Review: “Garden of Alla” at Theatre West

“Garden of Alla” was the name of the grand villa occupied by Alla Nazimova and frequented by Hollywood elite of the 1920’s while indulging their various pleasures and vices with nearly perfect privacy.

By Carol Edger Germain

Alla was born Miriam Edez Adelaida Leventon in 1879 in Yalta, Crimea, which was then part of the Russian Empire. She first blazed her name in the theaters of New York, commanding the highest salary of the time, playing Hedda Gabler on Broadway. No trace remains of her villa, which inspired Joni Mitchell’s lament that “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” She was known in the U.S. as a stage and silent film actress (“Camille,” “Salome”), as well as a writer, director, and owner of her own production company.

Her less public persona was as the leader and curator of Hollywood’s queer community. She actually coined the phrase “sewing circle,” a code word referring to lesbian, bisexual and bi-curious Hollywood ladies. She lived her life essentially out of the closet and it eventually contributed to the demise of her fame and fortune because such a lifestyle was not embraced by her mainstream audience. But before her fade to black, she pioneered various forms of entertainment and was rewarded with many honors and achievements in the stage and fledgling movie world, hobnobbing and hosting all of the famous names of the time. Oh…did I mention that she was Nancy Reagan’s godmother? So, there you have about one-tenth of the fascinating facts and accomplishments of this trailblazer.

Romy Nordlinger, in her writing as well as her performance at Theatre West, has conjured the style and persona of Nazimova with high drama and precise projection of her life, career, and loves. While theater patrons are arriving, a series of images and films play across the stage, hinting at some of the ups and downs of Nazimova’s life. Our curiosity is aroused as we are presented with many juicy glimpses of life among the theatrical and wealthy “old Hollywood” elite. The performance is approximately 80 minutes of fast-moving vignettes with an underlying thread of Nazimova’s accomplishments, disappointments, rewards, and losses. Theatre West is a small theater, so it’s easy to feel we are all “up close and personal” to the intimate details being played out before us.

Silent film images play throughout, with minimal props on stage. Nordlinger smoothly and authentically nails the image of a 1920’s star, accompanied by minimal direction from Lorca Peress, video design by Adam Jesse Burns, and score and sound design by Nick T. Moore.

Many will be as intrigued as I was after learning about Alla Nazimova. I have been reading about her life, viewing her silent movies on YouTube, and fantasizing about her life and loves of a century ago. Only playing until July 23, don’t miss it!

Theater West is an easy drive, accessible from Pasadena via the 134/Forest Lawn route, Cahuenga Boulevard West between Barham and Lankershim, right across from Universal Studios. Some metered street parking, but most convenient is the lot right across from the theater for $10, credit card only, no cash.

Garden of Alla
Written by Romy Nordlinger
Directed by Lorca Peress
Starring Romy Nordlinger
Score and Sound Design: Nick T. Moore
Video Design: Adam Jesse Burns
Now through July 23
Fridays at 8:00 pm: July 14, July 21
Saturdays at 8:00 pm: July 15, July 22
Sundays at 2:00 pm: July 16, July 23
Location
Theatre West
3333 Cahuenga Boulevard West
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Tickets: $35 online with advance purchase, $40 at the door; TheatreWest.org; (323) 851-7977