In the 1980’s, Joan Collins and Linda Evans sent television ratings soaring as “Dynasty’s” glamorous rivals, Alexis and Krystle Carrington. Now they are reuniting for a new version of the comedy “Legends!,” playing Boston’s Shubert Theatre at the Citi Performing Arts Center, March 6 - 11.

Written by Tony Award-winning author James Kirkwood (“A Chorus Line”), “Legends centers on two fading and somewhat desperate movie stars, Sylvia (Joan Collins) and Leatrice (Linda Evans).

Both actresses are courted by an unscrupulous young producer to star together in a new Broadway show, despite the fact they have hated each other for decades.
He convinces each to go along by misleading them into believing they will be starring alongside Paul Newman. The set-up provides the background for the full-blown comic confrontation that follows.

Theater fans with a sharp memory will remember that Kirkwood originally wrote the play for Mary Martin and Carol Channing and that the 1986 national tour of the original production coincidentally played The Shubert Theater as well. Kirkwood’s chronicle of that tour is detailed in his book Diary of A Mad Playwright.

Joan Collins made her London stage debut at the age of nine in Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House.” She studied drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts when she was 16 and was soon signed to a contract by 20th Century Fox in Hollywood.

Her first major theatrical role was Sabina in Thorton Wilder’s “The Skin Of Our Teeth.” After working in films and television for several years, she returned to the British stage in 1980 to play the title role in the Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of “The Last Of Mrs. Cheyney,” which soon moved to London’s West End. In 1990, Collins played Amanda in a revival of Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” in the West End and on Broadway. In 2000, she completed an American tour of “Love Letters” opposite Stacy Keach. In 2001, she stared in Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo” at London’s Old Vic Theatre, and in 2004 she toured the UK in Alan Melville’s “Full Circle.”

Ms. Collins has appeared in more than 60 feature films and dozens of television programs playing opposite some of the world's greatest movie legends from Richard Burton and Bing Crosby to Bette Davis, Kirk Douglas, Sir John Gielgud, Gene Kelly, Bob Hope and Laurence Harvey. She received the Golden Globe as Best Actress for her role as Alexis Carrington Colby on “Dynasty.”

Collins has also published thirteen books to date, and in 1997 Queen Elizabeth II presented her with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for her lifetime contribution to the arts and her continuing charity work -- particularly for children.

Linda Evans began her acting career while still a school girl attending Hollywood High. Upon graduation, she was placed under contract with MGM Studios until her big break arrived in 1965 with “The Big Valley,” playing the role of Audra Barkley in the successful ABC series until 1969.

Internationally recognized for playing Krystle Grant Jennings Carrington on “Dynasty,” Evans received five People’s Choice Awards, a Golden Globe and a Best Actress Emmy nomination for her work on the show.

She has also been awarded Italy’s coveted Telegetto Award for favorite female television star as well as being recognized as one of the world “Ten Most Beautiful Women” for four consecutive years by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine.

Evans honed her craft at the Actor’s Studio under the watchful eye of Lee Strasberg. Her many film credits include “Beach Blanket Bingo,” “Tom Horn,” “Twilight of Honor,” “Those Callaways” and “Avalanche Express.” In addition to “The Big Valley” and “Dynasty,” Evans has been featured in such acclaimed TV series as “Hunter,” such miniseries as “Bare Essence,” “Last Frontier,” “North & South - Book II,” “Gambler II” and “Dazzle.” She has also appeared in such made-for-TV films as “Dynasty: The Reunion,” “Standing Tall,” “Step Sister,” “I’ll Take Romance,” “Nakia” and “Nowhere To Run.”

Ms. Evans resides in Washington, where her personal concerns extend beyond the entertainment world. An avid and dedicated environmentalist, she has taken up the cause worldwide. At the request of former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, she served as spokesperson for the “Take Pride In America” campaign -- targeted at preserving our natural resources.

For tickets and information, stop by the Citi Performing Arts Center box office at 270 Tremont Street, call 1-800-447-7400 or visit www.citicenter.org.

-- OnStage Boston