Veteran stage actor Chuck Muckle will star as Oscar Levant, the acclaimed actor, composer, and raconteur, in the acclaimed one-man production, "At Wit's End".
A special one-night performance of "At Wit's End," starring Mr. Muckle, will highlight the One Man Talking Festival on Wednesday, March 13 at 7pm at TADA Theatre, located at 15 West 28 Street, New York City.
Oscar Levant was the popular second-banana co-star of classic films from AN AMERICAN IN PARIS to THE BARKLEYS OF BROADWAY to THE BANDWAGON. He was an accomplished pianist, author and bon vivant from the 1930s through 1960s, and was a friend to leading stars of the era. Because he spoke his mind freely on matters of politics and celebrity, he was sought out continuously for radio and TV - often with unsettling results. Levant battled depression throughout life and was plagued by an addiction to prescription drugs.
In the show "At Wit's End," Levant has returned to the stage after a period of institutionalization. As he shares celebrity anecdotes, biting musings and his sterling musicianship, we realize that performing may be the only joy that Levant possesses as he battles his inner demons. The show, written by playwright Joel Kimmel and directed by June Prager, has been touring the East Coast for the past two years.
Chuck Muckle, who offers a tour de force performance as Oscar Levant, is a musical theatre veteran with extensive credits that include the post-Broadway national tour of CAMELOT with Robert Goulet (and a later revival of SOUTH PACIFIC with Robert Goulet), as well as the national tour of JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT with Sam Harris and touring with John Astin in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Muckle has played lead roles in NYC and regional theatre, including JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG, CABARET and LEND ME A TENOR.
Playwright Joel Kimmel conceived and wrote the original musical play Lullaby of Broadway; the life and lyrics of Al Dubin, which was named one of the 10 best plays of 1997 by the Los Angeles Times. His original musical play, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, had its world premiere at Miami's Coconut Grove Playhouse. He was a contributing writer to The Gay 90's Musical, which ran two years at Los Angeles' Celebration Theatre. His career in television includes producer and story editor on classics such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Facts of Life, The Jeffersons, The Love Boat, Chico and the Man, WKRP in Cincinnati, The Practice and Webster.
There will be a special performance of "At Wit's End" starring Chuck Muckle as Oscar Levant at the One Man Talking Festival at TADA Theatre, 15 W. 28th Street, NYC, on Wed., March 13 at 7pm. Tickets $10. Order via Brown Paper Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/332755
Photo Credit: Lance RingelVideos