BWW Interviews: Charles Leipart Playwright for SWIMMING AT THE RITZ at NJ Rep

Swimming at the Ritz by Charles Leipart will have its US Premiere at New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) on a limited engagement from January 8th through February 1st. The play is based on the real life events of socialite Pamela Churchill Hayward Harriman, who was appointed U.S. Ambassador to France in 1993 by President Clinton. She was dubbed the ultimate "party girl" among society's elite. Harriman was married to the son of Winston Churchill among others, and liberally spent her step children's inheritance on her extravagances. When her step children had enough, they conspired with attorney to shut her down. On the edge of losing everything, Harriman is left with her only friend, a handsome, young Italian valet at the Paris Ritz Hotel. There she reveals her journey from man to man, bed to bed in a funny, yet compelling tour-de-force. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Charles Leipart about his career and writing Swimming at the Ritz.

Leipart is a bookwriter, lyricist and playwright. He is the recipient of The Kleban Award for Librettist; New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) 2010 Excellence in Writing Lyrics; Finalist for the Fred Ebb Foundation Award in Songwriting 2005, 2006 & 2008 and the winner of the Global Search for New Musicals, Cardiff, Wales, 2005. His musical Frog Kiss received the most Citations for Excellence at NYMF 2010. Some of his other works include, Enchanted April, a musical romance, with music by Richard B. Evans and an original animated musical feature, Jazzland with a score by Eric Scott Reed. His work is published by Dramatists Play Service and Applause Theatre Books of New York. A native of Chicago, a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Speech, Charles lives and writes in New York City, and is a member of The Dramatist's Guild.

We asked Leipart what his inspiration was for writing Swimming at the Ritz. "I enjoy reading history. In a biography of Winston Churchill during his WW II years as British Prime Minister, I came across a mention that he had a close relationship with his nineteen-year-old daughter-in-law, Pamela Churchill, married to his only son. Pamela, pregnant with Winston's first grandchild, moves into the bomb shelter beneath 10 Downing Street. She plays cards with Winston, lights his cigars and becomes privy to the political and military secrets of the war. Curious to know more, I discovered that in the years subsequent to the war Pamela became the lover of some of the richest and most powerful men of the 20th Century. She ultimately transforms herself into a political force, helping elect a U.S. President and becoming the U.S. Ambassador to France. My thought was, 'This woman belongs on the stage!' In my mind's eye I saw Pamela sitting alone in a luxurious hotel suite. The doorbell rings. That was the beginning of Swimming at the Ritz."

We wanted to know how Leipart felt about having this US Premiere at NJ Rep. "This is my first experience working with NJ Rep. The director, SuzAnne Barabas and the producer, Gabor Barabas have a true passion for the play. Theirs and NJ Rep's mission of producing new plays is such an important one. What more can a playwright ask, except for a receptive, supportive audience. That has been my experience in the audience at NJ Rep. Audiences excited to see new work."

Leipart told us a bit about the cast and creative team for Swimming at the Ritz. "The cast and the creative team are new to me, but they have such enthusiasm and pleasure in working on Swimming. They bring a wealth of theatrical experience to our collaboration. I feel very fortunate to have them explore Pamela with me."

We asked Leipart why he thought New Jersey audiences will enjoy the Swimming at the Ritz.

"It's a story that will fascinate everyone. A woman with very little education or money becomes lover to the most powerful and richest men in the world. She goes on to create a role for herself in world affairs. Pamela Digby Churchill Hayward Harriman. The play is about POWER and what one woman in the 20th Century had to do to get a share of it in a world dominated and controlled by men. Pamela shares several useful tips not only for women but for men as well."

Leipart also commented about his research for the play. "I spoke with several people who knew and/or interacted with Pamela during her lifetime. One reaction is always with me. A cameraman who filmed her for television told me that she glowed."

Charles Leipart had some "last words" for our Broadwayworld.com readers. He commented, "Hmmm, everyone into the pool with Ambassador Harriman."

Swimming at the Ritz cast includes Judith Hawking and Christopher Daftsios, and is directed by SuzAnne Barabas. Sneak preview performances to this limited engagement begin Thursday, January 8 with opening night Saturday, January 10 at New Jersey Repertory Company (179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ), and will run through Sunday, February 1. Tickets may be purchased by calling 732-229-3166 or online at www.njrep.org.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Charles Leipart

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