Photo Flash: IN A BOOTH AT CHASEN'S Celebrates Opening Night

Two-time Academy Award winner and Tony Nominee, Al Kasha. Two-Time Tony winner producer Ron Dante, multiple award-winning hit songwriter Phil Swann, acclaimed author and poet, Sam Bennett, and director-choreographer Kay Cole have woven the two-year courtship of Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis into a funny and touching two-character musical that is both poignant, and endearing. A true Hollywood love story made both human and timeless.

The musical presents the beginnings of one of the world's most legendary romances - and how it might not have happened at all. The show plays out -- with a precise attention to historic details -- in a booth famously associated with the legendary, and now lost, Hollywood landmark, Chasen's Restaurant.

Over two years, the couple confide in one another, turn up the heat, bicker and rage against the gossipy tabloid press, and even battle the threat of Communism. The drama is in how Nancy plays hard to get, and how long it takes Ron to propose.

The marriage of Ron and Nancy Reagan continues to be written about, talked about, analyzed and scrutinized. To some, Ron's unyielding devotion to his wife is to be admired and Nancy's fierce protection of her husband is applauded. To others, their relationship seemed odd, old-fashioned and even corny. Either way, it cannot be denied that few, if any, marriages had more of an impact on the 20th century.

In a Booth at Chasen's - The Real Life Romance of Ron and Nancy Reagan runs through November 25 at the El Portal Theatre. Kelley Dorney plays Nancy Davis; Brent Schindele plays Ronald Reagan. Tickets are available at www.InABoothAtChasens.com and by calling 818-508-4200.

Photo Credit: Ed Krieger

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