Joe and Marilyn: A Love Story Reviews
ReviewPlays.com- Somewhat Recommended
"...Director T. J. Castronovo, who helped author Manus develop the piece at the West Coast Actors Studio Playwrights/ Directors Unit, keeps the staging simple and to the point. Longish scene changes are covered with authentic period music during blackouts. The writing covers the events well enough, but at times doesn't dig deep enough. Still, the production is a pleasing one, with both characters portrayed compellingly by the thesps in the intimate setting of The Brickhouse Theatre."
The Tolucan Times- Recommended
"...It is a rich and compelling tale focused on two of the biggest celebrities of the 1950s. Emily Elicia Low is spectacular as Monroe in look, voice and demeanor. Rico Simonini is a very poignant DiMaggio. Together they weave the love story that was Joe & Marilyn."
NoHoArtsDistrict- Recommended
"...If you are at all interested in Marilyn Monroe, or Joe DiMaggio and in particular how two such opposite souls can fall in love and never really fall out it it, in spite of divorce and distance, then I urge you to go and see this rather special play."
The LA Beat- Recommended
"...Imagine being married to Marilyn Monroe; then envision living in-and-out of sin with Joe DiMaggio (despite his alleged staunchly Catholic sensibilities). Then pretend the two of them have a pet fly which resides on their fictional fourth wall and imagine it is you-yes YOU!!! This is precisely the scenario into which Write Act's Joe and Marilyn: A Love Story by Willard Manus, directed by T.J. Castronovo puts us in this emotionally driven production relating to the courtship and short-lived marriage of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe."
On Stage and Screen- Recommended
"...Low bears a striking resemblance to Ms. Monroe, and shined in Marilyn's more vulnerable moments, of which I frankly wish there were more. Simonini rarely got to show a more vulnerable side of Joe, if such a side exists, but the two were very watchable and charming together. Fans of Marilyn and her legacy will likely enjoy this glimpse into a specific aspect of her life, even if it may not provide much new insight."
LAEntNews- Highly Recommended
"...Fans of these two stars must see the play and all the others who would love to know more about Marilyn and Joe. Director T.J. Castronovo has done a marvelous directing job bringing these characters to life along with the writer Willard Manus' intimate dialogue."