Sharon Playhouse presents staged reading of ‘Die Mommie Die!’

Sharon Playhouse presents staged reading of ‘Die Mommie Die!’

Charles Busch wrote and stars in ‘Die Mommie Die!’ at Sharon Playhouse.

Provided

Following the memorable benefit reading last season of Charles Busch’s Tony-nominated Broadway hit, “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife,” the Sharon Playhouse will present a one-night-only staged reading of his riotous comic melodrama “Die Mommie Die!” on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.

The production —a deliciously over-the-top homage to classic Hollywood mid-century thrillers — ­­continues the Playhouse’s artistic partnership with Busch, who reprises his iconic role of the glamorous yet troubled songstress Angela Arden.

The playwright and performer is no stranger to the Playhouse and, luckily, he’s supported by a truly stellar powerhouse cast of top-notch comic actors — some returning to the Playhouse stage, and some making their debut. The cast includes Richard Kind; two-time Tony Award nominee Kristine Nielsen, who was part of the original New York cast; Tony Award winner Celia Keenan-Bolger; Andrew Keenan-Bolger; and Claybourne Elder.

The production also marks a fortuitous alignment of talent and history. It is directed by Sharon Playhouse Artistic Director Carl Andress, who performed in the play’s Los Angeles premiere in 1999.

“I have a long and happy history with this particular show,” Andress said. “At the Sharon Playhouse, we’re thrilled to offer unforgettable, one-of-a-kind live experiences. With Charles Busch and this phenomenal cast, ‘Die Mommie Die!’ will surely light up the Olsen Stage with laughter, wit and glamour.”

The original music is by Lewis Flinn, whose score for the 2007 Off-Broadway production is being adapted specially for this event.

The play is a classic Charles Busch concoction that, like all his work, lovingly and intelligently spoofs some of the greatest talents and tropes of stage and screen. The original production was praised by critics as his “funniest, most accomplished and, without question, raunchiest work.”

In 2003, Busch won the Best Performance award at the Sundance Film Festival for the film version of “Die Mommie Die!” His indelible contributions to American theater have been recognized with countless awards and he was recently inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

The event promises to be an unforgettable night of laughter, glamour and theatrical fun, with all proceeds going to benefit Sharon Playhouse’s productions and educational programs. The funds will help ensure that the Playhouse continues to thrive as a cultural destination for audiences and artists alike.

For tickets, visit: sharonplayhouse.org. Running time: 90 minutes.

Richard Feiner and Annette Stover have worked and taught in the arts, communications, and philanthropy in West Berlin, Paris, Tokyo, and New York. Passionate supporters of the arts, they live in Salisbury and Greenwich Village.

Latest News

Zombie art
Bill Murphy

The rocker/director Rob Zombie unveiled his first-ever art exhibition, “What Lurks on Channel X?” at an opening reception at Morrison Gallery in Kent on Oct. 25. Zombie (left) is pictured here with Jed Hotchkiss, an artist from Canaan. The exhibition will be on view until Nov. 16.

‘Der Golem’ comes alive at the Mahaiwe

The silent film ‘Der Golem’ will be brought to life with a live klezmer-infused score at The Mahaiwe.

Provided

On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington will present a screening of Paul Wegener’s “Der Golem”(1920), accompanied by a live klezmer-infused score.

Conductor Jonathan Yates transforms traditional Yiddish folk melodies and Jewish liturgical music into a rich, cinematic soundscape performed live by clarinetist Saerom Kim and the Avalon String Quartet.

Keep ReadingShow less
Meet your new design consultants: your kids

Katalina Mayland (age 14) in her bedroom.

Lam Nguyen

As an interior designer, I’ve learned that sometimes the smallest voices in the room can have the biggest impact on a project. Over the years, more and more of my clients have begun looping their children into our design communication threads. Sometimes they’re quiet observers, other times they’re very vocal about what they love —o r absolutely can’t stand. And more often than not, I’ll hear the parents say, “Well, that’s the one the kids agreed to, so we’ll go with that.”

And honestly, I love that.

Keep ReadingShow less