Theatre review: Marilyn and Ella
Marilyn and Ella is the tale of friendship between Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald; two women separated by race but brought together by their mutual respect and adoration for each other. Written by Bonnie Greer and directed by Colin McFarlane, this musical brings to the forefront a moment in history which has been elusive and unknown by many. Superbly acted out, it culminates into a truly moving story.
The first half of the play focuses on the separate lives of both ladies. While Fitzgerald is on the road performing classics such as the ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’ and ‘Someone To Watch Over Me’, Monroe is battling to show the big Hollywood studios and directors that she is indeed a serious artist and deserves to be treated as such. Nicola Hughes is absolutely outstanding as Fitzgerald, and spurs the audience by involving them in her soulful tunes and great humour. Wendy Morgan is brilliant as Monroe. She gives a true and realistic performance of the great icon, in an overtly sexual and ditzy manner.
Though they only meet in the second half of the play, it is clear for all to see that both women acknowledge each other as inspirational. Monroe regards Fitzgerald in an almost obsessive fanatical state, claming ‘You’re the one who gets me up in the morning. You’re the one who puts me to sleep at night.’ Monroe comes across as a troubled soul, while Fitzgerald seems to be content with being able to travel and perform to the different audiences she encounters.
When their paths do cross in the second half of the play, the true connotations of their relationship come to a head. One of Fitzgerald’s long-lived dreams is fulfilled when she is offered the chance to perform at the esteemed Mocambo and we learn that this dream has only become possible through Monroe. The conditions are that Ella would have to perform before a segregated audience. Hence, she must make a decision whether or not she will take this opportunity without compromising any of her moral standards.
Marilyn and Ella are two outsiders battling with their own demons, as well as the frowning upon of any type of inter-racial relationship. The bond between them was kept hidden from the public eye and Greer makes a great job in bringing this fantastic story of friendship and endearment to light. The musical arrangement by Warren Wills is brilliant and the three-man band is truly entertaining; the night’s highlights was their performance with Hughes as she delivered a fabulous rendition of ‘Mack The Knife.’
Overall, the play is astounding, touching the hearts of its audience through raw emotion – bringing tears to their eyes through laughter and sadness. A play that gives us a brief insight into the lives of two untouchables, it is definitely worth seeing.
