Southern Rep Closes Run of GREY GARDENS: THE MUSICAL 5/23

Southern Rep and Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré will end its regional premiere of GREY GARDENS: THE MUSICAL, directed by Southern Rep Artistic Director Aimée Hayes on May 23rd. This Tony Award-winning musical is being presented at Le Petit Theatre in the French Quarter.

The musical is based on the 1920's documentary of Jackie O's strange relations Big Edie and Little Edie Beale. This infamous mother daughter duo are a true "riches-to-rags" story, two giddily eccentric women who started as American aristocrats and ended up secluded in their decaying genteel mansion Grey Gardens.

I wanted to direct this play because I couldn't imagine a more fabulous mix: mothers and daughters in hilarious battles of wits and love; the ever-glamorous elusive cachet of the Jackie O and Kennedy clans; stylish and wild costumes coupled with clever wit and a little "who's-on-first?" zaniness; as well as songs that are so beautiful and funny you want to cry, laugh, and then listen to them again. Combine all that with an incredible cast and gorgeous design--it's a guaranteed good time. - Aimée Hayes, Southern Rep Artistic Director

This production of GREY GARDENS, directed by Aimée Hayes with Musical Direction from Eric Shimelonis, will feature a cast including Leslie Castay, Elizabeth Donner, Shane Fitzpatrick, Ron Flagge, Vatican Lokey, Alex Martinez-Wallace, Kris Shaw, Janet Shea, Annie Taffaro, and Kristin Witterschein.

We're thrilled to be collaborating with Southern Rep to bring a contemporary work like Grey Gardens to New Orleans theatre- lovers. Our rich culture of eccentrics, the talent associated with these two houses, and our musical history will give New Orleanians a unique appreciation for this production. - Gary Solomon, Jr., Le Petit Managing Director

This co-production marks a special anniversary for Janet Shea who celebrates her 55th year on a New Orleans stage. She has appeared in dozens of productions at both Southern Rep and Le Petit, where she started as a chorus girl in "The Birds" in 1955. She has both acted and directed at Le Petit Théâtré du Vieux Carré. After an 11-year absence, Janet returns to the Le Petit stage for three productions this year: Steel Magnolias, Grey Gardens, and the upcoming Wedding Singer. At Southern Rep, she has appeared in almost 20 productions, some of which eventually toured the globe.

Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, approaching its 95th season, continues its long history as a cultural icon in the New Orleans theatre and performing arts community. A launching place for young talent, a stalwart for local talent and a return stage for those who have gone on to further careers, Le Petit features a full season of traditional and new musical productions. In addition, Le Petit offers concerts, a daily film series and an eclectic mix of other productions in on both its Main Stage and the smaller Muriel's Cabaret Theatre.

To celebrate the upcoming production, Southern Rep will host a free "All About Eve" and Martini party at their Theatre On Monday, April 26th at 7:00 pm. Watch the movie in the darkened theatre, with martinis and popcorn on offer at the bar. Other activities will include a Little Edie Dress-Up Contest, with a chance to win tickets to GREY GARDENS. No RSVP necessary, cash bar.
Le Petit Theatre is so much a part of the culture of the city, with its location and legacy. -New Orleans Living Magazine

Southern Rep continues to show that it is staging the most important, challenging, and downright mesmerizing pieces of theater New Orleans audiences are graced to experience. - Theodore P. Mahne, The Times-Picayune Lagniappe.

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