Tag Archives: #Theatre

Two Nights, Two Shows – Only One New York!

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A highlight from last month in beautiful New York was having the opportunity to see two fantastic productions playing on Broadway!

First – Shakespeare’s King Lear directed by Sam Gold – What an honor to see the legendary, Glenda Jackson, in the title role! I have followed Jackson’s brilliant career for as long as I can remember, so this was such a special treat to see her incredible performance as Lear opposite the extraordinary, Ruth Wilson. If you’re familiar with Shakespeare’s King Lear, you will no doubt remember the significant storm scene in Act Three, Scene One. Funny enough, on the way to the Cort Theatre this particular night, I was literally caught in a heavy downpour with flash flood warnings! My Lyft driver was trying not to panic as he was getting numerous alerts as to the impending flash floods. He confidently yelled back to me while en route – “Don’t worry – I know we’re in a storm but I’ll get you to the theatre on time!” I couldn’t help but smile as I thought to myself – well this really is the perfect weather in which to see King Lear. This show has now closed, however the wonderful memory of this evening and production, will definitely live on.

The second production I saw whilst in New York was HADESTOWN. I can’t even begin to express how much this show captivated my heart. From the stellar cast, to the incredible set, to the music to the staging – HADESTOWN truly took my breath away. Directed by Rachel Chavkin with Music, Lyrics and Book by Anaïs Mitchell, I remember being not even half way through the First Act, thinking – “Oh my gosh! I wish I had another night to see this show again.”  Winner of 8 Tony awards (including Best Musical!) with 14 nominations – Hadestown tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where Orpheus goes to the underworld to rescue his fiancée Eurydice. Hades is played brilliantly by Patrick Page! Do go see Hadestown at the William Kerr Theatre if you’re in New York or are planning to visit. You’ll be so glad you did!

Until next time, New York…

 

THREE ELIZABETHS – March 9th & 10th Ruby Theatre @ the Complex!

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slider-3liz-1000x391-bHave you ever wondered what life was really like for the Elizabeth I of England? Her inner world, the men she loved, the struggles she faced to maintain her crown? This weekend, you can find out! Please join us for two exclusive performances of THREE ELIZABETHS, a new play by Tony nominated director/choreographer Tony Tanner.

This unique play shows Elizabeth the First in three different stages of her life, portrayed by three actresses on stage at the same time: Elizabeth the Younger, played by Lonni Silverman; Elizabeth the Queen, played by Susan Hanfield; and Elizabeth the Dowager, played by Jean Gilpin. Ghosts from their past re-emerge and interact with them throughout the production.

Our outstanding cast also includes Elyse Ashton as Mary, Queen of Scots; Damon Kirche as the men in Elizabeth’s life (Seymour, Leicester & Essex); Tad Atkinson as Dickon; Kaye Kittrel as Mary Tudor with Matt Hennerson and Joe Hulser alternating as Henry VIII.

Costume design by Cairin Jacobs.

Performances of THREE ELIZABETHS will be on March 9th and 10th will be at 2pm in the Ruby Theatre @ The Complex in Hollywood. If you would like to make a reservation, please email ThreeElizabethsReservationss@gmail.com.

 

New Play – THREE ELIZABETHS – on stage in early 2019!

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So it begins. Great first rehearsal today of new play THREE ELIZABETHS written & directed by Tony nominated director and choreographer, Tony Tanner.

I couldn’t be more excited to be playing Queen Elizabeth I, alongside an incredible cast! The premise of this piece is so unique – Elizabeth the First, in three different stages of her life. Three different actresses on stage at the same time – Elizabeth the Younger, Elizabeth the Queen, Elizabeth the Dowager. Figures from their past re-emerge and interact with them.

We did a staged reading of this play a little while ago, receiving a wonderful response, that has now prompted a full production.

Stay tuned for performance details coming in early 2019!

Carousel on Broadway – A Truly Magical Night!

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I am still in awe thinking about the Broadway revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, directed by Jack O’Brien! What a treat to see this powerfully rich show on my last night in beautiful NYC. The emotionally stirring music, gorgeous choreography, exquisite set design and absolutely stunning performances, literally took my breath away!

I was especially looking forward to seeing Jessie Mueller on stage, as I’ve been following her career since she starred in Beautiful a few years back and I just love her work, always fresh, real and so captivating.  Joshua Henry was riveting as Billy Bigelow and Renée Fleming brought the house down with “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

If you are in NYC or planning a trip, do check out this incredible show! Now playing at The Imperial Theatre.

Celebrations from 2017 and Cheers to 2018!

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Wishing you a wonderful 2018 – may this new year be filled with much joy, laughter, good health and your deepest dreams coming true!  As I look back on 2017, I am so grateful for the many memories, opportunities and experiences that this year brought. Here are a few of the highlights:

As an audiobook narrator, 2017 began with much excitement and the tremendous honor of receiving a 2017 Audie Award nomination in the Young Adult Category for The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough, published by Scholastic Audio and produced by Deyan Audio. The year continued at an exhilarating pace with the opportunity to form new relationships with publishers, such as Tantor Media, Brilliance Audio and Recorded Books, along with many wonderful new authors, where I had the joy of narrating a wide variety of fascinating titles.

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As an actor, three films that I had the pleasure of working on were screened around the world! 96 Souls, a sci-fi feature directed by Stanley Jacobs, in which I play a sympathetic shelter processor, acquired worldwide distribution and began it’s nationwide theatrical release on May 26th beginning at the Laemmle Music Hall in Beverly Hills. Je Suis (i AM) a hard-hitting short film directed by Faith Strongheart made it’s theatrical debut this year at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival where it screened at the short film corner. Magdalene, a 1930s period piece film, directed by Rebecca Cremona, in which I play the lead and title character, screened in Malta this year at the Malta Film Expo!

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On stage, I had the great joy of playing Regan in William Shakespeare’s King Lear directed by Tony Tanner at the T. U. Theatre. I was also thrilled to perform at UCLA this year as Phedre in Jean Racine’s Phedre directed by Dennis Gersten.

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Farewell, 2017! It’s been an amazing year and one that I’m extremely thankful for.

Join Susan Hanfield next week for PHAEDRA at UCLA!

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Phaedra-slideThrilled to be playing Phaedra next week at UCLA as we bring Jean Racine’s PHAEDRA to life! Sponsored by the UCLA Law Department and performed by members of the Interact Theatre Company we hope you can join us for a staged reading this coming Monday, Oct 23rd at 7:45pm!

The UCLA Law School Staged Reading Series was created in 1999 by UCLA Law Professor Emeritus Daniel Lowenstein.  For the past 18 years, audiences have gathered to discuss, debate and enjoy the ethical and societal issues raised by a selection of well written, excellent plays, such as this one!

Please join us this coming Monday evening in LAW 1457.  Admission is free!