Bix Barnaba will play 33rd US President, Harry S Truman in the acclaimed comedy "GIVE EM HELL HARRY! by Samuel Gallu beginning July 20 at St. Luke's Theatre, 308 West 46th Street, NYC. Directed by Stan Mazin, the performance schedule is Tuesdays at 7 PM; Wednesdays at 2 PM and Sundays at 5:30 PM. Tickets at $56.50 and $31.50 are available through TeleCharge at (212) 239-6200 or www.telecharge.com. The press opening is Sunday, July 27 at 5:30 PM.
This production, which was originally produced at the Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre in LA, has also been seen in Ft. Wayne, Indiana prior to this New York engagement.
The play covers various milestones throughout Truman's life including his legendary encounters with the press. Mr. Barnaba said "Truman was an ordinary man who was thrust into the position of making extraordinary decisions – some that continue to affect our lives to this very day. Some men are overwhelmed in those circumstances but Mr. Truman grew to meet the challenge. His personal integrity sustained and strengthened him. He is as relevant today as he was 60 years ago." Among other things Truman said "There is nothing worse than a liar in public office, because the people might believe him, and if they catch a fellow like that they should give him about as much compassion as he gave the Constitution of the United States." He also said "I never gave anybody Hell. I told the truth and they thought I was givin' 'em Hell."
Bix Barnaba most recently starred in the world premieres of two new musicals: "IS THIS ANY WAY TO START A MARRIAGE?" and "BERT AND EDDIE" in which he played Florenz Ziegfeld. His other stage credits include SOUTH PACIFIC, THE FANTASTICKS, BORN YESTERDAY, LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS, CARNIVAL, ZORBA, NUTS, CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN' and many others. His film credits include "Liar, Liar", ""Dodgeball", and "The Babe" and he has been seen on many TV shows including CSI, ER, Arliss, The Bonnie Hunt Show and several daytime dramas.
Samuel Gallu was a successful director, producer and writer spanning several decades. He was a soloist with the NBC Symphony under Arturo Toscanini, wrote a one man show about the Mafioso, directed the movie "Arthur, Arthur" and produced and directed many TV shows. He died in 1991.
Director Stan Mazin appeared on Broadway in HIGH SPIRITS, BAJOUR, WALKING HAPPY and HOLLY GOLIGHTLY as well as in many other productions. In addition to appearing on the
Carol Burnett Show for 10 years, he has directed or choreographed FESTIVAL (starring Greg Harrison and
Brian Stokes Mitchell), BELLS ARE RINGING (with
Nancy Dussault), and ANYTHING GOES (with Helen Reddy). He produced the NYC debut of NIJINSKY SPEAKS at the Clurman Theatre.
Harry S Truman (May 8, 1884 - December 26, 1972) was the thirty-third President of the United States (1945-1953). When he succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt as President in 1945 he said "I feel like the moon, the stars and the planets have fallen on me." Born in Missouri, he was a WWI field artillery captain in France. When he returned, he married Bess Wallace and opened a Kansas City haberdashery, was elected Jackson County Court Judge in 1922 and US Senator in 1934. As President he made some of the most crucial decisions in US history. He ordered the Atomic bombing of Japanese cities devoted to war work which led to the Japanese surrender. After following many of Roosevelt's policies, he presented congress with the 'Fair Deal', a 21-point program expanding Social Security, employment, public housing and clearing slums. In 1948 he famously won re-election over Thomas E. Dewey confounding early predictions to the contrary. As President, Truman faced many challenges including a tumultuous post-war economy marked by severe shortages and numerous strikes. His common sense approach and moral decency are still considered benchmarks against which other civic leaders are measured.
The play runs one hour and 45 minutes with intermission. Previews for "Give Em Hell Harry!" begin on Sunday, July 20th with the opening on Sunday, July 27 at 5:30 PM. For more information, go to
www.harrystrumanonemanshow.com. The St. Luke's Theatre Box Office opens one hour prior to curtain.
For reservations go to
www.telecharge.com.
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