‘Under My Skin’ gives a good dose of laughter

What did we do before elevators? In Robert Sternin and Prudence Fraser’s new play, “Under My Skin” which is making its world premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse, an elevator (scenic design by John Iacovelli) has a major role but it won’t make you fear them as death traps (okay, maybe just a little).  This zany look at love, sex, death and healthcare will have you screaming with laughter.

Director Marcia Milgrom Dodge promises that you’ll enjoy this production and I think you will. The pacing must have changed because according to the program, the play was originally performed with no intermission. That might have been too long or have gone too fast. This version, with a 15-minute intermission, feels right and despite the playwrights’ credentials in TV (Fran Drescher’s “The Nanny” and “Who’s the Boss?”), “Under My Skin” never has that sitcom feel and there’s definitely no need for a laugh track.

You’ll immediately know from the accents that we’re in New York. Melody Dent (Erin Cardillo) is a perky single mother with a working class New Yorker whine, taking care of her angry teen daughter Casey (Danielle Soibelman) and her increasingly senile father Sam (Hal Linden). She’s been laid off from her job as assistant branch manager to a bank  (“You know all those banks that were too big to fail? Ours wasn’t one of them.”) Now she and her sexpot best friend Nanette (Megan Sikora) are temps at Amalgamated Heathcare.

The cocky CEO Harrison Badish (Matt Walton) surrounds himself with a thick air of entitlement. He enlists Melody to carry his coffee in the elevator. It’s an old building and the ride can bumpy. He doesn’t want to ruin his suit. When an elevator malfunction leaves the two dead, their no-nonsense angel (Yvette Cason) is befuddled. According to her appointment book, it isn’t their time to die and she mixes up their souls in the wrong body. Fixing this mess up requires a bit of bureaucratic paperwork and she departs to work things out, leaving the two in a gender-bending bind.

Matt Walton and Erin Cardillo in a scene from “Under My Skin” at The Pasadena Playhouse. Photo: Jim Cox.

As you can imagine, the tall hairy Walton  (“Burn After Reading”) in a candy pink dress is hilarious,  but Cardillo (“The Suite Life on Deck”) also gets plenty of laughs as well. Both Walton and Cardillo plumb the physical humor and exploit the script with good comedic timing. The sound design (by Philip G. Allen) adds to the humor. While nothing is crude, the script does get a bit racy. Nanette keeps her phone “in my pocket on vibrate so that no call goes unappreciated” and Cardillo’s Harrison has a close encounter with his high maintenance fiancée (Monette Magrath).

Sternin and Fraser are husband and wife and there’s an equal skewering of both men and women with a good dose humorous affection for both in this script. The focus is not on gender issues, but on the healthcare system and the differences between the haves and have-nots.  As Harrison sums up, “Our business is healthcare, but I’m not sure if we’re caring enough.” If you’ve dealt with health insurance before, you’ve probably had that feeling as well. Most disease du jour movies and plays are either dry intellectual prose or soppy tear jerkers. Sternin and Fraser have given this issue a painless rom-com treatment that may be the best medicine at all.

“Under My Skin” continues until October 7 at the Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Tuesdays-Fridays, 8 p.m. Saturdays, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays, 2 p.m. $32-$100. Call (626) 921-1161 or go to www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

‘Jitney’ paints a colorful picture of Pittsburgh in the 70s

For many of us in Southern California, taxi cabs aren’t often seen or used and we’d have a hard time understanding the problem that August Wilson’s “Jitney” presents. This humorous production at the Pasadena Playhouse until 15 July 2012 originally opened at South Coast Rep in Costa Mesa and is a welcome educational flashback to a poignant past.

A jitney is a gypsy or illegal cab service that serves a people who live in places that ordinary taxis will not venture. Wilson’s 1979 play is set in the fall of 1977, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Wilson was born in that city, the fourth child out of six. “Jitney” was the first of Wilson’s 10-play Pittsburgh cycle which takes on a different decade of Pittsburgh in the 20th century. Written first, chronologically “Jitney” was the seventh in the series.Wilson revised the play several times and he was given a New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 2001 and the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2002.

There is little action on stage but the men meet, talk and argue at this gypsy taxi service. We learn about life in Pittsburgh because taxi drivers see and hear it all, but they see only the poorest of the city (Hill District). They drive people to places regular taxis won’t go and they answer a public phone, marking their departures and returns on a chalkboard. This isn’t a brightly cleaned station. Shaun Motley’s set has blue walls that are now dimmed by the dirt of long neglect.

For background, we have the company gossip, the confirmed old bachelor Turnbo (Ellis Williams). At the beginning of the play, he’s just returned from driving a passenger who was stealing a TV from his own grandmother. The youngest driver Youngblood (Larry Bates) drove by an old woman who is on the path to bag lady purgatory–she’s been evicted and is now in the streets, showing her worn ware to anyone who wants to see up her skirt and cursing God and “went on down the list.” Doub (James A. Watson, Jr.) explains “She was raising up her dress because that’s all anyone ever wanted from her since she was 12 years old.”

Family life in Pittsburgh isn’t good. And that’s not just because of the racism of the times. Fielding (David McNight), an old man who has slipped into alcoholism, once was a tailor in high demand by the popular black singers of the day. The boss of this makeshift company is the widowed Becker (Charlie Robinson).

There are two catalysts for change: Becker’s son was in the penitentiary for 20 years and today he’s being let out and Youngblood’s gal has heard he’s been out late with her sister.

As you can imagine, not all of these stories will turn out well. Under the direction of Ron OJ Parson, we get the color and flavor of life in the Pittsburgh Hill District. Despite the desperation brought on by racism and benign neglect, their lives aren’t all hopeless and demeaning. Parson and his cast bring out the musicality of Wilson’s language while Dana Rebecca Woods reminds us just how popular plaid was once (and it might make your eyes hurt).

“Jitney” continues at the Pasadena Playhouse until 15 July 2012. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena.  The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Single show ticket prices for JITNEY range from $20.00 – $60.00, with Premium Seating available for $100.00.  Rush tickets are available for $15.00 one hour prior to the performance time and are subject to availability.

Rush tickets must be purchased at The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. Tickets are available by calling the Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Monday from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates.  On performance dates the box office is open Tuesday- Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets are available 24 hours online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.  Group Sales (8 or more) are available by calling 626-921-1161. For additional information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

Support the theater arts–and get a tax deduction

Pasadena is becoming a real theater town but theater is a tricky enterprise and Pasadena’s historic Playhouse did file for bankruptcy just a few years ago. So in these last few days of 2011, if you can afford to, make a tax-deductible donation to a Pasadena theater and not only will you benefit when you turn in your 2011 tax forms, but the whole community will benefit from the rich and diverse theater community thriving in Pasadena.

If you’re one of those super organized people, make a tax deduction next month to prepare for a 2012 tax deduction.

Here’s an update on a few of the local theaters with their own personal messages.

A NOISE WITHIN

As you can imagine, it’s hard to start up a new enterprise or re-locate in this current economic climate. A Noise Within had been planning this move for a long time and went forward despite the economic free-fall. They began their first season in Pasadena this year, leaving Glendale (and after that brief interlude in East Los Angeles before returning to Glendale). ANW still needs money.

A long-time Board member and patron has generously agreed to match dollar for dollar up to $50,000 in new and increased gifts to A Noise Within’s operating fund!  There are only 2 days left to contribute to this end-of-year match!

Help us meet the Inaugural Season $50,000 Challenge with your new or increased gift and ensure our programs can give teachers and students the resources they need to successfully teach the classics of great literature in the classroom.

Visit https://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/anoisewithin/donate or call 626 356-3103.

BOSTON COURT

The ever innovative Boston Court decided to go theatrical via Samuel Beckett for their end of the year plea for donations. You can view their video featuring The Theatre @ Boston Court’s Co-Artistic Directors Michael Michetti and Jessica Kubzansky.

To donate, visit Boston Court’s website.

PASADENA PLAYHOUSE

We are very fortunate at The Playhouse to have a very dedicated Board and committed supporters to ensure our fundraising efforts and thanks to them, we have been successful for the health of the organization.  We completed our 2010-2011 season in August, surpassing goals, largely thanks to a new endowment bequeathed to us for theatre maintenance and a generous challenge grant from one of our loyal friends whose leadership inspired others to do the same, along with renewed support from our Board, foundations, and individuals who believe in our mission of bringing artistry to the stage, and offstage with our outreach and education programs.

Our 2011-2012 season, which kicked off in September, raised the bar further with expanded fundraising initiatives to further the organization in its goals for continued excellence in arts presentation, expanded scope and greater community impact with outreach programs, and dedication to new play development.  It is thanks to our patrons and commitment to the community that 2011 is ending on a fundraising high and we look forward to sharing more exciting news in the Playhouse funding arena in the spring of 2012.  We are grateful for the opportunity to thank all of our supporters and to share how important their support is to The Pasadena Playhouse and our exciting future.  - Jennifer Berger, Director of Development

To donate to the Pasadena Playhouse visit their website.

Ennio brings tasteful adult humor to the paper doll

Did you play with paper dolls when you were a kid? Or as a grown-up did you get a Venus de Milo or Michelangelo David cut-out magnet and dress it up? Ennio Marchetto grew up become a living paper doll. He’s a man in a black unitard with expressive eyes, a hairy chest and red, red lips lip-synching while wearing paper costumes that fold into and out of different caricatures of famous people (most of whom are or were American).

This isn’t deep, but it is entertaining. My husband and I had been having a bad week–bad neighbors will do that do you (not so bad they are literally sucking blood). Yet for 90-minutes, we were able to forget our cares and examine our knowledge of pop culture.

Peggy Lee? We know her. Liza Minnelli? Ian didn’t. I did.  Cher, of course. But hip hop singers? We failed. But we did get Justin Bieber. Go, go, go if you can afford it.

Ennio grew up enchanted by Walt Disney, but his characters sometimes take an adult turn. Lady Gaga becomes…well, I don’t want to spoil it? Big-busted Dolly Parton’s boobs bounce and get in her face.  Some things are pulled out of surprising places.

Afterward, skip over to Elements and if you have only a little time and space, try the blueberry sorbet. Heavenly!

ENNIO stars Ennio Marchetto, from an original concept by Ennio Marchetto.  Design and direction is by Ennio Marchetto and Sosthen Hennekam. Lighting and sound design is by Sosthen Hennekam.

ENNIO will play at The Pasadena Playhouse from August 23 – 28, 2011.  The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena.  The performance schedule is Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. All tickets for the Tuesday, August 23rd, performance are $15.00. Regular ticket price range is from $15.00 – $29.00, with Premium Seating available for $100.00. Rush tickets are available for $20.00 one hour prior to the performance time and are subject to availability.  Rush tickets must be purchased at The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. Tickets are available by calling the Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Monday from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates and Tuesday- Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on performance dates.  The box office is closed on holidays.  Tickets are available 24 hours online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.  Group Sales (8 or more) are available by calling 626-921-1161. For additional information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

TV and stage stars perform benefit at Pasadena Playhouse

Imagine you’re on your honeymoon–young, healthy and a bit giddy with courage. You decide to leave the fetters of gravity behind for a brief moment and sail like the bird using a parasail. Thousands of people do it and you don’t need weeks of training, but something went terribly wrong one day in the Bahamas for newlyweds Victor and Crystal Rodriguez: she’s dead and he’s in a hospital learning to walk while under the crippling burden of growing medical debt. Worse, he has no insurance.

Even with insurance, such an injury would mean an incredible plunge into poverty, but the Pasadena Playhouse and some stage and TV celebrities will be performing a special one-night only benefit on 13 September 2011 (7:30 p.m.) to help Victor Rodriguez.

Rodriguez isn’t from Los Angeles, but one of his friends, Jenny Steffens attended the same high school (Natomas Charter School Performing & Fine Arts Academy) as Jonathan White, Pasadena Playhouse’s subscriptions manager. Steffens met Rodriguez after high school in a bit of” Six Degrees of Separation” (which was a play before it was a movie).

Learning of this connection inspired White to arrange this event with the generous sponsorship of the Pasadena Playhouse, using its cozy Carrie Hamilton theatre. White asked a friend and former college classmate (Emerson College), Jordan Kai Burnett to direct.

The Office’s Melora Hardin (Broadway’s Chicago), WINGS’ Steven Weber (Broadway’s The Producers) and That’s So Raven’s Anneliese van der Pol (Broadway’s Beauty & the Beast) will perform in CONCERT FOR VICTOR: A Benefit at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre at The Pasadena Playhouse. This one-night-only event will take place on Tuesday, September 13 at 7:30 PM. All proceeds go to the Rodriguez Family Care Fund.

The evening will also feature performances from Ava Gaudet (Broadway’s Rent), Charley Izabella King (Broadway’s The Producers), Leigh Ann Larkin (Broadway’s Gypsy & A Little Night Music) and others to be announced.

This concert will benefit 23-year-old Victor Rodriguez and his family. In June 2011, Sacramento newlyweds Victor and Crystal Rodriguez went parasailing on the last day of their honeymoon in the Bahamas. At a height of approximately 200 feet their harness snapped, and they fell into the ocean. Crystal was killed, and Victor suffered severe injuries. Neither of them had health or life insurance. They had only been married 12 days.

In a statement, The Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps said “It is always an honor to be able to provide space in our beautiful facility for worthy and important causes.  The Playhouse stage is there for the creation of our art, yes…But it also exists to support important fundraising efforts as we have often done in the past, and do again with great pleasure for this valuable event.”

Tickets are $99 (plus a $4.00 ticketing fee) and includes admission to the post-show reception in The Playhouse’s VIP Lounge. All tickets are General Admission. Seating is limited to the intimate concert benefit.

All of the proceeds including the $4.00 per ticket fee (generously donated by Patron Manager) will go toward Victor’s medical & recovery expenses.
CFV: A Benefit will be directed by Jordan Kai Burnett, featuring accompaniment by Dr. James Lent. The evening is produced by Sacramento-area native Jonathan White.

In a statement, The Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps said “It is always an honor to be able to provide space in our beautiful facility for worthy and important causes.  The Playhouse stage is there for the creation of our art, yes…But it also exists to support important fundraising efforts as we have often done in the past, and do again with great pleasure for this valuable event.”

Tickets for the benefit can be purchased by calling (626) 356-7529, by visiting www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org or in person at The Playhouse Box Office, located at 39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena.

Complimentary parking will be available on a first-come first-served basis, courtesy of Easy Parking.

Additional donations will be accepted the night of the performance as cash or check only (made out to Rodriguez Family Care Fund).
Donations can also be sent via mail to:

R. W. Baird
300 University Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95825

Checks should be made payable to R. W. Baird; c/o Rodriguez Family Care Fund.

• Link to Victor and Crystal Rodriguez’s wedding blog.

Ennio comes to Pasadena Playhouse in August

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Stephen Eich, Executive Director), in association with Glynis Henderson and Jonathan Reinis, announced today that ENNIO, featuring Ennio Marchetto – The Living Paper Cartoon, will play an exclusive, one week only, limited engagement from August 23 – 28, 2011, at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino).

“I had the extreme pleasure of producing ENNIO some years ago in Los Angeles,” stated Executive Director Stephen Eich. “He is an extraordinary talent and the audiences of Los Angeles will once again get to enjoy his unique and wonderful style of performance in this brand new variation of the production for The Playhouse’s exclusive engagement. This is a perfect event for the entire family – economically priced and with curtain times that allow younger audiences the opportunity to join their parents. We are certain that ENNIO will be this summer’s theatrical treat in L.A.”

“We are thrilled that ENNIO will perform in Pasadena this summer,” said producer Glynis Henderson. “The show has delighted audiences in over 70 countries worldwide and we are sure that Pasadena will embrace ENNIO and all of his 50 wonderful characters who will join him onstage including Lady Gaga, Elvis, Adele, Dolly Parton, Eminem, Beyoncé and Fred Astaire!”

No celebrity or public figure is safe from the hilarious and theatrically magical imagination of ENNIO!  Ennio Marchetto is the original transformation artist, revolutionizing the art of origami into a performance that is nothing short of comic genius. Marchetto uses his dynamic physical comedy and ingenious paper costumes to magically morph into parodies of over 50 favorite superstars and personalities.

Born the son of an espresso machine repair engineer in Venice, Italy, Ennio was inspired by the Disney cartoons he watched avidly as a child, the modern choreography of Pina Bausch and the opulence of the Venetian Carnivale. The daydreams of his youth evolved into him creating extravagant costumes and masks for the re-emerging Carnivale in the 1980s – leading to his first cabaret show, which earned him the prestigious Golden Lion Award at the Venetian Entertainment Festival and The Golden Mosquito award for comedy. Upon meeting his collaborative partner, Sosthen Hennekam, a fashion and costume designer, they developed enough paper characters to create a full one-hour show. Following an invitation to perform at The Edinburgh Festival by producer Glynis Henderson, ENNIO quickly became a cult hit and achieved massive critical acclaim.  Having now performed in over 70 countries around the world, ENNIO’s side-splitting performances have crossed all cultural boundaries to entertain everyone from royals and celebrities to his massive international fan base.

Critical praise for ENNIO includes: “It’s an absolute hoot…irrepressible” (New York Times); “Paper with a pulse…flat-out funny!” (Hollywood Reporter); “…unusual, clever and inspired silliness…” (Variety); “…you’re a nightmare if you don’t drop your glassware and run to see it!” (The Village Voice, NY); “A sustained hour of heaven by an entertainer touched by genius…this is performance at its crazy, creative unfettered best.” (Time Out, London); “ENNIO is amazing, inventive and truly out of the ordinary…you must see it.” (Beverly Hills Courier); “…breathtakingly inventive…an hour that zooms by in gales of laughter!” (The Daily News, NY); “…a hilarious parade of delights and surprises. An immensely entertaining, pleasurable, playful evening. A dream of a show!” (San Francisco Examiner).

ENNIO stars Ennio Marchetto, from an original concept by Ennio Marchetto.  Design and direction is by Ennio Marchetto and Sosthen Hennekam. Lighting and sound design is by Sosthen Hennekam.

ENNIO will play at The Pasadena Playhouse from August 23 – 28, 2011.  The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena.  The performance schedule is Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. All tickets for the Tuesday, August 23rd, performance are $15.00. Regular ticket price range is from $15.00 – $29.00, with Premium Seating available for $100.00. Rush tickets are available for $20.00 one hour prior to the performance time and are subject to availability.  Rush tickets must be purchased at The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. Tickets are available by calling the Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Monday from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates and Tuesday- Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on performance dates.  The box office is closed on holidays.  Tickets are available 24 hours online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.  Group Sales (8 or more) are available by calling 626-921-1161. For additional information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

Rebuild Japan fundraiser at Pasadena Playhouse Monday

In response to the devastating events in Japan, producers Patty Onagan and Ronn Goswick have announced Rebuild Japan: A Benefit Concert at The Pasadena Playhouse, a one-night-only event on Monday, April 4 at 7:30pm.  Proceeds will support the American Red Cross and its efforts to assist overseas as Japan begins to rebuild.

A veritable who’s who of Los Angeles and Broadway theatre talent will be coming together to show their support, entertain, and help raise money to assist with Japan’s monumental crisis.  The performers, in alphabetical order, include Erich Bergen (Jersey Boys/The Temperamentals), Doug Carpenter (Life Could Be A Dream/Camelot/Summer of Love), Davis Gaines (The Phantom of the Opera), Julie Garnye (Les Misérables), Adam Halpin (Rent/Glory Days), Cliffton Hall (Wicked), Deedee Mango Hall (Wicked), Alvin Ing (Flower Drum Song/Pacific Overtures), Dale Kristien (The Phantom of the Opera), Jodi Long (Flower Drum Song/Miss Saigon), Megan McGinnis (Dangerous Beauty/Daddy Long Legs), Adam Michaelson (Movin’ Out/Baby It’s You!), Marc Oka (Flower Drum Song/Miss Saigon), Adam Pascal (Aida/Rent), Jennifer Paz (Miss Saigon/The Last Five Years), Valarie Pettiford (Fosse), James Snyder (Cry Baby/Dangerous Beauty), Gwen Stewart (Rent), Yuka Takara (Rent), Lea Thompson (Cabaret), Jennifer Leigh Warren (Little Shop of Horrors/Having It All), and the cast of Glory Days:  Derek Klena, Matthew Koehler, Ian Littleworth, Jeffrey Scott Parsons, and Alex Martinez Wallace.  All appearances are subject to availability.

Said Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps, “I have always found my fellow members of the theatre community to be enormously generous and always willing,  ready, and eager to lend their great gifts to worthy causes, and especially to those who are suffering in extreme circumstances.  This is proving to be true once again.  It is a great honor for The Playhouse to participate in this tremendous effort by offering the use of our beautiful theatre in support of this benefit.  I thank all of those who are participating, and all of those who will take advantage of this opportunity to aid those in need as a result of this devastating event.

The evening will feature The Playhouse’s first ever mainstage cabaret seating concert. The mainstage will “extend” over the orchestra, seating an intimate 300 patrons. Tickets are $75 for cabaret seating (which also includes two drinks), and $30 for balcony seating.  All tickets are sold as general admission.

Pre-show activities begin at 6:30pm with a raffle (items donated by theatres and businesses all over Southern California), refreshments, and entertainment in The Engemann Family Courtyard in front of The Playhouse. Rebuild Japan: A Benefit Concert at the Pasadena Playhouse will be directed by Meredith Greenburg, with Adam Michaelson, James May and Ron Abel serving as musical directors.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (626) 356-7529, by visiting www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, or in person at The Playhouse box office, located at 39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena.

Leslie Uggams journey ‘Uptown Downtown’

With the Pasadena Playhouse rising up from the ashes of bankruptcy, it’s no surprise that they invited Leslie Uggams back. The Tony and Emmy Award-winner broke box office records for the Playhouse during her 2009 portrayal of  actress and singer Lena Horne in “Stormy Weather”).

The pre-Broadway run of “Stormy Weather” holds the record for advance single ticket sales prior to opening night for the Playhouse and the highest gross of the entire run.

Although Uggams never heard directly how the late Horne felt about the play and Uggams performance, she felt no news was good news. No complaints from Horne’s daughter or Horne’s friends and contemporaries. Horne actually touched Uggams life in many ways. Uggams won a Tony for “Hallelujah Baby!”—in the lead role that had been meant for Horne.

In a recent telephone interview, Uggams commented that Horne had been a great icon when she was growing up and felt that people should know about this “great trailblazer.” Uggams blazed a few trails herself. That became clear when she prepared for what was supposed to be a one-night performance at Lincoln Center’s Jazz in New York City. That’s how her currently one-woman autobiographical show, “Uptown Downtown,” was first conceived.

From 1961-1966, Uggams gained national attention as a regular on the NBC TV show, “Sing Along with Mitch.” Uggams was once considered for the lead role of the 1963 film “Cleopatra” that eventually went to Elizabeth Taylor.  Another black actress, Dorothy Dandridge, was in the running. Both were considered controversial choices because of their race.

“Sing Along with Mitch”

Nat King Cole was the first African American to host a national variety show in 1956, and Leslie Uggams was the second African American host but the first African American woman. The show lasted only one season (Cole’s lasted a little over a year) and you can find videos of her on YouTube.  Uggams blazed a trail for women like Oprah. Uggams show featured predominately African American performers and featured a segment about a middle-class African American family, “Sugar Hill.”

Robert Clary and Werner Klemperer on “The Leslie Uggams Show”

Bob Crane and John Banner

Uggams later played Kizzy in the much acclaimed  1977 TV miniseries “Roots” based on Alex Haley’s novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family.” Kizzy was the daughter of an African warrior who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Maryland in 1750s.

Uggams and Sandy Duncan in “Roots”

“It was a ground-breaking story about Americans…. Instead of showing black people as uneducated slaves, it showed how we came from royalty and were kidnapped or abducted yet still managed to survive. That kind of history didn’t get into school books and still doesn’t get into school books,” Uggams commented.

“Roots” won a Golden Globe, a Peabody Award and won nine Emmy Awards out of 36 nominations.  Uggams was nominated, but didn’t win that year. She’d have to wait until 1983 when she received a Daytime Emmy as a host for a variety series., “Fantasy,” a show where ordinary people wrote in to have their wishes granted on national TV.

On stage, Uggams played opposite James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader to generations of geeks, in the 2005 Broadway revival of “On Golden Pond.” Earlier, in 2001, she also starred in August Wilson’s “King Hedley II,” receiving a Tony nomination.

Times have changed. Although Uggams never thought she’d see a black president in her lifetime—a moment that made her proud to be American, wishing her mother and father had been alive to see it—she thought having major movie stars like Will Smith and Denzel Washington “had to happen.” She loves that African Americans are now represented when you turn on the TV or go to the movies.

Leslie Uggams on “The Muppet Show”

Uggams promises there will be glimpses of famous people such as Ella Fitzgerald and events such as her TV appearances and Broadway shows. Of course, she won’t reveal all because what would the show be without a few surprises?

Besides that, expect plenty words of wisdom. Uggams has beat the odds by remaining married for 45 years to the same man, Grahame Pratt. They have two children, Danielle Chambers and Justice Pratt. Her secret to that marital success? She said, “Don’t settle. Be patient and be careful.” She considers her husband her best friend and they genuinely “like each other.”

Uggams didn’t grumble and sound angry about any of the trials she faced, coming up from the Harlem Apollo Theater to Broadway, missing out on parts because of racism. Instead, she was positive and sure that things would get better. Some day, she will write her autobiography. This show is the first baby step in that direction, but Uggams still has no hard plans. After all, she has an indie movie coming out where she plays the wise grandmother and who knows where this show, “Uptown Downtown” will go?

Ed Asner and Leslie Uggams featured in separate productions

The Pasadena Playhouse has quickly come back and offers two productions for this fall: Ed Asner as “FDR,” opening 13 October 2010, and Leslie Uggams in “Uptown Downtown” opening 19 November 2010.  Tickets go on sale today, Friday, 10 September 2010.

The Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Stephen Eich, Executive Director), is pleased to announce their upcoming 2010 fall productions. The doors will reopen with seven-time Emmy Award and five-time Golden Globe Award-winner Ed Asner (“Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Lou Grant”) starring in the solo performance drama, “FDR” based on Dore Schary’s Broadway hit “Sunrise at Campobello.”

Ed Asner as FDR, presented by Pasadena Playhouse, in association with Campobello Theatre Productions Inc. and Gero Productions LLC, runs October 12 – November 7 with the official press opening on Wednesday, October 13.

Tony and Emmy Award-winner Leslie Uggams (Pasadena Playhouse’s “Stormy Weather” and ABC’s “Roots”) returns to the Playhouse stage in Leslie Uggams “Uptown Downtown.” Presented by Pasadena Playhouse, in association with The Kelvin-Pratt Corp., “Uptown Downtown” runs November 16 – December 12 with the official press opening on Friday, November 19.

“My sheer joy at the fact that the Playhouse is resuming what we do best, which is producing great work on the stage, is tremendously heightened by the announcement that these two extraordinary artists will bring their incredible theatrical magic to our theatre. I have known and worked with them both over many years, and have shared a long term and especially rewarding relationship with Leslie at theatres all over the country, including the Playhouse,” said Sheldon Epps, Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director. “I know that our subscribers- and indeed theatre lovers from all over Southern California – will be entranced by Ed’s brilliant incarnation of President Roosevelt, and swept away by the story of Leslie’s own life and history as told through a glorious array of great songs, delivered splendidly in the distinct and magical Uggams Way. Once again, the lights of our theatre will glow, as they have so often in the past, with the tremendous energy that great performers bring to our stage.”

Ed Asner’s New York City Theatre credits include: Ivanov, The Tempest, Face of a Hero, King Henry V, and Born Yesterday. Other theatrical credits include Woyzck, Volpone, Windoweis Houses, Dybbuk, Red Gloves, Murder in the Cathedral, Miss Julie, The Seagull, Peer Gynt, Juno and the Paycock, and Oedipus Rex. Additional television work includes appearances as a recurring guest star on the television series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and an Emmy Award-winning role as Captain Davies in the mini-series “Roots.”

FDR explores the life of one of America’s best-loved presidents and the events and decisions that shaped a nation. This powerful play follows the iconic president as he reflects on his years in office, from inauguration to the trials of World War II.

Leslie Uggams recently won an Audelco Award for her starring role in First Breeze of Summer at the acclaimed Off-Broadway Signature Theatre. She starred as the legendary Lena Horne in the pre-Broadway run of Stormy Weather at Pasadena Playhouse. Stormy Weather is Pasadena Playhouse’s box office record-holder for advance single ticket sales prior to opening night and for the highest gross of an entire run. Leslie’s Broadway appearances have included starring alongside James Earl Jones in On Golden Pond and co-starring in the Broadway hit Thoroughly Modern Millie. In 2001, her Broadway portrayal of Ruby in August Wilson’s King Hedley II was nominated for a Tony Award. Hedley followed two other Audelco Award-winning, critically acclaimed Off-Broadway performances: The Old Settler and Keb Mo’s blues musical Thunder Knocking on the Door. Leslie co-stars in the soon-to-be-released independent film Toe to Toe.

“Leslie Uggams Uptown Downtown” is a dazzling musical evening with the legendary Leslie Uggams. In stories and song, Leslie recreates her extraordinary journey from uptown to downtown. From Mitch Miller to “Roots.” From the Apollo Theater to Broadway. “Uptown Downtown,” featuring direction by Stormy Weather’s Michael Bush and musical direction by Don Rebic, played earlier this year at New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena.

FDR begins performance October – November 7 with the official press opening on Wednesday, October 13. “Uptown Downtown” begins performances on November 16 – December 12 with the official press opening on Friday, November 19.

The performance schedule for both productions is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Please check the website at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org for scheduled Wednesday matinee performances. Tickets are now on sale for both productions. FDR ticket prices range from $29.00 – $59.00 and “Uptown Downtown” range from $39.00 – $69.00.

Rush tickets are available for $15.00 one hour prior to the performance time and are subject to availability. Rush tickets must be purchased at the Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. Tickets are available by calling the Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-PLAY or by visiting the Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates and Tuesday- Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on performance dates.

The box office is closed on holidays. Tickets are available 24 hours online at www.Pasadenaplayhouse.org. Group Sales (15 or more) are available by calling 626-792-8672

PASADENA PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

OCTOBER 12 – NOVEMBER 7, 2010 (OPENS: OCTOBER 13)
FDR
Presented by Pasadena Playhouse, in association with Campobello Theatre
Productions Inc. and Gero Productions LLC
Starring Ed Asner
A play by Dore Schary

NOVEMBER 16 – DECEMBER 12, 2010 (OPENS: NOVEMBER 19)
LESLIE UGGAMS UPTOWN DOWNTOWN
Presented by Pasadena Playhouse, in association with The Kelvin-Pratt Corp.
With Leslie Uggams
Directed by Michael Bush
Musical Direction by Don Rebic

DECEMBER 16 – 18, 2010
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS
Presented by The Intimate Opera Company of Pasadena
An opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti
Starring Suzanna Guzman as the Mother*
Directed by Stephanie Vlahos
*Suzanna Guzman will perform on December 16th and 17th only.

DECEMBER 24 – 31, 2010
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
Presented by Pasadena Dance Theatre (Artistic Director, Cynthia Young)
Choreography by Cynthia Young
Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

JANUARY 2011 (DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED)
DANGEROUS BEAUTY
Presented by Pasadena Playhouse
Book and Verse by Jeannine Dominy
Lyrics by Amanda McBroom
Music by Michele Brourman
Directed by Sheryl Kaller
Choreography by Benoit-Swan Pouffer
Vocal Arrangements by AnnMarie Milazzo

For additional information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.