LOVE, NOEL, with Harry Groener & Sharon Lawrence, Extends at The Wallis

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (aka "The Wallis") announces the addition of three performances to the return engagement of Love, Noël: The Letters and Songs of Noël Coward, devised and written by Coward authority Barry Day, and directed by Jeanie Hackett. All performances had been sold out; Love, Noël now continues through Sunday, December 28.

Love, Noël transforms the Lovelace Studio Theater into an intimate lounge for cocktails, comedy and Coward. The cabaret production stars three-time Tony Award nominee Harry Groener (Broadway's Crazy for You, Cats and Oklahoma!) as Coward and Emmy nominee Sharon Lawrence ("NYPD Blue") as the many women who came into his life and influenced his work. Jeanie Hackett previously directed Coward's Tonight at 8:30 and developed Coward's Peace in Our Time for The Antaeus Theatre. The musical director and pianist is Gerald Sternbach.

This entertaining performance interweaves the music of Coward and witty letters sent between him and his famous friends over the years. Based on Barry Day's book The Letters of Noël Coward, Love, Noël traces Coward's six-decade career as a playwright, composer, director, actor and singer. Known for his wit, flamboyance and what Time magazine called "a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise," his works remain as universal and relevant as ever.

Interim Artistic Director Patti Wolff said, "The renowned Harry Groener, one of Broadway's great musical actors, and the fantastic stage and screen actress, Sharon Lawrence, have made Love, Noël a standout at The Wallis. We are thrilled to be able to extend the run with three additional performances."

The Love, Noël creative team includes costume consultant Alex Jaeger; lighting designer Elizabeth Harper; sound by Tom Jones; and the stage manager is Young Ji.

Tickets are available at www.thewallis.org or by calling 310-746-4000 or in person at The Wallis Ticket Services located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

Photo by Kevin Parry