'The Lady Swims Today' with Funaro Opens at TADA Sept.23

Robert Funaro leads the cast of The Lady Swims Today, a new play by H.G. Brown, directed by Stephen Sunderlin.  Performances began September 13 at the TADA Theater, 15 West 28 Street (between Broadway & Fifth Ave.)  The official opening night is Sunday, September 23.  Also featured in the cast are Kelli K. Barnett, Vivienne Leheny, Jack Rodgerson, Rob Sheridan, Gordon Silva, and Kate Udall.

"The Lady Swims Today is set at the Carney Hook Marina Motel in the summer of 1984, where three desperate men are tempted to join the heist of a lifetime.  Eddie has a plan to steal two million dollars off a boat on the Chesapeake Bay and he needs a crew to pull it off.  When these schemers and dreamers come up against three women with plans of their own, the course to a fortune is threatened by more than bad weather," explain press notes.

Robert Funaro memorably played Eugene Pontecorvo on "The Sopranos," ultimately whacking himself (by hanging) in the Emmy Award-winning sixth season opener.  He has numerous New York stage credits and will appear in the upcoming film American Gangster directed by Ridley Scott.

Kelli K. Barnett was seen Off-Broadway in Eat the Runt and in the film The Definition of Insanity.  Vivienne Leheny has appeared in Off-Broadway and regional productions in addition to her longtime voiceover career.  Jack Rodgerson was last seen in How to Speak Woman at TSI Theater and he will appear in the Sidney Lumet film Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.  Rob Sheridan toured nationally in The 1940's Radio Hour, Grease, 42nd Street, and Jolson: The Musical.  Gordon Silva appeared on A&E's "Caroline's Comedy Hour," "Law & Order," and "One Life to Live."  Kate Udall has extensive regional stage credits including Full Gallop, To Kill a Mockingbird and Desdemona opposite Jimmy Smits in Othello.

Playwright H.G. Brown is the author of The Gargoyle, which won the Norman Corwin Prize at San Diego State University and was later produced for television starring David McCallum, as well as Play Sinatra at American Theater of Actors.

Director Stephen Sunderlin is the artistic director of NYC's Vital Theatre Company where his directorial credits include Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery, The Gifts of the Magi, America Is My Home, Straight Jacket & Tie and Wedding Pictures.

The limited engagement of The Lady Swims Today is set to run through October 21.  The playing schedule is Tuesday through Saturday at 8PM and Sunday at 2 & 7PM.  Tickets are $39.50 and are available through www.TheLadySwimsToday.com or cal 212-352-3101.

Photo by Carol Rosegg: Kelli K. Barnett and Robert Funaro