BRUSHES: A COMEDY OF HAIRS to Receive World Premiere At Whitefire Theatre
By: Julie Musbach Mar. 22, 2019
MB Artists and the Whitefire Theatre present the world premiere of BRUSHES: A Comedy of Hairs, written by Cathy Hamilton and Carol Starr Schneider, directed by Kevin Bailey. BRUSHES untangles the hysterically complicated relationship between women and their hair since time immemorial. This smart, sassy, shiny new play deals with disaster, vanity, envy, self-doubt, sex, death - even the law - are explored in hilarious and poignant style. In a series of vignettes, the follicular follies flow from the Bad Hair Days Inn to a new salon on the block called Blow Me Now.
The cast features the talents of Heidi Appe, Clara Rodriguez, Amy Smallman-Winston, Ashley Taylor, and Andrew Villarreal.
About the Co-Playwrights
Co-playwright Cathy Hamilton is a former TV reporter, newspaper columnist, blogger, marketer, author of sixteen humor books (Andrews McMeel Publishing) and creator of "Boyfriend in-a-Box," a tongue-in-cheek, imaginary boyfriend kit. She has appeared on the "Today" show as herself, "To Tell the Truth" as Cathy Hamilton #3, and in countless musical theatre productions, including Nunsense. She lives in Lawrence, Kansas with her husband Rex.
Co-playwright Carol Starr Schneider is a television writer, humor blogger (Short Jewish Gal) and journalist. Her recent TV movie "When Sparks Fly," starring Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, continues to air on Hallmark Channel. She lives in Sherman Oaks with her husband Howard.
Cathy and Carol met in 1997 when Carol read about "Boyfriend in-a-Box" in the Los Angeles Times and wound up optioning the movie rights. The movie didn't happen, but a wonderful friendship did. They bonded over a warped sense of humor and their lifelong drama with hair. They are currently collaborating on a play version of "Boyfriend in-a-Box."
About Producer/Director Kevin Bailey
Kevin Bailey is a performer and producer who founded L.A.- based MB Artists in 1992 with partner James J. Mellon. Recent credits include executive producer of Reprise 2.0., God Looked Away, starring Al Pacino and Judith Light; I'm Not Lying! starring Jaston Williams, and the new musical Rose Marie. Kevin is executive producer for the play Ann, starring Holland Taylor, which he spearheaded from the play's inception. Ann played at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater and garnered a Tony Nomination for Ms. Taylor as Best Actress. MB Artists produced and represented the four highly successful plays in the Greater Tuna cycle and continues to represent and produce the solo works of performer/playwright Jaston Williams. In their 27-year history, MB Artists has created and produced over 50 theatrical productions, three films and dozens of industrials.
About the Cast
Heidi Appe (Astral, Tootsie, Claire) appeared in the staged reading of Brushes at Theatre West. Favorite roles include Anjenai Flash Gordon- the Musical: the Play, an awful Jane Russell impression The Golden Age of Radio, Gymnasia-A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Veronica-God of Carnage (nom, Broadway World Awards), Mrs. Meers-Thoroughly Modern Millie. Often finding herself undead, evil, and/or crazy, Heidi has served as various horror characters for live events and film. Recent projects: "No Problem" (in post), "Debt of a Salesman" (Winner, Portland Comedy Film Festival), "Extreme Measures", "The Shoaks", and "Long Island: South Shore". Heidi's short play I'm Next was produced at the Whitefire Theatre and for the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Look for her web short, How You Think You Look.
Clara Rodriguez (Naomi, Carol's Mom, Judge Jillian) is a member of Theatre West and recently performed as Emily in the Eclipse Theatre's production of And Then There Were None. Favorite roles include Mary in How the Other Half Loves and Myrtle Brown in Mornings at Seven. Clara has a background in improv and has performed with Theatre Sports Los Angeles, Pulp Playhouse, Galorama, Brain Trust and other improv companies.
Amy Smallman-Winston (Sunny, Minnie, Mary) was raised in Indiana. As long as she can remember, she wanted to be in show business. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her creative dreams. Soon after she joined Academy Award winner Bobby Moresco's Actor's Gym, where she has been an active member for over 20 years. Amy is also a proud alumnus of The Groundlings Theater, where she honed her improv and sketch comedy skills. Original theatrical works include her one-woman show Miss Congeniality, and Whores, co-written with Maggie Baird. Her theatre credits include the L.A. premieres of Blackout, Cheyenne, Stella's Last J Date and American Conspiracy.
Ashley Taylor (Susan, Barb, Lady Godiva) is an actor, playwright and producer. A member of Theatre West, she appeared in the staged reading of Brushes there. Most recently Ashley played Grace in the political thriller, The Leather Apron Club, herself in two volumes of the Sunday at Seven monologue series, and is currently working on a one-woman show, Woman Overboard, written and directed by Lloyd Schwartz ("The Brady Bunch"). She wrote and appeared in the web series "The Keepers" and played an evil stepsister in the TV Show, "Scary Tales."
Andrew Villarreal (Mr. Ray, Bud, Edward) appeared in the staged reading of Brushes at Theatre West. He received Year's Best Performance for his work as Arnold Beckoff in Theatre Out's Torch Song Trilogy (Stage Scene LA). Past recognitions include Best Actor wins for The Rocky Horror Show (Stage Scene LA) and Equus (Santa Monica Theatre Guild). He recently completed work on the indie "Artificial Flowers" and the comedy web series, "Kaplan's Korner" (Best Comedy Winner, Festigious International Film Festival).
About Production Staff
Ryan Marsh (Projection/Sound Design) is a Los Angeles-based lighting/sound designer and audio engineer who specializes in live performance. He trained at the School of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA. Recent credits include Reprise 2.0's Sweet Charity (associate projection design), the world premiere production of Rebel Genius: The Musical (sound design), and the West Coast premiere of Steel Pier (sound design).
Judi Lewin (Wig Design) is a seasoned Los Angeles-based wig/hair/make-up designer who has worked in film and TV, as well as theatre. She has designed two National Tours, a European Tour, and worked for multiple theatre companies, including productions at The Pasadena Playhouse, The Rubicon, The Fountain, The Blank, McCoy Rigby, Sacramento Music Circus, Theatre 40, Group Rep, West Coast Jewish Theatre, Wicked Lit, and Reprise 2.0.
About Show Times and Tickets: March 30 - May 4. Saturdays at 8:00 pm. Running time: 90 minutes - no intermission. Appropriate for ages 15+. Tickets: $30. For tickets and information: brushes.brownpapertickets.com. The Whitefire Theatre is located at 13500 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks 91423. Theatre has AC/Heat and is wheelchair accessible.
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