LATEST NEWS
CASTING TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING

The cast (l. to r.) Dan Parker, Jeanne Sakata, Larry Bates, Brenda Canela, Daniel Chaffin and Tom Shelton of Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

10/29/08 • The cast of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (link to 2.1.3.1) has begun rehearsals and features some familiar faces to fans of SCR’s Theatre for Young Audiences series. Tom Shelton takes on the roles of Dad, Ralph and Viktor. Who can forget Tom’s hilarious turn as the earthworm in James and the Giant Peach? Daniel Chaffin, who headlined last year’s educational touring production of You’re Getting Warmer, will portray Peter, and playing his annoying younger brother, Fudge, is Daniel T. Parker, no stranger to SCR having been in The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Habeas Corpus. Rounding out the cast are Larry Bates, Jeanne Sakata and Brenda Canela. Judy Blume’s hilarious tale of sibling rivalry runs on the Julianne Argyros stage November 7-23.

THE HEIRESS SHINES

Bob and Susan Ehrlich with actor Tony Amendola

10/29/08 • A standing ovation followed by a lively party. That’s the makings of a great First Night at South Coast Repertory. Following their bows, The Heiress cast members made their way to backstage dressing rooms where they shed period costumes, wigs and make-up before heading for Ela’s Terrace and a reception with First Nighters. The rave reviews at the party (“Marvelous!”— Susan Ehrlich; “Spot-on!” —Olivia Johnson) were followed by kudoes from the Orange County Register (“Still makes us gasp!”), the Long Beach Press Telegram (“Engaging drama!”) and Variety (“Delivers the crowd-pleasing goods!” ).
To enjoy more astute comments from First Nighters and more lively photos, visit SCR Party Play with Ann Conway (link to 3.9.1).

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

10/22/08 • For a fascinating behind-the-scenes account on the making of the lavish period costumes of The Heiress, check out Paul Hodgins' story in the Orange County Register .
Costume designer Maggie Morgan, right, goes over the finishing touches of a 1850's cherry red silk taffeta dress with cutter Bronwen Burton. The 19th-century hoop dress will be featured in The Heiress at South Coast Repertory.
Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Orange County Register

FIRST NIGHTERS TO HOBNOB WITH GREENBERG

The playwright at First Night of A Naked Girl on the Appian Way with Linda Kensay and Teri Kennady

10/22/08 • Subscribers to SCR’s Segerstrom Stage — and playgoers across the Southland — just got the news that TBA (to be announced) now has a name! It’s called Our Mother’s Brief Affair, a world premiere by Tony Award winner Richard Greenberg, directed by Pam MacKinnon. The SCR-commissioned play will anchor the theatre’s 12th Annual Pacific Playwrights Festival, running April 3 through May 3, 2009.

Adult siblings Seth and Abby have reunited to tend to their elderly mother, Anna, who has come close to dying more than once. But this time something is different. This time Anna has a story to tell, about long-ago Saturday afternoons, about escorting young Seth to his viola lessons at Juilliard despite his constant protestations — and about what she did while he played scales. A love affair made out of weekly matinees at a small hotel, with a man whose name is synonymous with betrayal.

Our Mother’s Brief Affair is the ninth SCR World Premiere by the prolific playwright, who will be ‘in residency’ in Costa Mesa from the first rehearsal through opening night on April 10. Those who subscribe to First Nights at SCR will have the opportunity to to join the playwright for the show that evening and remain for the exciting post-production party with all the artists. To learn more about becoming a First Nights subscriber and joining the fun at Our Mother’s Brief Affair—and all the other SCR openings—call Laura Bleiberg at (714) 708-5590.