It really says something about the health of South Florida’s theater community – and the staying power of an award-winning local theater company – when they open their 15th season with a revival of their own world premiere of a decade past. Awarded “Best New Work of 2016” by Broward/Miami New Times, Michael Leeds’ WHO KILLED JOAN CRAWFORD? was Island City Stage‘s most popular show at the time. And now’s the perfect time for this killer comedy’s distinguished, highly active and multiple award-winning playwright and director Michael Leeds (also Island City’s associate artistic director) to direct a “revitalized” version of his delightful parody of classic murder mysteries that also raucously skewers show business in general. Once again, showcasing all the drama, intrigue, and hilarity exhibited by outrageous and outrageously gay characters, of course!
I missed it the first time, and all I can say is this show – featuring a 1993 dateline as it celebrates the Golden Age of Hollywood via notoriously active diva, Joan Crawford – still manages to address personal and entertainment-industry issues that haven’t changed a bit. And while many audience members of a certain age will enjoy private (or loud) smirks at the Joan Crawford movie character outfits and sprinkled allusions, you really don’t need to have seen any of her films (but do check out the set’s cool vintage posters) to have a blast watching this intriguing and hilarious camp parody play!
I won’t keep you in suspense about the premise any longer (you’ll get enough suspense when you enter the theater and watch the swift action that follows!). At 8:30 pm – June 1993, during a clichéd “dark and stormy night,” five men tasked with dressing up as a signature Joan Crawford movie character arrive at a secluded cabin in upstate New York to throw a surprise birthday party for Joan Crawford superfan, soap-opera star Trick Rogers (Jay Eisler). One guest, Gene Harlowe (Bruce Linser), is Trick’s dear, longtime friend. The rest may be described as associates – including recently dismissed therapist Stewart Fry (Christopher Dreeson), industry agent with inside information Harvey Goldberg (Michael Coppola), desperate musical theater writer/producer Leo Lawrence (Stephen Trovillion), and a young man (in his ’20s?) impulsively recruited to ghostwrite Trick’s memoir, David Hoch (Luke Di Liddo). 
Leeds’ original idea for the play he describes as “Camp, cocktails, and carnage … just the way Joan would have liked it” began with just the title, “Who Killed Joan Crawford?” Regarding further sources of inspiration, he explains: “I loved the fast-paced wit of writers like James Kirkwood, Christopher Durang, and Paul Rudnick, and I was a big fan of Agatha Christie. I had read all of her books when I was a kid. And finally, I was in “the biz” and had gay friends “of a certain age” like myself who, at times, I wanted to kill.” He then teases us with how it ends – and, yes, you’ll never guess! “The ending actually changed three times in rehearsal for the original production ten years ago. I think the one we settled on is really a surprise and not anything the audience will expect!”
In addition to recreating a fast pace, unexpected shockers, terribly clever, witty dialog and hilarious situations – Leeds truly nailed, and even at times surpassed, some of the mystery and comedy styles of his forebears with topical originality and verve! 
sleek gown and fancy mink coat from Joan’s Oscar-winning role in Mildred Pierce.
Photo by Matthew Tippins.
Here are a few character observations that, hopefully, won’t reveal any of the multiple, ongoing shockers: Bruce Linser as Gene Harlowe (his parents were film buffs and named him after that Jean, condemning him to remorseless grade school taunts) is first to arrive, glamorously dressed in a full-length mink coat and matching hat as Mildred in Mildred Pierce (for which Joan won an Academy Award). Despite sweating uncomfortably, Gene insists on wearing his fur for as long as he can hold out in order to surprise and impress his old friend Trick, when he finally shows up.
Sporting a flashy gold gown (with loafers for comfort), Christopher Dreeson as therapist Stewart Fry announces he’s dressed as “China.” Gene derides him saying, “You’re not China, you’re Crystal,” as he’s decked out in Joan’s famously rebellious sparkly gown when playing Crystal Allen in The Women.
Michael Coppola as Trick’s agent Harvey Goldberg insists on carrying his axe because otherwise his fellow Joan impersonators would mistake him for Anita from West Side Story (which they do). It just takes a rather dangerous-looking axe in hand to solidify his appearance as Lucy Harbin in Strait-Jacket.
The three cabin arrivals decide to hit the bar (which can hold its own dangers, but I won’t say how) while waiting for the “birthday boy.” They share a toast “To Being 50 Again!” And then we meet the kid, Trick’s newest friend and memoir-writing helper Luke Di Liddo as David Hoch whose frilly, little-girl outfit brings to mind a storybook Little Bo Peep. Young David’s well beyond the age of ever having watched (let alone heard of) Joan Crawford. But he had seen Mommie Dearest and so his best effort at a costume has him dressing as the Joan Crawford character played by Faye Dunaway.
One of the most narcissistic characters (among this very self-involved group) belongs to the day’s Emmy Award-show obsessed, musical theater writer/ producer Leo Lawrence (Stephen Trovillion). Leo had endured three Broadway flops in a row – most notably a disastrous attempt to adapt Lawrence of Arabia into a musical. Yet hope springs eternal and Leo is determined to acquire funding to bring his latest musical, called Last Man Standing, to Broadway. It doesn’t matter if someone in the house just died (or was murdered), he’s ready to attack the piano keys and practice a number from his new show.
Yes, a black baby grand (that also serves as a table for birthday gifts) sits at one end of the stage while an impressive, blazing stone fireplace dominates the opposite corner. There’s a sofa, stuffed chairs, a bar backed by Joan Crawford movie posters, wooden furnishings, doors and curtains – in short, an entire rustic cabin interior come to life thanks to Ardean Landhuis scenic design with props by Gustavo Garcia and scenic construction by MNM Theatre Co./JB Green & Jordan Armstrong. 
Harvey Goldberg (dressed as Lucy from Strait-Jacket). Photo by Matthew Tippins.
The “dark and stormy night” accompanied by thunder and lightning flashes that are the trademark of any captive murder mystery are expertly produced by David Hart sound design and Desiraé Merritt lighting design with Carlos Jimenez projection design. Distinctive Joan Crawford role-inspired attire is due to W. Emil White’s creative costume design topped by elaborate wigs by Aaron Kinchen wig design. Company manager/resident stage manager Richard Weinstock and assistant stage manager Michael Ursua kept everyone up to speed.
Don’t miss your first (or second) chance to burst out laughing at all the ostentatious “Joans” like Island City’s artistic director Andy Rogow did when he first encountered this unique Michael Leeds confection. Says Rogow: “When we did the original world premiere (which I was in), it was just really a hoot. I remember the first time we saw each other in dresses, and we just burst out laughing. This is a great time to revive the show because we all just need a good, silly, laugh-out-loud show right now!”
WHO KILLED JOAN CRAWFORD? written and directed by Michael Leeds is playing now through October 25 at Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors 33305. For tickets, visit www.islandcitystage.org, call 954-928-9800 or email boxoffice@islandcitystage.org.
