Actor Dan Lauria, in conversation with Peter Filichia, theater critic emeritus at the Star-Ledger, will discuss his career and The Godfather Tales, a collection of children's stories he created for his godson, Julian, at a special event Monday, Dec. 16, 2013 at Society of Illustrators, 128 East 63rd St.
The star of A Christmas Story, The Musical, playing at The Theater at Madison Square Garden Dec. 11-29, 2013, will sign copies of his book, "The Blue Hair Club and Other Stories" following the program with Filichia, which begins at 5:30 pm (doors open at 5.)
Proceeds from the books' sales benefit The Front Door Agency, a charity assisting single moms and families in crisis. The book ($21.73 including tax), geared toward kids aged 5-10, may be purchased at the event by cash or check payable to The Godfather Tales, Inc.
A Christmas Story's famous "leg lamp" will be on hand, along and kids from the cast of A Christmas Story, The Musical who will read excerpts from the book and entertain. Drawings will be held for tickets to the show at Madison Square Garden and for CDs of the musical's soundtrack. Some delicious "Oh, fudge!," courtesy of the show, will be served. Cash bar.
Seating is limited and RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED to attend. Email BookEventRSVP@cox.net with names of those attending and the number of books you would like to reserve.Dan Lauria (Author) Dan Lauria has appeared as a guest star in over seventy television episodic programs and more than 20 Movie Of The Week productions. He has a score of film credits which include, STAKEOUT, ANOTHER STAKEOUT, and the commercial blockbuster, INDEPENDENCE DAY and the Frank Miller production of Will Esiner's; THE SPIRIT. Dan was also in the cult comedy: ALIEN TRESPASS. Dan is a very familiar face to the off-off, off and regional theatre scene having performed, written or directed over 50 professional stage productions. In 2010/11 Dan was seen on Broadway as the legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the long running production of LOMBARDI, directed by Mr. Thomas Kail, with the beautiful and talented Judith Light playing Marie Lombardi. Dan returned to Broadway in the 2013 production of the Tony nominated production of A CHRISTMAS STORY: The Musical directed by John Rando. However, Dan is most recognized as the Dad on the highly acclaimed Emmy winning, ABC television show, THE WONDER YEARS. Currently, Dan can be seen as Jack Sullivan on the new TBS sitcom; SULLIVAN & SON with Steve Byrne as SON.
Cathryn Farnsworth (Co-Author) Photographing families and capturing kids in their truest form of happiness, creativity and wonder, Cathryn Farnsworth has written many custom children's books. Cathryn creates a tale interweaving her photographs and the children's unique personalities. In 2011, Cathryn won the award for Best Headshot Photographer in Los Angeles. She has also had the privilege of working with authors, including photographing the covers of several best selling novels. Originally from Littleton, Colorado, Cathryn resides in Los Angeles with her magnificent son, Julian, Dan's godson.
Brandon Morino (Illustrator) Brandon Morino is an illustrator living in Los Angeles. With an emphasis on creating expressive character design, over the years he's lent his skills to many major publications, including The Hollywood Reporter and the Los Angeles Daily News; companies such as Citibank and DimensionU; public relations firms like MS&L and Cerrell Associates; and published works including "Skye the Troll" by Apryl Skies, "Che: The Lost Diaries" by David Carter , and his own self-published title "The Big H". Brandon is a "Mac" guy, enjoys Tabasco sauce on (nearly) everything, and is a taco aficionado par excellence.
Peter Filichia (moderator) Peter Filichia is the theater critic emeritus for both the Newark Star-Ledger and its television station, News 12 New Jersey. He writes a weekly column for Musical Theatre International. He has served four terms as president of the Drama Desk, the New York Association of Drama Critics and is now head of the voting committee and the emcee of the Theatre World Awards. A frequent contributor to theater publications and the writer of many cast-album CD liner notes, he lives in New York City. His most recent book is Strippers, Showgirls, and Sharks: A Very Opinionated History of the Broadway Musicals That Did Not Win the Tony Award. Later this week at St. John's Lutheran Church at 81 Christopher St., Filichia's play, Adam's Gifts: A New Christmas Carol, premieres.
Additional information: A Christmas Story, The Musical, three-time Tony nominated production, plays The Theater at Madison Square Garden (December 11 - 29). For tickets and information: www.theateratmsg.com/achristmasstory or 866-858-0008.
The musical features a bright, nostalgic score by composer/lyricist team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a witty book by Joseph Robinette based on the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd and the 1983 film favorite. Tony Award winner John Rando (Urinetown) directs the production with Warren Carlyle (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Chaplin, Follies) choreographing.
Masterworks Broadway released the World Premiere Recording of A Christmas Story, The Musical both digitally and on CD.
The Society's mission is to promote the art of illustration, to appreciate its history and evolving nature through exhibitions, lectures and education, and to contribute the service of its members to the welfare of the community at large. Founded in 1901, the Society has had a distinguished yet lively history as an active participant in the ever-changing field of illustration. The vitality of the organization depends on attracting qualified artists and others to join us in our mission. For more information, visit www.societyillustrators.org.
THE FRONT DOOR AGENCY, INC. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with a rich history of helping individuals and families in the greater Nashua, NH area transition from crisis to self-sufficiency by providing a hand-up opportunity to those at risk of homelessness. Through five core programs; Transitional Housing, Prevention and Intervention of Homelessness, Crisis Advocacy and Resource Education, Financial Literacy and Mental Health Counseling, we invest in those who need assistance with basic needs by providing direction and educational opportunities as they transition from crisis to self-sufficiency. We take great pride our delivery of services and in our approach of offering hands-up opportunities to those who are invested in themselves to improve their situations. We believe in dignity, respect, and compassion for all people.
