Theater Review: Joan Shepard in “Confessions of Old Lady 2”

Last Sunday I had the incredible experience and pleasure to see Joan Shepard, who has logged over 70 years in show business, in “Confessions of Old Lady 2.”

Her songs were creative and sounded great, as she was accompanied by Michael Ferreri on the piano.

It was Ms. Shepard’s stories, told with a stage presence most actors could only dream to attain, that mesmerized me. Those recollections included so many entertainment greats, shown, not always in a great light.

For example, Joan has been happily married to Evan Thompson, with whom she has worked and created, (this includes two children) since 1959.

Just married, and with dignity, Joan lost her chance to be in a movie with Elvis Presley because as she stated “unlike most others vying for the part she refused to kneel for the king.” This despite being strongly admonished by those hiring, to do so.

Shepard started when she was 7 years old and worked with Laurence Olivier in “Romeo and Juliet” in her debut.

Along the way, on the “Great White Way, in television and in movies, she had great times and performances with such greats as Liza Minelli, Julie Harris, and Tallulah Bankhead (she lit a cigarette on Joan’s leg and “let” Joan take a scene from her, quite a double).

Joan also recalled working with a woman not well known by name, but involved in the classic “chicken salad” scene in “Five Easy Pieces,” namely Lorna Thayer.

I was riveted listening to the stories and songs. “Confessions of Old Lady 2,” directed by Margarett Perry proved to be a great experience provided by an extraordinary performer.