HOLLYWOOD ARMS Comes to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre 10/2-9

The Perry Award-winning Maurer Productions OnStage presents a young girl's journey from hardship to Hollywood in "Hollywood Arms" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. Based on the life of screen and television legend Carol Burnett, dates and show times for this unforgettable comedy-drama are: Fridays, Oct. 2 and 9 at 8 p.m., Saturdays, Oct. 3 and 10 at 8 p.m., and Sundays, Oct. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Oct. 2.

Written by comic Carol Burnett and her daughter Carrie Hamilton, this moving story of humor, heartbreak, love and courage is based on Burnett's best-selling memoir, One More Time. Set in California in 1941 and 1951, the story chronicles three generations of women pursuing their dreams - dreams that end in triumph for Helen, the young girl whose story is Burnett's own.

Dan Maurer, of Robbinsville, directs the show. He has reassembled the creative team that staged "Driving Miss Daisy" at Kelsey Theatre in 2008, which won five Perry Awards. "The first time I read this play, I couldn't put it down," Maurer said. "Its theme of pursuing dreams is universal, but to see all that Burnett had to overcome -poverty, abuse, her parents' alcoholism and illness - and to see her come out of all that with talent, drive, humor and a generous spirit is truly inspirational."

The cast features Kirsten Pasewaldt of Monroe Township as Young Helen; Nicole Spadafino of Hoboken as Older Helen; Leta Gilbert of Newtown as Louise; Laurie Hardy of Hamilton as Nanny; Brian Gildea of Cranbury as Jody; Rob Gougher of Newtown as Bill; Kayla Vanderbilt of Ramsey as Alice; Kacie Mixon of Roosevelt as Dixie; Tommy Kouten of Hillsborough as Malcolm; and Buzz Herman of Hamilton and Jack Petzko of Cranbury as the cops.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request.

Subscription series tickets are now on sale with savings of up to 45%. Learn more by visiting the Kelsey Theatre website at www.kelseytheatre.net/schedule.

 

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