Palm Springs, CA

ALL ABOUT BETTE: An Interlude with Bette Davis, written by Camilla Carr and starring Morgana Shaw with Special Narration by Robert Wagner, hits the stage at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for a one-night only performance, February 11, 2025, 7 p.m.

The tour de force one-woman show helmed by Ms. Shaw, a veteran of film, television and theatre, most recently featured in Richard Linklater’s HIT MAN on Netflix, dives intimately into the world of Bette Davis, introducing the Hollywood Icon in her 80s. Ms. Shaw then takes the audience on a revealing look at Davis’ life traveling backwards in time to a young and vibrant Bette Davis in her 20s.

Pictured, Morgana Shaw Photo Credit: Joy Brinkley Waits

Ms. Carr’s script presents an honest and edgy look at the legend while exposing folklore that remains tethered to the men and women who shaped Hollywood’s Golden Age. 

“As an adaptor, it was deciding what not to use of the vast material available about Bette Davis,” Ms. Carr said. “Then, determining the structure, which is sort of Shakespearean in that it often switches from horror to hilarious in a heartbeat, all engined with an unravelling narrative thrust which culminates in what I hope is an unexpected and exhilarating ending,”

Ms. Shaw has been playing Bette Davis since originating the role, in 2006, at Dallas’ regional theatre Theatre Three under the direction of the late Jac Alder.

“Bette didn’t just change film. She changed America,” Ms. Shaw said. “Portraying her is an awesome responsibility that I take very seriously, even when she’s being hilarious. Without Bette (Hollywood) would only be about eye candy, cleavage, and stereotypes. Bette hated that, fought for more interesting roles, and gave women a voice in Hollywood. She didn’t think she’d have that effect, but she did.”

In 2022, Robert Wagner joined the production by lending his legendary voice to the show in special prerecorded narration.

“It brings me great pleasure knowing that Morgana will be interacting with my voice for years to come,” Mr. Wagner said. “Camilla’s script is filled with Bette’s attitude and spirit, and Morgana dives deeply into her character. Bette’s legacy is in good hands in this telling of her story. I’m happy to be a part of this production.”

Mr. Wagner met Bette Davis in the early 1950’s. They worked together on his Golden Globe nominated television series, IT TAKES A THIEF, in 1970, and again in 1972, on the thriller MADAM SIN, which Mr. Wagner was also executive producer. “We were very good friends,” Wagner said. “She gave so much of herself. These are gifts I treasure to this day.”

According to Ms. Carr, Mr. Wagner was in her original vision. “When I wrote the script, I heard his voice saying these words in my imagination, and now we have them in perpetuity. I’m thrilled beyond sentiment. It’s simply wonderful,” Ms. Carr said.

Ms. Shaw added, “We’re dealing with Hollywood royalty here. R.J. (Robert Wagner) and Bette are part of a history of glamor and prestige, the era of the movie star, and his voice delivers that elegance.”

Ms. Shaw said discussions with Mr. Wagner about his involvement date back to 2014. “He was lovely and kind and so generous. He kept looking into my eyes and smiling. I felt like he was trying to see a glimpse of Bette. He must’ve seen something,” she said, recalling their first meeting at the Plaza Classic Film Festival in El Paso, Texas.

Ms. Shaw, who is also a producer, is “thrilled” to bring the show to Palm Springs and explained the importance of performing on February 11, 2025. “We chose February 11 as way to honor R.J., who turns 95 on February 10,” she said. “We just love him. He is incredibly generous. We want to celebrate him. Palm Springs has such a rich Hollywood history, particularly to RJ and Bette as they both lived here. The moment I walked into the stunning Palm Springs Cultural Center, I knew. Bette needs to be here.” 

Producer Shane Peterman, GOIN’ HOLLYWOOD (2024), PURE COUNTRY (2018), who also serves as WaterTower Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director, brings decades of experience to the project and wants audiences worldwide to experience the power of Shaw’s performance. “I knew the first moment I worked with Morgana and witnessed first her hand her work ethic, dedication and brilliant character portrayal, we had to do this wonderful piece together,” Mr. Peterman said. “Audiences will be truly enthralled by her artistry and how she brings back one of our most beloved actresses. A performance for the ages, you do not want to miss this show before it hits the UK. Bette will bring you in, but Morgana will keep you coming back!”

A few of Bette Davis’ accomplishments include: 

·        Being the first actor (male or female) to receive 10 Academy Award nominations 

·        Being the first woman elected to serve as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 

·        Being the first actress to sue a major Hollywood studio for the right to reject roles. She lost the battle, but as Bette says, “I won the war.” 

·        Being the reason the Academy Award’s voting system was changed, after she was snubbed for her performance as Mildred in “Of Human Bondage.” It’s Hollywood lore that Bette Davis’ first Oscar for “Dangerous,” in 1935, was the Academy’s attempt to atone for the previous year’s slight. 

ALL ABOUT BETTE: An Interlude with Bette Davis by Camilla Carr, starring Morgana Shaw with Special Narration by Robert Wagner, takes the stage on February 11, 2025, 7 p.m., at the Palm Springs Cultural Center located at 2300 E. Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA, 92262.  To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.allaboutbette.us.