'Inside Private Lives' to Return to Los Angeles

INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES, the interactive theatrical experience where audiences go behind the headlines into the private lives of very public personas, returns to Los Angeles, (where it was LA Weekly "Pick of the Week" in 2007.) The production has since played New York as well as the 2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe (where it was honored as "Pick of the Fringe") and returns for a limited engagement at the Fremont Centre Theatre, South Pasadena, September 7 through October 19. INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES is created by Kristin Stone ("The Boob Tube" at Second City Theatre, L.A.) and directed by Lee Michael Cohn (co-author of the bestseller "Personal Handbook For The Actor.") INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES is presented by Kristin Stone Entertainment in association with Lissa and James Reynolds, Fremont Centre Theatre, and the California Performing Arts Centre.

INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES creator/producer Kristin Stone says, "Did you ever wonder what would happen if you spoke to the characters during a play? INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES encourages you to do just that. It's something I call 'reality theater' and every show is filled with surprises. Our show first premiered in Los Angeles, and I'm excited to bring it back. We had so much fun with the Los Angeles audiences - lots of lively participation and smart interaction. I'm proud to announce our original cast is returning and that we've added new controversial characters to the mix."

INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES makes audience members part of the action, as they are encouraged to confront & challenge the likes of cult leaders, celebrities, political operatives, sports figures and other notorious newsmakers of the 20th century. Scandals and secrets are revealed.  Six controversial figures are featured at every performance, and with a gallery of over sixteen notorious newsmakers to choose from, every show is different.

The figures portrayed include:  Christine Jorgensen, first transgendered personality; David Koresh, leader of the Davidian Cult who led his followers to a fiery death in Waco; Marge Schott, outspoken owner of the Cincinnati Reds; Billy Carter, America's beer drinking "First Brother"; Brownie Wise, innovator of Tupperware Home Sales Parties; Elia Kazan, celebrated stage and film director damned for his cooperation with the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy Era; Julia Phillips, acerbic motion picture producer of "The Sting" and "Close Encounter of The Third Kind;" King Edward VIII who abdicated the throne for his love of an American divorcee; Wallis Simpson, the woman King Edward VIII loved; Jane Roberts, trance channeler of the spirit entity "Seth"; Bobby Sands, the first of the ten IRA members to die in 1980's hunger strike; Aimee Semple MacPherson, one of the first widely popular evangelists; and Ann Landers, advice-dispensing columnist.

The ensemble cast, which also features Kristin Stone as Christine Jorgensen includes:  Freddy Douglas as King Edward VIII, Leonora Gershman as Julia Phillips, Diana Morrison as Ann Landers, Molly Hagan as Aimee Semple MacPherson, Maddisen Krown as Jane Roberts, Adam LeBow as Elia Kazan, Mary MacDonald as Marge Schott, Eileen O'Connell as Brownie Wise, Paul Thomas Ryan as Bobby Sands, Bryan Safi as Billy Carter, David Shofner as David Koresh and Shelia Wolf as Wallis Simpson.

INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES originally opened in Los Angeles at Theatre East at the Lex in October 2006.  The production was also featured at the acclaimed 59E59 Theatres as part of their 2007 East to Edinburgh series in New York City and the 2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe where INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES received several distinctions including a "Pick of the Fringe" nod.

The return engagement of INSIDE PRIVATE LIVES plays at Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Avenue in South Pasadena.  Performances begin September 7 through October 19.  All performances are on Sunday at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are $25.00 with a $5.00 discount for students and senior citizens and can be purchased by calling Theatremania at 866-811-4111 or online at InsidePrivateLives.com.  There is a free parking lot and ample street parking.  For more information visit www.InsidePrivateLives.com.

Photos by David Beall

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