S. Epatha Merkerson to Call to 'Little Sheba' in L.A.

Emmy Award-winning stage and TV star S. Epatha Merkerson will star in William Inge's Come Back, Little Sheba at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in L.A. from June 17th through July 15th, with opening night set for June 24th.

The classic play will be presented in lieu of the previously announced David Mamet musical A Waitress in Yellowstone, which has been postponed to next season in order to allow more time for casting.

"Lola and Doc open their home to Marie, a fresh-faced young boarder, and soon the precarious balance of the couple's relationship is shaken by Marie's youthful sexuality and vivaciousness. Inge gives a compassionate and authentic voice to the complex emotions and longings of Lola and Doc as they are compelled to re-examine their life together," state Kirk Douglas Theatre notes on the show, which will be presented by the Center Theatre Group.

Shirley Booth won a Tony for originating the role of Lola on Broadway in 1950, and also received an Oscar for her turn in the 1952 film adaptation, which also featured Burt Lancaster and Terry Moore.  Inge's other plays include Picnic and Bus Stop.

Merkerson, who has played Lt. Anita Van Buren on "Law & Order" for over 15 years, won an Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award for her performance in the HBO movie "Lackawanna Blues."  She has appeared on Broadway in The Piano Lesson (for which she received a Tony nomination) and Tintypes, and her Off-Broadway credits include Birdie Blue, Three Ways Home and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill.

Visit www.centertheatregroup.org for more information.

Photo of S. Epatha Merkerson by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.