Legendary Theodore Bikel-'About Time' in Ft. Lauderdale-Opens Tonight!

THEATRICAL GIANT THEODORE BIKEL TO BE JOINED BY CO-STAR PATRICIA CONOLLY IN TOM COLE'S "ABOUT TIME" APRIL 4-9 AT FORT LAUDERDALE'S PARKER PLAYHOUSE

                    PATRICIA CONOLLY

Theodore Bikel, a legendary actor, singer, author and activist who launched his celebrated career when he made his stage debut in "Tevye the Milkman" at Tel Aviv's famed Habimah Theater, is joined by co-star Patricia Conolly, acclaimed actress of Broadway's recent production of "Enchanted April," in Tom Cole's ABOUT TIME.

 ABOUT TIME will be in Fort Lauderdale, where it will play for one week, Tuesday, April 4-Sunday, April 9, at the Parker Playhouse, 707 N.E. 8^{th Street,}

Directed by Gus Kaikkonen, sets are by Steve Lambert, costumes by Ellis Tillman, lighting by William Armstrong and sound by Steve Shapiro.

Recalled by local theater-goers for his Grove Playhouse appearance in "The Disputation" which he went on to play in Washington, D.C., BIKEL has few peers as a brilliant actor who scored an Oscar nomination for "The Defiant Ones." Equally famed for more than 35 films which include such modern classics as "The African Queen," "The Enemy Below, "The Russians Are Coming," "I Want to Live," and "My Fair Lady," BIKEL has been applauded for such Broadway successes as "The Sound of Music," in which he created the role of Baron von Trapp," "My Fair Lady," and "Zorba. " BIKEL went on to play the role of 'Tevye' in "Fiddler on the Roof," more than 2000 times over 37 years. 

With more than 20 albums to his credit as a folksinger and guitarist, BIKEL has been active for many years in Actor's Equity Association serving from 1973-1982 as President. He is currently President of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America and has recently updated his autobiography, "Theo."

One of Broadways elite leading ladies and character actresses, PATRICIA CONOLLY has marked a parade of successes including "Enchanted April," "Judgment at Nuremburg, "The Sound of Music," "The Heiress," and "The Real Inspector Hound," Through her distinguished career, CONOLLY has appeared with such famed colleagues as Uta Hagen in "The Cherry Orchard," Eva LeGallienne in "Exit The King," and with Helen Hayes in "Right You Are If You Think You Are." She has also played in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at Lincoln Center Theater, "The Importance of Being Earnest" at Circle in the Square; "Hedda Gabler" at the Roundabout; and "As You Like it," "Othello," and "King Lear" at the Old Globe.

For playwright Tom Cole, who also authored "Medal of Honor Rag," the current production will be revisiting his earlier production of ABOUT TIME which starred James Whitmore and Audra Lindley as an endearing aging couple who review their lives in the climate of their condominium kitchen. Numerous American productions were followed by productions in German, Dutch and French translations. Cole's film "Smooth Talk," starring Treat Williams and Laura Dern, directed by his wife, Joyce Chopra, won the Grand Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and was selected by the New York Times as one of the " ten best" features of 1986.

An actor/playwright who made his Broadway debut in the original cast of "Equus," then later appeared with Tommy Tune/> in "Cloud 9," Gus Kaikkonen's work will be familiar to Grove audiences as director of "Fully Committed," and for his Carbonell Award nomination for his performance in the Grove production of "Shadow Box."

Performances of ABOUT TIME, April 4 - April 9, at Parker Playhouse, 707 N.E. 8th street, Ft. Lauderdale are Wednesday-Saturday at 8 P.M.; matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2 P.M.' Sunday at 3 P.M. Tickets range from $20-$60. For single tickets and groups call the AutoNation Box Office (954) 462-0222; Subscriptions and discounted flexible ticket packages, (305) 442-4000 or toll free (877) 642-7529. Also online at www.parkerplayhouse.com.

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