The Guthrie Sets BEHOLD: A Gala Performance for 6/22

The Guthrie today announced that actors Greta Oglesby and Sally Wingert will cohost BEHOLD: A Gala Performance. A star-studded performance featuring actors, composers and writers with ties to the Guthrie's past and future, BEHOLD will be held on June 22, 2013, on the Wurtele Thrust Stage and is a part of the Guthrie's 50th season weekend celebration (June 22-23, 2013).

"To be a part of this extraordinary event is such a privilege and an honor," says Oglesby. "I'm very humbled to participate with Sally."

"It's huge to think that we're celebrating 50 years," adds Wingert. "How vast and deep is the talent that has allowed the Guthrie to (reach) a 50th anniversary . . . I'm just lucky to have been one of them."

Greta Oglesby has been a favorite of Guthrie audiences since her lauded work as Caroline Thibodeaux in the Guthrie Theater's 2009 production of Tony Kushner's Caroline, or Change. Oglesby was praised by the Star Tribune for her "ravishing and powerful lead performance." The St. Paul Pioneer Press added that Oglesby gave "a performance of a lifetime." In 2012, Oglesby wowed audiences with her performance as Sister Margaret in the Penumbra Theatre Company production of James Baldwin's The Amen Corner and contributed a sharp comedic turn in Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys (both on the Wurtele Thrust Stage). She was most recently seen on the Guthrie stage alongside Sally Wingert in last fall's world premiere of Appomattox.

Sally Wingert has appeared in more than 75 productions at the Guthrie since 1985, and has worked on Broadway, on London's West End, in films and on many major Twin Cities stages. Her most recent Guthrie credits include Appomattox, Charley's Aunt, Arsenic and Old Lace and Faith Healer. Wingert will next be featured as family matriarch Polly Wyeth in the Guthrie's production of Jon Robin Baitz's Other Desert Cities. She was also recently was presented by Joe Dowling with the 2012 Artistic Director's Award, which is given annually to a person associated with the Guthrie who has contributed with great service and distinction to the theater's audience and community.

As previously announced, New York-based Peter Flynn-whose extensive credits include directorial work on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in regional theaters and other gala events-will direct BEHOLD. Of Oglesby and Wingert, Flynn offers, "I'm thrilled that such luminaries of the Minneapolis theater community are hosting our event. Each lady brings such joy, passion, commitment and generosity to their work-to have them together onstage, gracing our evening with these qualities, guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Guthrie director Joe Dowling adds, "I am pleased that Sally and Greta will be co-hosting our 50th anniversary gala. As our audiences have known for years, Sally Wingert is a wonderful performer and a long-time Guthrie favorite. Greta has demonstrated her versatility in numerous shows at the Guthrie and around the country. I am truly looking forward to what they will bring to the evening."

Further information about artists and guests appearing in BEHOLD will be announced in the weeks and months to come.

BEHOLD: A Gala Performance will be presented in conjunction with Anniversary Weekend celebration dinners the Golden Soiree and Fête 50, which will include tickets to the performance and are on sale now.