American Century Theate Set to Stage WILL SUCCESS SPOIL ROCK HUNTER?, 1/15-2/6

The American Century Theater rings in the New Year with the glitz, glamour, and wit of George Axelrod's 1955 comedy, 'Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?', running from January 15 to February 6.

This Faustian spoof, a big hit penned by a playwright who had many, combines classic romance, slapstick comedy, and the suspense of a duel with the Devil.

"George Axelrod was a master of the Broadway comedy, and we have been looking forward to doing another of his plays since The Seven Year Itch was such a successful production for us," says TACT Artistic Director Jack Marshall.

George MacCauley is a hack writer with just one published article, "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" Scheduled to interview reigning Hollywood sex goddess, Rita Marlowe, in her posh New York hotel room, George encounters-and falls into a deal with-the Devil. The play made a star and iconic sex symbol out of the voluptuous unknown, Jayne Mansfield.

Axelrod is a perfect playwright for The American Century Theater's mission of presenting great plays and playwrights that the theater world seems to have forgotten. One of the best and most versatile comic writers of his time, Axelrod's triumphs range from Rock Hunter and The Seven Year Itch to award-winning screenplays for film classics Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Manchurian Candidate.

Show director is TACT Artistic Associate Ellen Dempsey, who directed TACT's Happy Birthday, Wanda June. TACT Producing Director Sherri L. Perper has assembled a team of designers ready to evoke the mood and style of Fifties Tinseltown, including Anndi Daleski (Set), Rip Claassen (Costumes), Jason Aufdem-Brinke (Lighting), Edward Moser (Sound), and Trena Weiss-Null (Props). Jameson Shroyer (Master Carpenter), Steve Lada and Chuck Norris (fight choreographers), and Maggie Clifton (Stage Manager) complete the production staff.

Kari Ginsburg will bring to life the role of vixen Rita Marlowe. Ginsburg last collaborated with Dempsey in TACT's Happy Birthday, Wanda June, in which she played Penelope Ryan, and has appeared in TACT Productions of Ah, Wilderness! and The Crucible. The soul-bartering writer is TACT newcomer Donald Osborne. Making his TACT debut as Bronk Brannigan is James Finley, a regular with Washington Shakespeare Company and Keegan Theatre. Versatile TACT favorite Steve Lebens (An American Century Christmas, Hellzapoppin', and Women Under the Influence) plays the demonic agent, Irving LaSalle. John Tweel and Craig Miller send up the Hollywood archetypes of egomaniacal writer and neurotic movie mogul. Tweel (cast in more TACT shows over the years than any other actor) was last seen in The Titans. Miller appears in his second TACT production, having last played Charlie in Seascape. Rounding out the cast are Leigh Anna Fry (Secretary) and Robert Lavery (Masseur).

'Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?' runs Wednesday, January 15, 2010-Saturday, February 6, 2010, for a total of 20 performances. Thursday-Saturday evenings 8 pm; Saturday/Sunday matinees 2:30 pm (no matinee January 16)

Preview performances (pay what you can): Wednesday, January 13, and Thursday, January 14
Opening night performance and reception: Friday, January 15th at 8 pm
Additional pay-what-you-can performance: Wednesday, January 20
Post show talk-back (discussion with cast members and director): Thursday, January 21

All performances take place at Theater II, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., in Arlington VA.

Tickets Prices range from $26-32. Discounts are available for seniors (65+), students, active duty military, and groups. Children under 18 are admitted free with a (full price) adult (space permitting, limit 5).  Tickets can be ordered online at www.americancentury.org or by calling 703.998.4555.

More information and reservations, call 703.998.4555, email office@americancentury.org, or visit www.AmericanCentury.org.

The American Century Theater is a 501(c)(3) professional nonprofit theater company dedicated to producing significant 20th century American plays and musicals at risk of being forgotten. TACT is funded in part by Arlington County through the Cultural Affairs Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources and the Arlington Commission for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and many generous donors.

To post a comment, you must register and login.