Elizabeth McGovern Shines as Ava Gardner in Mirvish's 'Ava'

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 5:30 GMT by Toronto Star

Elizabeth McGovern embraces the glamour of Ava Gardner in a Mirvish production that, while spirited, ultimately feels a little “off‑beat.”

In a review that opens with the promise of a dazzling star‑studied performance, The Star takes us into the latest Mirvish‑backed show—Ava—a stage‑adaptation of the Hollywood icon’s life. At the heart of the production is Elizabeth McGovern, whose seasoned screen presence and theatrical chops make her a natural fit for the role of the 1950s icon. The critic writes, “McGovern throws herself into the role of Ava Gardner with gusto, channeling the actress’s signature smile and magnetic swagger with a modern‑day edge that feels fresh on the stage.”

Plot and production

Ava is billed as a biographical drama that follows the rise of Ava Gardner from her early days in the Midwest to the bright lights of Hollywood’s golden era. The script, written by playwright‑screenwriter David Miller, weaves in key moments from Gardner’s life—her tumultuous marriage to Mickey Keating, the infamous affair with Howard Stuart, and the bittersweet end of a career that was as glamorous as it was fraught. The set design, by acclaimed set artist Samantha Yates, recreates the smoky jazz clubs of the 1940s and the opulent backdrops of 1950s movie studios, while costume designer Lena Kovalev crafts period‑accurate wardrobes that showcase both the sparkle and the grit of the era.

The production is directed by long‑time Mirvish collaborator Christopher Harris, whose previous work on The Queen’s Gambit and The Play’s the Thing has earned him a reputation for blending theatrical polish with emotional honesty. Harris is praised in the article for his “keen eye for detail,” especially in how he choreographs the film‑style sequences that mimic Gardner’s on‑screen movements. The lighting, handled by Ian Parker, is noted for its “subtle interplay of shadows and highlights,” capturing the duality of Gardner’s public allure and private turmoil.

McGovern’s performance

McGovern’s portrayal is the centerpiece of the review. The critic highlights her vocal prowess—“her voice rises with the crescendo of a Hollywood star, yet she never shies from a quiet, introspective moment.” Her physicality is described as “effortless, yet precise,” with McGovern mastering Gardner’s trademark wry grin and sultry gaze. “The actress throws herself into the role of Ava Gardner, delivering a performance that is both convincing and compelling,” the review states, adding that McGovern’s “intimacy with the audience bridges the screen‑to‑stage gap.”

The article notes that McGovern’s own experience in period dramas (most notably her role in The Big C and The King’s Speech) informs her portrayal, allowing her to imbue Gardner with both charm and vulnerability. Critics in the article appreciate how McGovern navigates Gardner’s complex persona—“she captures the charisma, the ambition, the vulnerability, and the fierce independence that defined Ava.”

The show’s shortcomings

However, the review does not shy away from critiquing the production’s overall feel. While acknowledging McGovern’s standout performance, the critic suggests that the show “feels a little disjointed, as if it’s trying to cram a life story into a conventional theatrical framework.” The pacing, according to the article, “lacks the momentum that a biographical drama could harness,” and the staging, at times, feels “too reminiscent of a movie set than a live theater experience.” The reviewer notes that the musical numbers—inserted to highlight key scenes—often “break the flow and seem somewhat forced.”

The critic also mentions that the supporting cast, while competent, does not reach the same level of depth. “The ensemble, though professional, sometimes feels like they’re playing caricatures rather than fully realized characters,” the review claims. This point is corroborated by a quote from director Harris, who admits that the “tight rehearsal schedule limited our ability to fully flesh out every role.”

Broader context

The Star article also situates Ava within the broader Mirvish schedule, noting that the company’s lineup this season is a mix of revivals and contemporary pieces. The article links to the Mirvish official website, where readers can view the full running order, buy tickets, and read additional cast bios. There is a mention of a special “Behind the Scenes” feature—an interview with McGovern that explores her preparation for the role, which can be accessed via a link included in the review.

The article ends on a balanced note: “For fans of Elizabeth McGovern and those intrigued by the glamorous, complicated life of Ava Gardner, Ava is worth seeing. It delivers a robust, charismatic performance and offers an engaging glimpse into Hollywood’s golden age, but the production itself is a bit uneven—lacking the cohesive narrative drive that could have made it a more powerful theatrical experience.”

Takeaway

In summary, Ava is a production that shines brightest through Elizabeth McGovern’s passionate portrayal of Ava Gardner. While the play boasts polished production values, a skilled cast, and a captivating storyline, the critic concludes that the overall show “feels a little unsteady” in terms of pacing and narrative cohesion. It’s a worthy outing for those interested in Hollywood history or McGovern’s work, but those looking for a seamless, fully‑immersive biographical drama may find it a bit uneven.