Can We Talk...About Joan?

Earlier this year, David Ivers attended a small play reading of Joan attended not only by playwright Daniel Goldstein, but Melissa Rivers, the daughter of the play’s subject—legendary comedian Joan Rivers, and Larry Amoroso, Rivers’ friend, longtime colleague and writer. What he heard in that intimate setting seized his attention.

“There is no one more iconic, hilarious, subversive and brilliant than Joan Rivers,” Ivers said. “She was a trailblazer with a lightning-fast mind, a love for family and a deep well of generosity. Danny’s play about her and her life is honest, hilarious and powerfully moving. I’m certain that NewSCRipts is a perfect fit for us to move this new play forward toward its eventual production here or elsewhere.”

Ivers will direct Joan, the latest in SCR’s NewSCRipts play reading series, which takes the Julianne Argyros Stage Monday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.. Part of The Lab@SCR, NewSCRipts provides a forum for talented writers to showcase their new plays in front of an audience. The process also gives play-reading fans the opportunity to not only see those plays in their early development, but take part in SCR’s play-development process.

NewSCRipts readings are free and open to the public. Reserve your tickets by calling SCR’s Ticket Services Office at 714-708-5555.

Joan explores the life of the only female comedian to stay on top for 60 years and the pioneer who opened the door for all the funny women who came after. From Greenwich Village comedy clubs to "The Tonight Show" to Hollywood’s red carpets, Joan Rivers made and remade her career through triumph, tragedy and the rollercoaster ride of motherhood. Joan takes you up close and personal with the famously edgy, fearless and loving legend in this hilarious and heartbreaking account of an American icon.