Lucy fans get ready. The new play I Loved Lucy by Lee Tannen has been adapted by the author from his best-selling memoir of the same name for a special (invitation only) staged reading on Friday, October 10th. Directed by Sheryl Kaller, the new play features Tony Award-winner Michele Pawk (Hollywood Arms) as the zany iconic comedienne, Lucille Ball, and Jeff Bowen ([title of show]) as Lee Tannen.
I Loved Lucy tells the story of the intimate relationship between Lucy and Lee (who was distantly related to Lucy) during the last decade of her life, a period which has come to be known as the “lost Lucy years,” time spent mainly at home out of the television spotlight and around a backgammon table. It’s a candid, funny and poignant look at arguably the most recognizable face on the planet told by a man forty years her junior who became her best pal and closest confidante at the end of her life.
Michele Pawk (Lucy), currently in rehearsal for the new
Craig Lucas play Prayer For My Enemy at
Playwrights Horizons, received a Tony Award for her acclaimed performance in Hollywood Arms and has appeared on Broadway in
Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Losing Louie, Chicago, Seussical, Triumph of Love, Crazy For You (Drama Desk nomination), and Cabaret (Drama Desk and Outer Critics’ Circle nominations).
Jeff Bowen (Lee) is the star, composer and lyricist of the new Broadway musical [title of show}, the Obie Award winning musical currently at the Lyceum Theatre. The show also received a GLAAD Media nomination and a Drama League nomination for Distinguished Performance by an Ensemble. As an actor, he performed in The Who’s Tommy, Of Thee I Sing, Shenandoah, and On the Twentieth Century.
Lee Tannen (Playwright) has written the libretto for the national tour of Dr. Dolittle, starring and directed by
Tommy Tune, as well as wrote the book for and co-directed Paparazzi with
Tommy Tune for Holland America Lines. He has also written the libretto for Miss Spectacular, a new musical by
Jerry Herman, and was one of the featured writers for The Audience, produced by the
Transport Group (Drama Desk nomination). In addition, Lee has written scores of commercials for Broadway shows and Radio City Music Hall.
Sheryl Kaller (Director) most recently directed the world premiere of Dangerous Beauty in Chicago. Other directing credits include Chris Durang’s Adrift in Macao at
Primary Stages, Jayson with a Y for the New Group, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater at The York Theatre and
Geoffrey Nauffts’ new play The Gospel According to Adam for Naked Angels.
