I Loved Lucy, new play about Lucy Ball and Lee Tannen, to have a second reading

 

The new play I Loved Lucy by Lee Tannen has been adapted by the author from his best-selling memoir of the same name for a special (invitation only) second NYC staged reading on 27 Oct 2009.

Directed by Sheryl Kaller, the new play features Obie Award-winner Mary Beth Peil (The Good Wife) as the zany iconic comedienne, Lucille Ball, and Michael Therriault (The Tin Pan Alley Rag) as author Lee Tannen.

I Loved Lucy tells the story of the intimate relationship between Lucy and Lee (who was distantly related to Lucy) during the last decade of her life, a period which has come to be known as the "lost Lucy years," time spent mainly at home out of the television spotlight and around a backgammon table.

Press notes say "It's a candid, funny and poignant look at arguably the most recognizable face on the planet told by a man forty years her junior who became her best pal and closest confidante at the end of her life."

Bios:

Mary Beth Peil (Lucy) currently co-stars in the CBS series 'The Good Wife,' and was recently seen on Broadway in the acclaimed revival of 'Sunday In The ParkWith George.' Other Broadway credits include 'Nine' and 'The King And I' (Tony nomination). She has won three Obie Awards: 'Missing Persons' (Atlantic); 'A Cheever Evening' (Playwrights Horizons) and 'The Naked Truth' (WPA Theatre).

Michael Therriault's (Lee) New York credits include 'Irving Berlin' in 'The Tin Pan Alley Rag' (Roundabout) and 'Motel' in 'Fiddler on The Roof.' West-End/Toronto: 'Gollum' in 'The Lord of the Rings' (Dora Award); 'Leo' in 'The Producers' (Dora Award); over twenty productions with the Stratford Festival including 'Twelfth Night' (Aguecheek); 'The Tempest' (Ariel); and 'The Henry VI series' (Henry VI).

Lee Tannen (Playwright) has written the libretto for the national tour of 'Dr. Dolittle,' starring and directed by Tommy Tune, as well as wrote the book for and co-directed 'Paparazzi' with Tommy Tune for Holland America Lines. He has also written the libretto for 'Miss Spectacular,' a new musical by Jerry Herman, and was one of the featured writers for 'The Audience,' produced by the Transport Group (Drama Desk nomination).

Sheryl Kaller (Director) most recently directed the acclaimed Naked Angels production of 'Next Fall,' by Geoffrey Nauffts that transfers to Broadway in the Spring, and 'Dangerous Beauty,' music by Michele Brourman, lyrics by Amanda McBroom, and book by Jeannine Dominy (A.M.T.P.). Other credits include 'Adrift In Macao,' (Primary Stages and Philadelphia Theater Company); 'Jayson With a Y' (The New Group); 'The Pursuit Of Happiness' (Hudson Stage Company); 'The Molly Maguires' (Berry Center for the Performing Arts) and 'God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater' (The York Theater).

Originally published on

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