Burt Reynolds to Direct Lee Marlow in A PROPERTY KNOWN AS GARLAND, 6/10

On Tuesday evening, June 10, the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre will present a preview of The Property Known as Garland starring Lee Marlow and directed by legendary film actor Burt Reynolds at the Lake Park Mirror Ballroom. The show, which is being performed on Judy Garland's birthday, begins at 8:00 pm. The proceeds will benefit the Burt Reynolds Institute Building Fund. Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 561 743-9955. Seating is limited.

Lee Marlow, who has honed her skills as a student in Reynolds' master acting class, has been a lifelong admirer and fan of Judy Garland. She began her professional career as a dancer with a national touring company, moved to commercials and, eventually, film and television. She has performed with notables such as Don Johnson, Beverly D'Angelo, Raul Julia, Peter Falk and Bob Hope... just to name a few.

Marlow has long dreamed of bringing The Property Known as Garland to life in South Florida so that theater lovers outside the New York Metropolitan area can "visit" with Judy both behind the scenes and on stage.

In a recent interview, Marlow said, "There is no one better to direct this play than Burt Reynolds. He was a personal friend and spent time with Judy and her family, visiting her home and performing with her daughters, Lorna Luft and Liza Minnelli. He knew her sense of humor. He saw her pain."

Written by Billy Van Zandt for his wife, actor Adrienne Barbeau, the show ran for 80 performances at the Actors Playhouse in 2006. Under Reynolds' direction, the play has been trimmed to a one-woman show and focuses on the most relevant aspects of Garland's life, especially those of which he has first-hand knowledge.

In discussing her relationship with Burt Reynolds, Marlow was effusive in stating that his mentorship has been a motivating force in her career. When she first approached him about the possibility of bringing Garland to the stage, Reynolds said, "I will walk with you as far as you want to go with this." "And," Marlow added, "he has not only walked with me, he has taken me by the hand and guided me every step of the way."

The Property Known as Garland will be presented for one night only on Tuesday evening, June 10, at 8 pm at the Mirror Ballroom in Lake Park - 535 Park Avenue, Lake Park, Florida.

Tickets cost $25.00 each and can be purchased at the door or by calling 561 743-9955. Credit card purchases will have an additional $2.00 service fee added to the cost.