Edinburgh Fringe Preview: “SHAKE IT AWAY: THE ANN MILLER STORY”

By Louise Penn, LouReviews

Kayla Boye returns to the Edinburgh stage this year exploring another of Hollywood’s iconic performers.

“On a soundstage at the 1970 MGM Studios auction, dancer Ann Miller revisits the Golden Age of Hollywood and discovers her second act as a Broadway star.

As Ann witnesses the collapse of the studio system, she recalls her experiences filming pictures such as ‘Kiss Me Kate,’ ‘Easter Parade,’ and ‘On the Town.’ Ann sings and dances her troubles away as she realizes that her greatest chapter is yet to come. “

Where: Haldane Theatre at The Space

When: 1-9 Aug

Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/shake-it-away-the-ann-miller-story

Kayla opens up the archives below:

It’s great to see Ann Miller back in the spotlight! What do you think gives her enduring appeal?

It is a joy to bring Ann’s story to the stage! She is a show business luminary who brought her smile and sparkle to every occasion.

Aside from her remarkable talents and stage presence, Ann survived some very challenging personal and professional circumstances, including the collapse of the studio system, which culminated with the MGM auction of 1970.

While Ann witnesses Hollywood’s history being scattered to the winds, she is still able to find hope for the future.

Her resilience and optimism are traits that I feel are sorely needed at this time.

I enjoyed your previous show about Elizabeth Taylor. How does this new show differ in terms of format and focus?

Thank you! While both pieces are biographical solo shows, they have quite different tones reflective of their subject matter.

Call Me Elizabeth was a dramatic play focusing on the formative events of Elizabeth’s life, whereas Shake It Away is a musical play focusing on Ann’s can-do spirit and relentless capacity for entertaining.

While Shake It Away does acknowledge difficult events in Ann’s life, the tone is generally buoyant and positive.

Another difference which I explore is that these two women had very different opinions of their experiences at MGM.

Elizabeth was one of the last stars to be retained on a studio contract. She railed against the studio’s restrictive contracts, especially the practice of suspending actors without pay if they turned down scripts.

She felt that the studio robbed her of living a normal childhood and having a private life, particularly evident with the publicity campaign surrounding Father of the Bride and her disastrous first marriage at age 18 to Nicky Hilton. 

Ann, on the other hand, embraced the studio system and what it did to lift artists out of poverty during the Great Depression.

When Ann was signed to a studio contract, the steady weekly salary for a contract player was life-changing.

Ann was deeply grateful for the opportunity to perform and bring joy to others. This mindset contributed to her unofficial role as an MGM ambassador and historian.

She delighted in sharing stories of Hollywood’s Golden Age with new generations, and she kept performing until the end.

How did you get your start in theatre? Do you find Fringe festivals inspiring?

I began dancing when I was five years old, studying tap, jazz, and ballet. Ballets require storytelling while dancing.

That led me to discover musical theatre, which required acting, dancing, and singing. The idea that I could bring all of myself to telling a story was very exciting.

Fringe festivals offer solo artists the ultimate opportunity to present all of your cumulative experiences to audiences.  

What are you looking forward to the most at Edinburgh?

Fringe audiences are amazing, especially because of their enthusiasm and willingness to embrace new works.

Between my performances, I look forward to being an audience member and experiencing the works of other artists.

Edinburgh has a magical way of restoring creative inspiration and human connection.

Where can we see your work after Fringe?

Directly after the Fringe, I will be bringing ‘Shake It Away’ to my hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, a community that has been so supportive of my journey.

Thereafter, I hope to produce the show in Chicago, where I am currently based.

Stay tuned by visiting the show’s website: shakeitawayplay.com

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