“Forever Blonde” a believable reincarnation of Marilyn at the Ivoryton Playhouse

IVORYTON — Will we ever tire of Marilyn Monroe stories?
Whether you know a lot or a little about the life of Monroe, this one-woman tour-de-force performance is a frank and entertaining look into the life of one of America’s icons, in her own words.
The play, written by Greg Thompson, is a compilation of various conversations and interviews Marilyn Monroe gave over the years when she was alive, performed by Sunny Thompson, who practically channels Monroe’s manner of speaking, walking, and singing.
Many dismiss Monroe as being nothing more than a dumb blonde, but her story isn’t that simple or straightforward. The play begins near the end of her short life at 36, when she was in her last photo shoot, where the lights flash to show Sunny Thompson as Monroe in various poses for the camera.
Some interesting facts about Monroe are reveled. Many might know she was an orphan abandoned by her mother, but she was in and out of nine foster families between stints at orphanages before she was practically forced into marriage as a teenager.
The play, set in 1962, is generously sprinkled with bits from many of her film songs, such as “When Love Goes Wrong,” “A Little Girl from Little Rock,” and the famous “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” from the terrific musical with Jane Russell “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
She also sang the zippy “Running Wild” and “Some Like It Hot” from the Billy Wilder movie with Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis “Some Like It Hot.”
The monologue play runs through her struggling years, and the many, many men, some famous, such as President Jack Kennedy and brother Robert, in her life who helped her, and often used and exploited her along the way. Some surprising anecdotes, such as a brief affair with Joan Crawford, pop up along the way.
Before the show and during intermission the music of Frank Sinatra, who also was one of those men, plays, but it goes on a little too long, particularly between acts.
Better to hear orchestral arrangements of some of Monroe’s great tunes. Monroe had a fine, under-appreciated singing voice, as Thompson the actress nails it for the most part.
The costumes by Mimi Countryman and Alice Worthy are glamorous, and there are a number of changes, most done behind a semi-transparent screen, which, along with some frank sexual talk, make this a show best not for young children.
When she sang the big “Diamonds” number, it would have been better if she dressed in a hot pink gown with matching gloves, as the real Monroe wore in the film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
The set is right on target, with white everything, including the stereo console. The make-believe bubbles in the bubble bath at the start of the second act are a nice touch too.
Although there are no apparent microphones, the sound system is first rate — enhancing the sexy and sweet sound unique to Monroe. Sunny Thompson has toured this show around the country, and seems to more than act the role. She almost appears to channel Monroe’s kind, ambitious, and real persona, making her frustrations and disappointments heartfelt, moving, and most importantly, believable.
Sometimes one-person shows can feel tedious, but that is never the case in this sweet and sad story of an American original who continues to capture the national imagination decades after her death.

FOREVER BLONDE: THE LIFE OF MARILYN MONROE

3 Stars
Location: Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton, CT
Production: Written by Greg Thompson. Directed by Stephanie Shine. Sets by Jason Phillips. Costumes by Mimi Countryman and Alice Worthy. Lighting by Woody Woodburn. Make-up design by Jimmy James.
Running time: 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission.
Show Times: Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through June 21.
Tickets: $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, $20 for students, and $15 for children 12 and under. Call the box office at 860-767-7318, or visit their website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
ACTOR…CHARACTER
Sunny Thompson … Marilyn Monroe