Karen Finley Opens THE JACKIE LOOK at Laurie Beechman Theater, 1/30

Karen Finley, the most controversial woman in performance today, will premiere her latest work THE JACKIE LOOK beginning January 23, 2010 at The Laurie Beechman Theater. Originally developed as a site-specific multimedia production for Country Club, the initial September 2009 run was cancelled when the venue suddenly and unexpectedly shuttered.  Opening night is slated for January 30, 2010.

In THE JACKIE LOOK, Karen Finley brings icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis back to life in this unique look at history, style, trauma, femininity and the demands of being the First Lady. Using the structure of a lecture set in the present day, Jackie, one of the most photographed woman of her day, contemplates her life in pictures. Jackie also makes use of You Tube and views online homages to her and her family. Along the way Jackie ruminates on Michelle Obama, Marilyn Monroe, Caroline’s run for Senate, the art world, Michael Jackson, and the lasting impact of that fateful day on the grassy knoll in Dallas.

Since her first performances in the early 1980's, Karen Finley has become synonymous with performance art. She is the recipient of two Obies, two Bessies, and multiple grants from the NEA and NYSCA. She has toured internationally with pieces including Make Love, George & Martha, The American Chestnut, A Certain Level of Denial and The Return of The Chocolate Smeared Woman. In 1990, Finley became an unwilling symbol for the NEA when she, along with Tim Miller, Holly Hughes & John Fleck, sued the NEA for withdrawing grants on the grounds of indecency.

THE JACKIE LOOK runs January 23 - February 27, Saturdays at 7:30pm. The Laurie Beechman Theater is located inside West Bank Cafe at 407 West 47th Street -- at Ninth Avenue, accessible from the A,C,E,N,R,V,F,1,2,3 trains at 42nd Street. Tickets are $20, plus $15 food/drink minimum, available at 212-352-3101 www.SpinCycleNYC.com.