Joan Rivers: A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress at the Geffen Playhouse
Geffen Playhouse - Main Stage (Los Angeles, CA)
Rated 3.5 by 513 members who went.
As playwright and star, Joan Rivers brings the world premiere of her four-character autobiographical play to the Geffen. Set immediately before Hollywood's biggest award pre-show, Rivers uses her interactions with the other characters, as well as her dressing room, her cheese plate, and her producer, as impetus for an introspective look at aging, going through life's ups and downs, and being a woman in Hollywood.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
All dates for this event have expired.
The last event was Sunday April 6, 2008 / 2:00pm. (view all dates)
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355 Member Reviews
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18
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- John B.


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John B.
Member since 2003
16 Reviews
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Terriffic! It was everything you could ask for in this type of theater experience. You walk away realizing that we are all human with human failings and human weaknesses and human needs. It must take a lot of courage to "bear it all"; I admire the lady for doing that...and making it humorous to boot! The lady obviously "cares" about you, the audience, as she decided to make it into a "play" with other characters rather than a one woman show which would have been interesting also but less so than the "play approach" that she decided to write. Recommended!
I have to add that the ONE thing that scared me was her story about "getting revenge" on one producer who did misstreat her---but she retaliated by later accusing him of anti-semetism when he was seeking other employement in the film industry. It's like falsly accusing someone of child molestation---it works, but is it "right"? Other than the above, it was a joyful experience in the theater.
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- Goldilocks


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Goldilocks
Member since 2006
39 Reviews
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Absolutely loved it. Joan was candid, witty, and SO funny. Hearing stories of her life straight from her mouth made all of it so much more heartwarming and real. I had no idea she has had such a difficult life. From ageism, to plastic surgery mockery, to getting fired, to being cut off by Johnny Carson, to her husband's suicide, she still managed to emerge a strong woman. She is so optimistic and able to joke about hardships, it makes her quite an inspiration for others. Way to go Joan. I just loved it.
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- Craig M


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Craig M
Member since 2004
15 Reviews
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Funny at times, poignant at times. Charisma and star power, Joan Rivers has it in spades.
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- Laurie Kaman


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Laurie Kaman
Member since 2008
2 Reviews
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One of Joan's best shows ever! I haven't seen her since her comeback after her husband's suicide. She's back with her same honesty, vulnerability and energy . . . all of which are refreshing and enlightening and really connect her with her audience.
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- rossermond


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rossermond
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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can't stop thinking about it - truly an amazing show by an amazing, legendary woman
go see it to laugh, cry and think about your own life -rg
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- Thomas Mosley


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Thomas Mosley
Member since 2004
15 Reviews
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I was prepared to dislike this show. Surprise...! Joan Rivers shares a side that is rarely revealed and instantly engaging. This is one truly entertaining night at the theater. I sat in the rear of the theater. At times it was hard to hear. I would recommend getting seats toward the front.
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- David Harris


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David Harris
Member since 2004
3 Reviews
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- Steve Silverman


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Steve Silverman
Member since 2003
7 Reviews
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amazing - insightful - hilarious - jaw-dropping - delicious - the woman is just delicious. my favorite moment was after the show, as we are walking to the car, this couple's behind us and the husband says, "did you like it?" and the wife responds, "she's a bit much" and the husband then adds, "yeah, and loud" - and i almost turned around and said, "WHO DID YOU THINK YOU WERE GOING TO SEE TONIGHT?" you go, joan, 74 and still rockin it out.
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- aram brazilian


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aram brazilian
Member since 2006
9 Reviews
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This show put me to sleep. Joan is much more entertaining when she improvises on television. I couldn't help but wonder if this play was more about making Joan happy than the audience. Nice venue and always fun to go out at night - but a 'show to remember'? I think not.
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- Tony Blass


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Tony Blass
Member since 2006
3 Reviews
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I took my dad and mom and well all loved it. Joanie is one of those inside/outside folks who makes all of us feel welcome in her little corner of the celebrity universe. Dishy and delightful, this is a treat for anyone who has ever dreamed of being on or at least near the red carpet.
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- Michele Main


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Michele Main
Member since 2004
12 Reviews
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What a wonderful performace Joan gave. We had no idea we were attending the final show, which made it all the more special. Young and old alike were laughing throughout the entire play. I hope you didnt miss it, I am sure glad we didn't.
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- Todd Picconi


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Todd Picconi
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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Loved it!! Our seats were great, right near the front and it was on the side that Joan spent so much time on....so Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Goldstar!!
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- Maryan S.


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Maryan S.
Member since 2004
20 Reviews
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Grrrrreat place and great star!
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- Maryan S.


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Maryan S.
Member since 2004
20 Reviews
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Everything was great -- the location and the show. Loved every minute and now I have renewed respect for Joan Rivers! She's wonderful.
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- Pam S.


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Pam S.
Member since 2006
2 Reviews
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I liked Joan Rivers before; now I absolutely love her. She shared stories from her life that made me laugh and cry and upped my admiration for her by about 1,000%. What a trooper. What a woman. What a teacher. I especially encourage women who are thinking that they are at the end of their life to go see this play!!! What a boost you will get from Joan's go-for-it attitude.
Pam S.
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- barry Morse


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barry Morse
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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It was a very good show, She is amazing to see in person because of all her plastic surgery. I learned a lot about her softer side. My companion, who hadn't heard of her, was very impressed and loved it.
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- Elissa Kerhulas


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Elissa Kerhulas
Member since 2006
1 Reviews
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I love Joan Rivers, Nana New Face. She is a consumate performer and an incredibly perservering human being. She has much to teach us, but she does so by making us laugh even while she evokes our deep empathy in sharing her painful trials that ultimately have never defeated her. This show is not to be missed! And may she continue to perform until the day she dies...which I hope is 30 years from now!
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- Lily Reeves


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Lily Reeves
Member since 2003
7 Reviews
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Very entertaining and funny. I had tears running down my cheeks
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- Jonathan Fitzgarrald


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Jonathan Fitzgarrald
Member since 2006
1 Reviews
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Joan is as racy and entertaining as ever! This show is a must see for anyone who knows "who they are wearing!"
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- Anonymous Member


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Anonymous Member
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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Long time fan of Joan Rivers - have all the albums. I mean vinyl records, her books, saw Rabbit Test, ventured out to her LA Club scene- attended
multiple TV appearances. She is just hella funny! Now on to the Geffen Playhouse. I applaud Joan Rivers! and support anything I can to help get Joan's dialogues out there. WE NEED MORE JOAN RIVERS IN OUR LIVES!
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More Details
As playwright and star, Joan Rivers brings the world premiere of her four-character autobiographical play, Joan Rivers: A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress, to the Geffen Playhouse. Set immediately before Hollywood’s biggest award preshow, Rivers uses her interactions with the other characters as well as her dressing room (B, not A), her cheese plate (puny, not plentiful) and her producer (the bigwig’s brother-in-law, not the bigwig), as impetus for an introspective look at aging, going through life’s ups and downs and being a woman in Hollywood. Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to see this groundbreaking Emmy Award-winning talk show host, Tony Award-nominated actress and legendary comic icon up close and personal.
Starring Joan Rivers, with Tara Joyce, Emily Kosloski and Adam Kulbersh
Directed by Bart DeLorenzo