Thursday, November 12, 2009

HotHouse Reading: ONE NOVEMBER YANKEEPhotobucket
Written and Directed by
Joshua Ravetch

An ill-fated flight ignites a series of unlikely consequences.

Starring Academy Award nominee, Robert Forster (Jackie Brown) and two-time Emmy winner, Loretta Swit (TV's M*A*S*H*)

November 17-18, 2009
8:00 p.m.
A complimentary reception to follow.

En route to Florida, in perfect weather, a single-engine airplane 
disappears. A brother and sister were flying to their father's second
 wedding
, but without the ping of an emergency-locator-beacon, an 
extensive search of the Eastern Seaboard produces no trace of the
 wreckage. That tragic event ignites a series of unlikely consequences
 that span five years, nine states, and three families. But all may not
 be exactly what it would seem, as this play travels from the White
 Mountains of New Hampshire to the White Way of New York City, and it
 all begins with a serious martini, a Hirschfeld Cartoon, a dose of 
humor, and the ill-fated flight of, "ONE NOVEMBER YANKEE".

ROBERT FORSTER:
In 1997, he received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor as Max Cherry in Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown". It has turned around a career that started 40 years ago and put him suddenly in great demand. Most recently, Robert starred alongside Ed Harris in the indie, “Touching Home,” and finished filming “The Code,” with Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas, and “The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” with Jennifer Garner and Matthew McConaughey. Other recent projects include “Dragon Wars,” the Harrison Ford film, "Firewall," "Lucky Number Slevin," "Wild Seven," Wes Craven's "Cursed," "Grand Theft Parsons," starring Johnny Knoxville, as well as "Confidence," "Like Mike," "Charlie's Angels 2: Full Throttle," David Mamet's "Lakeboat," directed by Joe Mantegna, and "Diamond Men," with Donnie Wahlberg.

Forster has been busy on the small screen as well -- in addition to his recent stint as Arthur Petrelli on NBC's "Heroes," he starred in the CBS TV film, "The Hunt for the BTK Killer," guest starred as Hank Azaria's father on Showtime's "Huff," Michael Madson's father on ESPN's "Tilt," and Peter Facinelli's father in McG's "Fastlane," and starred alongside Carla Gugino in the ABC series "Karen Sisco." Forster co-starred in the HBO Films production "Undefeated," directed by and starring John Leguizamo, the USA film "Murder in Greenwich," and the CBS TV film, "Like Mother, Like Son: The Strange Story of Sante and Kenny Kimes," with Mary Tyler Moore.

Independent films include "Outside Ozona," "Family Tree," "The Magic of Marciano," co-starring Nastassja Kinski and "It’s the Rage," with Joan Allen, Gary Sinise and Andre Braugher, as well as the MGM sci-fi film "Supernova," co-starring Angela Basset and James Spader, and the updated versions of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," directed by Gus Van Sant and a television version of "Rear Window," with Christopher Reeve. Forster went on to star in “Roads to Riches” with Rose McGowan, a modern-day film noir, and the present-day western, "Lone Hero."

Forster blazed on the scene in his debut film, in l966, in "Reflections in a Golden Eye," co-starring with Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor, directed by John Huston. He followed this in l968, with the seminal film, "Medium Cool," by Haskell Wexler. TV series include "Banyon." A native of Rochester, NY, Forster made his professional debut on Broadway in "Mrs. Dally Has A Lover." Other stage credits include "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Glass Menagerie," and productions of "Twelve Angry Men," "The Sea Horse," and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

LORETTA SWIT (Maggie/Margo/Mia):

As Major Margaret Houlihan of TV’s M*A*S*H*, Loretta became an American icon. She has received ten Emmy nominations and six Golden Globe nominations, and is a recipient of the People’s Choice Award, The Genie Award, The Silver Satellite Award, The Jean Golden Halo Award, the Pacific Broadcasters Award, and two Emmy Awards. She made her Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year. After M*A*S*H* wrapped, she replaced Cleo Laine in The Mystery Of Edwin Drood. She has toured with national companies of Any Wednesday, and with two companies of Mame, having played both Agnes Gooch and the title role. She has appeared in over 1,000 performances of Shirley Valentine, a role for which she won the Sarah Siddons Award. Swit appeared in touring companies of the musical spoof, Song of Singapore, while performing select dates of Love Letters. She appeared in The Vagina Monologues in New York, Chicago and the West End in London. Film credits include Chris Cagney in the original Cagney and Lacey, Games Mother Never Taught You, Hell Hath No Fury, The Execution, Dreams of Gold, A Killer Among Friends, Stand Up and Be Counted, Freebie and the Bean, Race with the Devil, Beer, S.O.B., Whoops Apocalypse, The Lords of Tanglewood and Boardheads. TV musical specials include The Muppet Show and the Broadway musical It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman. Every year she can be seen in the annual specials The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Miracle At Moreaux, and A Christmas Calendar, aired worldwide during the holidays. She has just completed a tour of 42nd Street as Dorothy Brock, and most recently ended the season as Sister Aloysius in Doubt. Swit’s wildlife series, Those Incredible Animals, was shown twice weekly on the Discovery Channel for a five–year run, and was aired in over 30 countries. She is 1st Vice President of Actors and Others For Animals, and is actively involved in a number of other animal rights organizations.

Over the past several years, many new plays and musicals first seen in Hothouse at the Playhouse – our new play development program – have gone on to full productions here at the Playhouse and other prestigious theatres around the country! Don’t miss the next readings in this HOT series!

Hothouse readings are FREE, but reservations are required

Call the Box Office at (626) 356-7529

HotHouse: Watch Plays Grow!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Playhouse Friends Invite YOU!

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Wicked Lit Play Reading Series!

Halloween night: 7:00pm
Playhouse Courtyard
FREE!

Come to a FREE play reading series on Halloween night in the Playhouse courtyard. Bring the whole family, but beware - these are spooky stories.

The performances will include:
  • THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER by Edgar Allan Poe
  • PIGEONS FROM HELL by Robert E. Howard
  • A GHOST STORY by Mark Twain
Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Pasadena Playhouse "Conversations With..." Speaker Series Hosts SERGIO MIELNICZENKO


Saturday, September 19, 2009
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Carrie Hamilton Theatre

PhotobucketSergio Mielniczenko is the popular writer and producer of the Brazilian Hour Radio Program and host of Global Village Fridays (KPFK, 90.7). In his precise and placid, Portuguese-accented English, Sergio presents the best of samba, bossa nova, música popular Brasileira, Brazilian jazz. He coaxes his listening audience around unexpected corners -- and through regions and rituals and artists who fall off well-trammeled paths of bossa nova or jazz samba. As these things go, he is more than a bit of a ubiquitous dignitary, floating from festivals to tucked-away clubs to living room jam sessions. (BrazilianHour.org)

The Brazilian Hour takes listeners on a musical tour of its namesake land, with music ranging from jazz to samba, Brazilian pop, choro, and much more. Produced as a public service of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, the program began in 1978 to promote Brazilian music and culture in the United States. In 1981 the Brazilian Hour started a national distribution via satellite to all public radio stations in the United States. Currently The Brazilian Hour is produced in Portuguese, Spanish, English and French. Streams live at KXLU Saturdays and Sundays 9-10:00am (SPT) on 90.7 KFSR.

Tickets
To reserve a seat to CONVERSATIONS WITH… email bnewport@pasadenaplayhouse.org. Tickets to The Night Is A Child can be purchased at the Pasadena Playhouse box office (39 S. El Molino Avenue), by phone 626-356-PLAY, or online www.pasadenaplayhouse.org. Mention code HHCW to receive a 20% discount on select seats to the show.

Friday, September 04, 2009

Labor Day Weekend BBQ at the Playhouse

Pictures from the BBQ Samba party are here! Keep checking the blog and our Facebook Fan Page for info on future "Real-Live Theatre for Less than a Movie" nights!

4:00 PM Sunday, Sept 6

Wear your flip flops, kick back and enjoy Brazilian BBQ before or after a performance of The Night is a Child.

2:00 PM Matinee performance
4:00 PM BBQ, live music and fun on the patio
7:00 PM Evening performance

Sponsored by Pasadena Star-News. Brazilian music provided by California College of Music. Entertainment provided by Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

Friday, August 07, 2009

Share your hat story and win!

Regina Taylor, author of Crowns, just announced an exciting new contest called, "Eyes On LA: Hat Stories" for Los Angeles residents 18 and older: The 1st place winner will get ($1,000.00), 2nd place ($400.00), and 3rd place will receive ($100.00).

Crowns, a story about African American women and their Sunday hats, must close August 16th, but before it's gone, Taylor would like to hear from you!

Who is your favorite hat queen? What stories did your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, mentor or neighbor pass on to you through stories about their hats?

To tell your story, Taylor is asking for submissions of "cell phone shorts" These are films shot entirely on cell phones lasting between 5 and 10 minutes in length. Your films will be viewed and voted on by your peers and the Cell Short Takes online community.

For submission details, click here. Winners will be notified by email on Friday, August 14th.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Real Live Theatre for Less Than a Movie!

$10 Tickets to Crowns @ Pasadena Playhouse
Wednesday, July 29 @ 8pm ONLY

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Receive $10 Tickets with proof of residency or employment in Pasadena. Available at the Pasadena Playhouse Box Office on 7/29/09.
39 South El Molino Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 356-7529

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Playhouse Patrons on Parade

KKLA - 2

Who's got the best Crown in town?

On July 19th, over a dozen hopeful contestants ventured out to the Pasadena Playhouse dressed in their very best church-going hats in the hopes of winning some great prizes.

Among the awards were a gift basket and a gift certificate good for a hand-made hat from milliner, Louise Green. (In the Playhouse Friendship Center)

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The event, hosted by Pandora Carey of KKLA, happened on the Playhouse courtyard before the 2:00 P.M. matinee and was a great success!

For more information on up-coming events like this one, follow us on Twitter or become a fan of the Playhouse on Facebook.

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Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Pasadena Playhouse Alumni & Associates Annual Brunch Report

What a day!!

Once again the Brunch Committee hit the ground running to transform the Pasadena Hilton’s California Room into a bright, festive space to receive the Playhouse alumni for a day of fun. Red, orange, and yellow balloons rose from the luncheon tables and heralded the way to the Membership/Sign-in table in the hotel hallway. There were also “Playhouse” Fortune Cookies on the tables, each containing a fun fact about the Playhouse. The remainder of the fortune cookies were taken to the Playhouse for distribution among the Green Room, Library, and the Telephone Room.

Special exhibits of Peggy Ebright’s wonderful artwork and photographs of “Brunches Past” by Will Diaz brought smiles and sparked recollections. Neva Wallace performed a poem about actors to hearty applause.

The 2009 winners of the Sumid Scholarship were announced, among them, three Interns who will work at the Playhouse for the next year now that their education is complete. Just another way the Pasadena Playhouse Alumni & Associates supports the theatre.

Alumni First Vice President, Anne La Rose, presented the Playhouse with a framed collection of the R.E.P. – Repertory Exists in Pasadena – materials from the summer of 1967, consisting of the poster and reviews of two of the three shows performed that summer by Playhouse students and recent graduates. Everyone got a big kick out of the Student Theatre ticket prices back then, $2. general and $1.50 for students. The presentation was made in memory of four company members who have taken their final bow: Claude La Rose, Austin Kelly, Ken Globus, and Coy Arnold. These materials represent the last time Playhouse founder Gilmor Brown’s theatrical ideals were put into action.

Anne also presented the Playhouse with a certificate noting that the name, PASADENA PLAYHOUSE STATE THEATRE of CALIFORNIA, will be on a microchip onboard the NASA Mars Science Lab Rover, scheduled for launch in the Fall of 2011. Now, the Playhouse will truly be out of this world!

What wonderful a group of Award winners we had this year. The ball got rolling with Penn Genthner’s introduction of Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard as Man of the Year. The Mayor told of his trials and tribulations, while sitting on the City Council, in keeping the wrecking ball from the Playhouse in the early 1970’s. Anne La Rose brought Playhouse Board member Peggy Ebright to the podium as Woman of the Year to thunderous applause. Peggy recalled Maudie Prickett, her right-hand, in the struggles to save the Playhouse and noted the names of others who fought the good fight. She also mentioned an unsung hero of those days, Coy Wills, the last Stage Doorman before the close in 1969, who checked on the Playhouse daily and reported his findings to Peggy.

Alumnus Robert J Farley returned from his theatre in metro-Atlanta to pass the Gilmor Brown Award to Sheldon Epps. Sheldon spoke of his love of the Playhouse and mentioned the support of the Playhouse Board, several of whom joined us for the day. He also touched on the heart of the theatre, the actors who trod our boards and noted, in particular, perhaps his favorite actress, his lovely wife, Monette McGrath, who was also with us. RJ Muehlhausen took the microphone to give background about a most deserving Keeper of the Flame honoree, Will Diaz, Class of 1954. Will has always been there for the Playhouse for so many years, in so many ways. Will took the podium to a standing ovation.

There was a phenomenal array of Raffle Prizes, this year totaling more than $4200 in value. Among the offerings were a one-of-a-kind handmade porcelain ginger jar with lid, three exceptional ‘art’ photographs of the Playhouse, and a John Wayne collection of DVDs and books housed in a hand-made ammo box that looked for all-the-world like the real thing! There were two signed first editions of the latest installment in a murder mystery series, Oneida stainless service for 12, a four handset phone system, digital picture frame, and an incredible “Lord of the Rings” chess set, to name a few more items. The money raised will help the Alumni’s continued support of the Playhouse.

After we exhausted ourselves at the Hilton, several alumni went to the Playhouse to relax in the Library and reminisce before the 7PM curtain of “The Little Foxes” with Kelly McGillis and Julia Duffy. Anne La Rose led a tour for those who have been away much too long, while others retreated to their hotel rooms or homes to rest before curtain. The show was excellent and enjoyed by all.

If you didn’t join us, I hope you will make plans now for next year. It’s such fun to share the day with old chums and make new friends. See you next year???

Anne La Rose, Class of 1969
Brunch Chair

Thursday, July 02, 2009

CROWNS : Coming July 10

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CROWNS
By Regina Taylor
Directed by Israel Hicks
Adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry
A co-production with Ebony Repertory Theatre
In Association with Regina Taylor

July 10 - August 16, 2009

Winner of four Washington D.C. Helen Hayes awards including Best Regional Musical, Crowns explores the lives of the "hat queens," six women in the South whose stories of love, loss, identity and sisterhood are woven into the hats that crown their heads and the songs that speak their truth. Based on the acclaimed coffee table book, Crowns captures the thrill of self expression with a series of intimate musical portraits.

Approximate Running Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.

Monday, June 22, 2009


Pre-show reception starting at 7:00p.m. in the Playhouse Library includes complimentary wine and snacks.

Reception will be followed by the production of THE LITTLE FOXES by Lillian Hellman.

2-for-1 TICKETS call (626) 356-7529 and mention code GLBT. LITTLE FOXES closes June 28 so you'd better hurry!

(L-R) Julia Duffy, Marc Singer, Kelly McGillis and Steve Vinovich. Photo by Craig Schwartz.
Critics say,

"The Pasadena Playhouse is to be lauded for its riveting revival of one of the iconic works of the American stage!" "Lillian Hellman's exquisitely crafted "The Little Foxes" gives historical perspective to the jaundiced machinations of such contemporary financial villains as Bernard Madoff and Michael Milken."

- Julio Martinez, Variety

"The play's social skewering remains satisfyingly fresh."

- Charles McNulty, The Los Angeles Times

"Bottom Line: If you're up for venom and fun, "Little Foxes" in Pasadena is for you!"

- Laurence Vittes, The Hollywood Reporter

"GO!"

- Steven Leigh Morris, LA Weekly

Thursday, June 18, 2009

An Amazing Internship Experience: Stars Bowl to Support Pasadena Playhouse


Last night was the grand opening of Pasadena 300, an upscale bowling alley located at 3454 Foothill Blvd. The company pledged to donate $5,000 dollars to Pasadena Playhouse if the guests in attendance collectively bowled 300 strikes.

I went to volunteer for the event with a few co-workers from the Playhouse and had a blast getting to meet all the impressive corporate sponsors and celebrities who were in attendance.

ABC7 News also showed up to get the inside scoop.

These shots were taken with my phone, but we'll have the professional stills on here shortly, so check back soon!

~Greg The Intern

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Saturday @ 6pm in The Carrie Hamilton Theatre:

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To RSVP, please email: mktgintern@pasadenaplayhouse.org

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Come see Deborah Martinson, a Lillian Hellman historian, June 15th at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood!


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Lillian Hellman’s plays sizzle in edgy familial dysfunction, and swelter in Southern heat. In The Little Foxes, the carnivorous, sly, comic-evil Hubbards came from her Alabama family. When Hellman was asked if she purposely put family history into the play, Hellman replied: “oh yes. Part of my family threatened to sue when they saw the play.”

But she indicts us all. Hellman wrote: “I had meant the audience to recognize some part of themselves in the money-dominated Hubbards; I had not meant people to think of them as villains to whom they had no connection.” The Dámaso Rodriguez production lets the audience know that we are implicated. Hellman’s theme is clear in the action and the precise dialogue: “a dark devilish piece about a Dixie Hedda Gabler, grabbing its audiences by the scruffs of their necks and giving them a look at the predatory human animal” (NYT, 1939). Hellman made no apologies for Foxes’ melodramatic character. As Billy Wilder said, “oh melodrama—that’s what you call it when you care what happens next.” And watching a Hellman play, the audience cares.

I’ve seen six or seven productions of Foxes, counting the excellent Wyler film. The play’s script is nearly full proof. Hellman wrote at least ten drafts, and Dashiell Hammett excised any fluff with what Hellman called his editorial “paring knife.” She loved The Little Foxes the best of all her plays; it signified her success as a powerful story teller and the most “relentless” of women playwrights.

Early critics complained that Hellman was an “inquisitor” with characters and themes “too relentless for real life.” I say, The Little Foxes’ characters live in the headlines of the twenty-first century.

-Deborah Martinson, PhD. Author of Lillian Hellman: A Life with Foxes and Scoundrels.

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DON'T MISS OUT! Deborah will be at the talk-back discussion following the screening of the 1941 film, The Little Foxes at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

Monday, June 15th @ 7:30p.m.

Tickets $10 - Playhouse patrons receive an extra $2.00 off!

Call (323) 461-2020 x 112 to redeem discount. Ask about special group rates. www.americancinematheque.com

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Meet Synthia SAINT JAMES on Sunday, June 14 - Free event and tour!

Please join us for a special FREE event on Sunday, June 14 at 2:00pm.

In celebration of Pasadena Playhouse upcoming production of CROWNS, which opens on July 12, the Community Outreach Program invites the community to enjoy two candid and lively CONVERSATION WITH...events with acclaimed artist/author Synthia SAINT JAMES.

The CONVERSATION WITH... series offers an intimate glimpse into the women's creative process of the musical CROWNS. The events will be held upstairs in Pasadena Playhouse's Carrie Hamilton Theatre (39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena).

Playwright Regina Taylor commissioned SAINT JAMES to create a painting for merchandising for her incredible play CROWNS. Join SAINT JAMES as she illuminates on her love affair with art. Immediately following the presentation, the artist will give a private tour of her exhibition in the Friendship Center.

The Synthia SAINT JAMES Solo Exhibition "In Celebration of CROWNS" opens Saturday, June 6 - August 16, 2009 showcasing high-end and affordable artwork. Partial proceeds of the artwork will go to support Pasadena Playhouse.

RSVP to gparker@pasadenaplayhouse.org.

See you there!

Photos: Suzanne Douglas and the cast of Crowns, The Cast of Crowns. Photos by Craig Schwartz.

From PlayBill.com: A Greedy Brood in Pasadena Little Foxes

From Playbill.com:

"McGillis, Duffy, Lee, Pierson Are Greedy Brood in Pasadena Little Foxes By Kenneth Jones 29 May 2009

Kelly McGillis is scheming Regina Giddens, and Julia Duffy is sister-in-law Birdie Hubbard in Pasadena Playhouse's new production of Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes opening May 29 after previews from May 22 in California.

McGillis is known for the film Top Gun and Broadway's Hedda Gabler, as well as classical roles around the country. Duffy starred in TV's Newhart. Dámaso Rodriguez, Pasadena Playhouse associate artistic director, directs the 1939 play about a Southern family's greedy ways.

The cast also includes Yvette Cason (original Broadway company of Dreamgirls) as Addie; Tony Award winner Cleavant Derricks (original Broadway company of Dreamgirls – Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical) as Cal; Shawn Lee (Furious Theatre Company's US Drag) as Leo Hubbard; Geoff Pierson as Horace Giddens (Broadway's Trick of the Trade opposite George C. Scott); Tom Schmid (Pasadena Playhouse's I Do! I Do! and Broadway's Annie Get Your Gun) as William Marshall; Marc Singer (The Taming of the Shrew – LADCC Award) as Oscar Hubbard; Rachel Sondag as Alexandra Giddens (Serendipity Theatre Company's girl, 20); and Steve Vinovich (original Broadway company of Lost in Yonkers) as Benjamin Hubbard."

To read the full article at Playbill.com, click here.

The Little Foxes' Kelly McGillis. Photo by Craig Schwartz

Monday, June 08, 2009

See the photos from CROWNS! Tickets are on sale now!

Single tickets are available now for the Playhouse's hit prodcution of Crowns! The prodcution that was named "Critic's Choice" by The Los Angeles Times and labled "Don't miss it!" by Our Weekly comes to Pasadena on July 10.

Here is a little peek at the roof-raisin' gospel musical as seen through the lens of our wonderful prodcution photographer Craig Schwartz:



Photos from top to bottom: Paula Kelly; Angela Wildflower-Polk and Paula Kelly; The cast of Crowns; Suzzanne Douglas, Paula Kelly, and Clinton Derricks-Carroll; Suzzanne Douglas; Paula Kelly, Sharon Catherine Blanks and Ann Weldon in Crowns. All photo by Craig Schwartz.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Playhouse Supports Local Students

A good friend of the Playhouse, Larry Wilson of the Pasadena Star-News, recently attended our student matinee and "recalled going to such a Playouse matinee long about 1965 with my class from Noyes Elementary." But he's not the only one who's noticing the good work happening at 39 S. El Molino Avenue. Of the student matinee program, actor Mimi Kennedy writes, "It is huge proof that the arts and art experiences in the community are not an indulgence, but a crucial part of a contemporary American high school education."

For the full article, click here.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Variety says "The Pasadena Playhouse is to be lauded for its riveting revival of one of the iconic works of the American stage!"

From our beloved critics:

"The Pasadena Playhouse is to be lauded for its riveting revival of one of the iconic works of the American stage!"
"Lillian Hellman's exquisitely crafted The Little Foxes gives historical perspective to the jaundiced machinations of such contemporary financial villains as Bernard Madoff and Michael Milken."
- Julio Martinez, Variety

"A timely tale of greed!"
"The play's social skewering remains satisfyingly fresh."
- Charles McNulty, The Los Angeles Times


“Bottom Line: If you're up for venom and fun, "Little Foxes" in Pasadena is for you!
“Lillian Hellman's warhorse about greed, murder and passion in the Old South proves resilient yet again to the ravages of time.”
- Laurence Vittes, The Hollywood Reporter


“Critics’ Pick!"
- Les Spindle, Back Stage West

"GO!"
- Steven Leigh Morris, LA Weekly


Above Kelly McGillis. (L-R) Julia Duffy, Marc Singer, Kelly McGillis and Steve Vinovich. Photo by Craig Schwartz.

Friday, May 29, 2009

from the Ventura County Star: Playing Birdie in 'Little Foxes' is dream role for 'Newhart' star Julia Duffy

"Playing Birdie in 'Little Foxes' is dream role for 'Newhart' star Julia Duffy Friday, May 29, 2009 By Jeff Favre

It’s not hard to imagine why the casting director for the Pasadena Playhouse’s proposed revival of The Little Foxes hesitated to audition Julia Duffy for the role of Birdie.

After all, Duffy remains in most memories as the cute, pouting maid on Newhart, definitely a far cry from the timid, depressed alcoholic Birdie in Lillian Hellman’s famed 1939 play set in the turn-of-the-20th-century South.

But Duffy, who will turn 58 next month, pegged Birdie as one of the roles she had long admired and that she now felt mature enough to tackle.

'I lobbied hard to be seen for the role, and eventually they let me,' she said last week."

Sure enough, her instincts were correct. Duffy was picked to co-star with Kelly McGillis, who will play the lead role of Regina, in The Little Foxes, which opens tonight at the playhouse under the direction of Dámaso Rodriguez..."

To read the rest of the article at VenturaCountyStar.com, click here.

Julia Duffy in The Little Foxes. Photo by Craig Schwartz