PHOTO CALL: Bette Midler, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Westfeldt, Alexis Bledel, Rory O’Malley, Tony Danza Celebrate Opening Night of Billy & Ray | Playbill

News PHOTO CALL: Bette Midler, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Westfeldt, Alexis Bledel, Rory O’Malley, Tony Danza Celebrate Opening Night of Billy & Ray Billy & Ray, Mike Bencivenga’s new comedy about the making of the classic film "Double Indemnity," officially opened at the Vineyard Theatre Oct. 20 following previews that began Oct. 1.

Directed by Garry Marshall, the play continues through Nov. 23.

Bette Midler, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Westfeldt, Alexis Bledel, Rory O’Malley, Tony Danza Celebrate Opening Night of Billy & Ray


Vincent Kartheiser, known for playing the advertising anti-hero Pete Campell on "Mad Men," plays Billy Wilder. Larry Pine co-stars as Raymond Chandler.

Joining Kartheiser ("Mad Men," "In Time") and Pine (Casa Valentina, The Royal Family) are Sophie von Haselberg (The Cat and the Canary) as Wilder's secretary and Drew Gehling (Jersey Boys, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as a studio chief.

The play "follows literary odd couple writer-director Billy Wilder and novelist Raymond Chandler as they contentiously collaborate to adapt the novel 'Double Indemnity' for the silver screen. Set in 1940s Hollywood, Billy & Ray is the true story of how two brilliant and thorny artists battled the Hollywood censors and each other to create a groundbreaking movie classic."

The production features scenic design by Charlie Corcoran, costume design by Michael Krass, lighting design by Russell Champa and sound design by David Van Tieghem. Joseph Leo Bwarie is assistant director.

Marshall directed the play's world premiere in spring 2013 at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank, CA.

Marshall is a five-time Emmy nominee, having created, written and produced the sitcoms "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," "Mork & Mindy" and "The Odd Couple." He wrote the plays Shelves and The Roast. His film directing credits include "Pretty Woman," "Beaches," "Overboard," "The Princess Diaries 1 & 2," "Runaway Bride," "Valentine’s Day" and "New Year’s Eve."

The Vineyard Theatre is located at 108 E. 15 St. Visit vineyardtheatre.org for more information. 

 
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