The popular columnist RAndy Cohen ("The Ethicist," New York Times Magazine) will share the stage with the two-time Tony-winning actress Judith Ivey -- who portrays the legendary columnist Ann Landers in the hit play THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS - for a talk-back discussion following the 8 p.m. performance of LADY on Thursday, November 12 at the Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce St.)
The talk-back - which will welcome questions from the audience - will include a discussion and observations about the life and career of the late columnist Ann Landers (born Eppie Lederer), who was one of the most beloved, popular and influential people in America from 1955 to 2002 when some 60 million people read her daily syndicated newspaper column in which she answered readers' questions and dispensed advice on subjects ranging from sex, marriage, manners and homosexuality to tips for homemakers who confessed they enjoyed doing their housecleaning in the nude. Set on the night when Landers wrote the column in which she informed her readers that her own marriage had failed, THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS also depicts Landers' great if little-known humanitarian efforts for such causes she held dear as cancer research and U.S. soldiers in Viet Nam.
Written by David Rambo, directed by BJ Jones and starring Ms. Ivey, THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS began previews on Oct. 7, opened Oct. 14 and runs through Nov. 29 as the opening production of the Cherry Lane Theatre's 2009-10 season.
Best-known as "The Ethicist" columnist for the New York Times Magazine, RAndy Cohen has written humor articles, essays and stories for numerous newspapers and magazines, including The New Yorker, Harper's and The Atlantic. He received three Emmy Awards as a writer for "Late Night with David Letterman," and earned a fourth Emmy for "TV Nation." He is the author of several books, including "The Good, the Bad & the Difference: How to Tell Right from Wrong in Everyday Situations."
One of the theatre's most accomplished and beloved actresses, Judith Ivey won Tony Awards for her performances in the plays STEAMING and HURLYBURLY. Her many stage credits include having played "Mommy" in Cherry Lane's celebrated productions of Edward Albee's "AMERICAN DREAM," directed by the playwright last year, and the solo play WOMEN ON FIRE. Ms. Ivey's film credits include "Devil's Advocate," "Washington Square" and "Brighton Beach Memoirs," and she starred in four television series including "Designing Women."
Of her performance in THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS, The New York Daily News wrote, "Judith Ivey is letter-perfect as Ann Landers"; the Associated Press wrote that Ivey is "absolutely charming" as the advice columnist; and The New York Times Ivey captured Ann Landers "with touching authenticity."
Tickets to the November 12th performance and talk-back as well as seats to all performances of THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS can be reserved by calling Telecharge at 212 239 6200 or online at www.cherrylanetheatre.org. Scheduled through November 29, 2009, THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS performs Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $40 and $50.
Angelina Fiodellisi is Artistic Director of the Cherry Lane Theatre; James King is Managing Director.
Photo credit: Walter McBride
