Two new shows and an evening of original one-acts are in the offing at the Stella Adler Theatre, located in the Hollywood theatre complex which bears the late actress-drama coach's name.
Are You Somebody?, an evening with Kathleen Freeman, will debut April 1 and run through April 18, with a special closing-night benefit performance.
Noted character actress Freeman interweaves funny and touching anecdotes about her 50 years in films, theatre and television with film clips, comedy sketches and special musical numbers.
Among Freeman's credits are the touring companies of South Pacific, Annie and Death Trap. Film work includes "The Blues Brothers" and "Singin' in the Rain." Television credits include recurring roles on "The Donna Reed Show? and "Married With Children." Somebody was written by Jim Evering and Freeman. Original music numbers are by Billy Barnes and Paul Horner. Evering directs.
On April 22, through May 30, The Great Houdini will take center stage at the Stella Adler. Written by Stacy D. Tanner from a story by Alan J. London, the shows stars Jim Bentley as Houdini. Jerry Vasilatos is the director. The theatre is also seeking original scripts for its Annual One-Act Festival, which is scheduled for production in late spring.
Plays of all types and genres will be considered, but they should not be longer than 15 minutes in length. The top six scripts will be produced and 23 scripts will receive staged readings in late spring during the 50th anniversary celebration of Adler's teachings.
Submissions, along with a $10 reading fee, should be sent to the Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd floor, Hollywood, CA. 90028. For show tickets and information call (323) 769-5312.
-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent
