Contact: Carol MacLeod O: 602-765-0120 H: 480-951-3618 cjmacleod60@hotmail.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Studio premieres “Last Lists of My Mad Mother” on September 20 New theatre troupe features favorite Valley artists Phoenix, AZ – September 18, 2006 – The Studio, an innovative new theatre organization founded by working Valley artists, opens its first play, The Last Lists of My Mad Mother by Julie Jensen, on Wednesday September 20 at 7:30 PM. The show runs until Sept. 30 (no performance on Mon. Sept. 25); tickets are $20 and can be purchased at 602-765-0120. Mad Mother is a funny and poignant look at the toll Alzheimer’s takes on a parent-child relationship. The magnificent play reveals the humor within the tragedy while celebrating the triumph of the human spirit. The cast includes New York actress and Studio member Kate Butler in the role of Ma, a once strong and vital woman caught in the tangles of her own mental decline. Kate has premiered three of Edward Albee’s plays including his Pulitzer Prize-winning Three Tall Women in which she originated the role of B. Her TV and film credits include Law and Order and A League of Their Own. Local actor & Studio member Maureen Dias plays Dot, the daughter who uses humor to mask her pain as she struggles with caring for her difficult mother. Dee Rich, another favorite local actor & Studio member, plays Sis, the eldest daughter who can only phone in advice from afar. Mad Mother is directed by Jere Hodgin, Producing Artistic Director of the Idaho Repertory Theatre. A 25-year director in professional and academic theater, Jere served as Artistic Director for the Mill Mountain Playhouse for 20 years and is currently serving as Vice President of the Board of The National Alliance for Musical Theatre. The Studio is a not-for-profit member organization founded by many of the same people who founded Actors Theatre in 1985.
The Studio premieres “Last Lists of My Mad Mother” on September 20
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“We’re committed to revolutionizing the interaction between theatre artists and the community,” said Board Member Judy Rollings. “For the community, we offer a unique opportunity to see local professionals in innovative projects up-close and personal – our largest theatre seats just 90 guests.” “There is an abundant supply of talent in the Phoenix area,” Judy continued. “The Studio provides a space that working actors, producers, playwrights, directors, and other theatre artists can come to hone their craft in small productions, readings, workshops and special programs. Our programs are designed to bring these artists together with current and future theatre lovers of all ages.” This season’s slate is rich in creative and educational programs including •
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Voices Over 50, a unique series that celebrates the talents, contributions and achievements of theater artists and audience members who have reached their 50th year A Weekend with Will Checking Out Chekhov Great Playwrights Series New Playwrights Series A lecture series covering film, plays and music The Children’s Outreach Program Readings, workshops and classes.
MEDIA PASSES: Please call 602-765-0120 to reserve a media pass.
ABOUT THE STUDIO The Studio, a cultural oasis in an area that boasts no other theater opportunities, is located at 4848 E. Cactus Rd. #406 in Phoenix. Ample parking in a beautiful tree lined area surrounds this unique theatre space. From Cactus, turn north on Paradise Village Parkway, then turn left into the third driveway and look for the bright purple building. # # #
The Studio premieres “Last Lists of My Mad Mother” on September 20
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