the blockbuster disaster film, EARTHQUAKE, Oscar-nominated screen siren Ava Gardner is focusing on her first big-budget starring role in over a decade.
After years as the queen of the scandal sheets, Ava is finally writing her long-awaited memoir when, out of the blue, the love of her life, a love she thought firmly planted in her past, suddenly shakes the foundation of her world.
Tucked away in her dressing room bungalow, Ava does battle with her past...in any battle, only a fool would bet against Ava.
Alessandra Assaf
Playwright and Ava Gardner
“If you were missing ya two front teeth, you’d get them replaced, wouldn’t ya? Just make sure they’re saline and nothing smaller than cup-size C. And change that damned name! Ya wanna work or get deported?!”
Thus began her beating the streets of L.A. in pursuit of an acting career. Oh! The good ol’ days! The adventure had already taken Alessandra to Dallas, Chicago, New York, and London, where she had a ball playing roles like Caliban, Lady Bracknell, and Mistress Quickly…
But in 2005, when her old hometown sat underwater for a month, Alessandra contracted a fever to return to her first love – that of scribbling. Yes, as a girl, she hoarded notebooks and number two pencils…still does! Alessandra’s written her first novel dõ dõ dough, a coming-of-age piece – Ladies Shall Hope, and an adaption of Madame Bovary titled The Doctor’s Wife with writing partner Rachel Maya. Each set in New Orleans, the three works celebrate her love of and longing for her own backyard. This latest, exciting collaboration, however, marks her return to the stage!
Alessandra currently lives in Los Angeles with two rascally rescues and was recently widowed by a man from Amsterdam. She performs this piece in his honor.
Michael A. Shepperd (Director)
Directing credits include The Boy From Oz, The Next Fairy Tale, and numerous others in his 14-year career at Celebration Theatre. Producing, directing, and acting credits include The Color Purple, The Women of Brewster Place, Take Me Out, Coffee Will Make You Black, and numerous others in his 8 years. Broadway/Off-Broadway/National Tour credits include Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan (Starkey), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey Two), Caroline, or Change (Bus/Dryer), 5 Guys named Moe (Big Moe). TV: Wizards of Waverly Place, Hot In Cleveland, Up All Night, Monk, Criminal Minds, and Arrested Development, to name a few.
Michael Lorre (Playwright)
Writer, director, and actor. He’s co-written and directed multiple one-person shows over the years as well as his own, one actor-ten character, ONE MAN NOIR – a 1940s film noir drama about a private eye uncovering a German spy ring in wartime San Francisco that premiered in 2019. A member of Actor’s Equity, Michael has appeared in over 100 productions & directed multiple plays through the years. Recently he helmed an award-winning production of the screwball comedy, Twentieth Century. Michael is just finishing his first novel, The Amnesiac.
Gregory Gunter (Dramaturg)
Dramaturg for Tina Landau, Charles L. Mee, Jr., Robert Woodruff, Anne Bogart, and for theaters from the New York Theater Workshop, La Jolla Playhouse, to SITI, Actors Theater of Louisville, the Public, and countless more. He worked on the original workshop of RENT with Jonathan Larson & Michael Greif. Later, working for Disney Feature Animation, Theme Park Theatricals & the Broadway Division, he developed stories, characters, dramatic arcs, and hearts for their many projects — from animated films to parades & spectacles. Currently, he's a freelance writer & story consultant.
what the people are saying
“WOW!… SPELLBINDING… Assaf has audiences believing that Ava Gardner has somehow miraculously risen from the grave.”
“ENTERTAINING AND INTRIGUING… will delight both film and theater fans.”
“A TOUR DE FORCE… Up to the challenge with aplomb and style, Alessandra Assaf brings an aging Ava Gardner back to life. Expertly directed by Michael A. Shepperd.”
“STAGE RAW TOP TEN… RECOMMENDED… finds the humanity in a woman described as ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Animal’… Assaf is a sharply focused storyteller and unflappably glamorous.”
“ALESSANDRA ASSAF ENCHANTS AS GARDNER… brings out all of the actress's fire, charisma and messiness.”
”A KNOCKOUT SHOW… Assaf carries herself with Old Hollywood bearing, beautifully portraying Gardner’s straightforward pragmatism, self-deprecating humor, and charismatic presence in one captivating performance.”
Contact Info
Manager: Charles Lago
CLAGO@CALCAPARTS.ORG | 310.663.4226
