Photo Coverage: Actors Fund Presents VALLEY OF THE DOLLS

Last night, March 15, The Actor's Fund presented a one-night-only benefit performance of VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, a stage adaptation of the 1967 film, at the Gerald W. Lynch Theatre at John Jay College. The evening will benefit their programs and services.

The starry event featred cast members Charles Busch (as Helen Lawson), Heidi Blickenstaff (as Neely O'Hara), Tovah Feldshuh (as Miriam Polar), Martha Plimpton (as Anne Welles), Nancy Anderson (as Jennifer North), Craig Bierko (as Lyon Burke), Daniel Reichard (Ted Casablanca and Mel), Julie Halston (as Miss Steinberg and others), Troy Britton Johnson (as Tony Polar), Julia Murney (as The Singer), Brad Oscar (as Mr. Bellamy and others) and Ed Watts (as Kevin Gilmore and others).

VALLEY OF THE DOLLS follows the lives of three women - naive New Englander Anne Welles, aspiring singer Neely O'Hara, and buxom beauty Jennifer North - as they attempt to achieve fame and fortune in show business.

As this legendary story unfolds, each starlet discovers that Hollywood is full of pitfalls and heartbreak. Instead of the happiness they seek, the trio descends into a dark world of sex, alcoholism, suicide and a chemical dependence on a variety of prescription "dolls."

The performance was directed by Carl Andress (Die Mommie Die!).

The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment. The Fund, which supports actors and performers and everyone behind the scenes who works in theatre, film, TV, music, dance, radio and opera, is a safety net, providing social services and emergency assistance, health services, employment and training programs and housing support for those who are in need, crisis or transition. Learn more about The Actors Fund at www.actorsfund.org.

Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi