Delta Burke to Make LA Stage Debut in Southern Baptist Sissies

Delta Burke (Designing Woman, DAG, Delta) will make her Los Angeles stage debut in the critically acclaimed play Southern Baptist Sissies from playwright Del Shores (Queer As Folk, Sordid Lives). The limited four week engagement will begin March 29, 2006.

"I love all of Del's work," said Delta Burke. "He is a very gifted man whose work needs to bee seen large scale… film, Broadway. He is the kindest, sweetest soul, and I would do anything for Del Shores."

"I love her… who doesn't love 'Suzanne Sugarbaker' on Designing Women?," remarked Del Shores. "I directed her in the film Sordid Lives, and I want her to do the movie version of Sissies as well. Delta is a brilliant actress and an absolute dream to work with. I can't wait to have her on stage. Los Angeles needs to see her on stage."

The multi-Emmy nominated Burke will tackle three roles in the production, playing the mothers to sons who are each coming to terms with and questioning their faith and sexuality. The role, originated by Rosemary Alexander (Sordid Lives, The Trip), is at times comedic, always demanding, and ultimately heart-wrenching.

Burke was last seen on Broadway in Steel Magnolias, playing the role of beauty salon owner "Truvy." Before that she made her debut on The Great White Way starring in Thoroughly Modern Millie as "Mrs. Meers."

Hailed as a "bona-fide masterpiece" by Frontiers Magazine, and "Daring, Heroic, and more relevant that ever" by the Los Angeles Times, Southern Baptist Sissies has won more than 20 Los Angeles Theatre Awards, including the prestigious GLAAD Award for Outstanding Production of the Year (2001). Southern Baptist Sissies is an exploration into the lives of four gay men raised in the church. Through laughter and tears, each story unfolds to reveal a struggle for self-discovery.

Marked as Shores' most personal play, it enjoyed a ten-month sold-out run in Los Angeles in 2000 and 2001, and then became a sold-out hit even before opening at the McKinney Avenue Contemporary Theatre in Dallas. Revived in L.A. in April 2002, Sissies enjoyed yet another six month sold-out run. The play opened at the Bailiwick Theatre in Chicago to rave reviews July 2002 and was the theatre's biggest hit during their Pride summer series, garnering two After Dark Awards for Best Direction and Best Ensemble.

A Season of Shores is a revival of all six Del Shores plays, including the GLAAD Award-winning Southern Baptist Sissies, the 10th Anniversary production of Sordid Lives, his 1984 play Cheatin', the 1987 hit Daddy's Dyin… Who's Got the Will?, the 1993 favorite Daughters of the Lone Star State, and 2003's NAACP winner The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife.

Southern Baptist Sissies and Sordid Lives are currently running in repertory at the Zephyr Theatre (7456 Melrose Avenue). Delta Burke will be on-stage (March 29th – April 23rd) Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8 PM, with a Sunday matinee at 3 PM. For tickets and a complete schedule, please log online at: www.seasonofshores.com or call 1-800-595-4TIX (4849).