Tommy Femia Stars In NORMA DOESMEN At Abingdon Theatre

Gifted actor/performer/impersonator Tommy Femia will star in the new comedy "Norma Doesmen" a parody of a popular 1950's film about a faded star of the silent screen, opening Monday, March 8th (7:30PM) at Off Broadway's Abingdon Theatre (312 W. 36th Street Sixth floor). Produced by Lyons Productions, Norma Doesmen is written by directed by noted playwright and stager Stephen Stahl. Preview performances will begin on Thursday, March 4th (8PM).

Set in a run-down chateau of an alcazar on Sunset Boulevard, Norma Doesmen follows the story an unemployed script-writer "Joe Dillis" who finds himself on the run from the re-po men and dives into the lap of a reclusive, silent-screen movie star "Norma Doesmen." Waiting for her return to filmdom, Norma finds her prey in Dillis, who is manipulated and seduced by this insane, over sexed, psychotically disordered fallen legend. Along with her totally schizophrenic servant "Max" and Joe's devoted narcoleptic girlfriend, "Betty ShaveHer," the comedy ensues as Joe accidentally crosses her path and she sees in him an opportunity to make her comeback to the big screen.

Along with Mr. Femia, Norma Doesmen will feaure a cast including Bryan R. Caine, Christina Giordano and Ken Shepard. The production will have scenery designed by Raffaele Castaldo, costumes designed by Lara Dawn de Bruijn, lighting by Ryan O'Gara and sound by Charles Jarboe.

Tommy Femia, the 7-time Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs (MAC) Award-winning impersonator, is a mainstay of Manhattan's top clubs and concerts nationwide with his incomparable portrayal of the legendary Judy Garland. He made his Off Broadway debut in The New American at The Nat Horne Theatre, and toured the country, as "Linus" in You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. In Bucks County, he appeared as "Tallulah Bankhead" in the musical Tallulah! and in New York City as "Bette Davis" in A Very Bette Christmas. He also starred in the hit Off Broadway production of the Drama Desk Award-winning Whoop-Dee-Doo! at the Actors' Playhouse, and starred as Judy Garland in the one-man show I Will Come Back at The Players Theatre. Television credits include: "The Facts of Life," "One Day at a Time," "The Montel Williams Show," CNBC's "Real Personal" with Bob Berkowitz, "The Jane Whitney Show" and he co-hosted a special edition of "Geraldo" with Geraldo Rivera.

Acclaimed writer/director Stephen Stahl ‘s production and directorial credits include over 150 stage shows including: Lady Day which featured Tony-Award winning actresses Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tonya Pinkins, Hattie Winston and Ann Duquesnay; the touring production of Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You which starred Mink Stole; By Strouse which starred Charles Strouse and Maury Povich for ABC-TV; A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking which starred DebraLee Scott among others. His writings include Philly's Beat; American Vaudeville; Yo Philly!; written for the New Yorker starring Melba Moore; Lady Day; Ella; Hope Falls; For the Show; and Straight to Hell. His West End production of Lady Day in London was nominated for an Olivier Award.
Producers Kathy and Jim Lyons are the principal directors of Lyons Productions. In addition to producing duties, their New Hope antique shop, specializing in antique 18th, 19th & 20th century American, European and Renaissance artifacts has been sourced to supply vintage furnishings for the production.

Norma Doesmen will play a limited engagement through March 28th as per the following performance schedule: Tuesday through Saturday's at 8PM with matinees on Saturday & Sunday at 3PM. (There will be no performance on Tuesday, March 9th) Tickets are $45. For more information and to purchase tickets by phone call: SmartTix (212) 868-4444 or online log onto www.smarttix.com

Photo credit: Beau Higgins