4000 MILES
by Amy Herzog
April 20 – May 8, 2016
After suffering a major loss while he was on a cross-country bike trip, 21 year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91 year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a single month, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other. 4000 MILES looks at how two outsiders find their way in today’s world.
Directed by Ron Celona
Actors: Ivy Jones (Vera Joseph), Zachary Hallett (Leo Joseph-Connell), Megan Rippey (Bec), Christine de Chavez (Amanda)“…4000 MILES is funny, endearing and the characters are so real, they’ll move you.”– Bruce Fessier, The Desert Sun“The performances of Zachary Hallett and Ivy Jones have the onstage chemistry that gives each many moments to shine. Hallett’s introspective and naturalistic performance is both compelling and highly nuanced, and his timing is impeccable. Jones compliments Hallett’s performance with a caring, gentle and delightful turn that says elder relatives – grandmother and grandson – can indeed close the generation gap.”– Jack Lyons, DesertLocalNews.com“This show is a superb example of the method style of acting: Each actor presents us with a studied performance, in which every tiny gesture and breath and reaction has been thought out. It seems so natural and spontaneous that it looks like it is just happening. Nothing is harder than making something look effortless.”– V.J. Hume, Coachella Valley Independent .“4000 MILES is a drama about life and a comedy about the drama of relationships. It’s about age, youth, growing old and the ties that bind families and friends. This is definitely a show that will make you glad that there is this thing called ‘Live Theatre’.”– Dee Jae Cox, Coachella Valley Weekly.“4000 MILES is a sweetly sentimental comedy with dramatic moments, whose brilliant direction and performances strike the perfect balance between humor and pathos.”– Audrey Liebross, BroadwayWorld.com
I AM MY OWN WIFE
By Doug Wright
March 9 – 27, 2016
Based on a true story, and inspired by interviews conducted by the playwright over several years, I AM MY OWN WIFE tells the fascinating tale of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a real-life German transvestite who managed to survive both the Nazi onslaught and the repressive East German Communist regime.
Directed by Ron Celona
Actor: Vince Gatton (Charlotte von Malsdorf, and 34 other roles)
“(CVRep) scored another coup with I AM MY OWN WIFE the slightly fictionalized story of German gay rights activist and antique collector Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. Actor Vince Gatton brings her to life, along with more than thirty other characters, in a brilliant one-person show that I consider a must-see.” –Audrey Liebross, BroadwayWorld.com
“Vince Gatton, in his portrayal of (Charlotte) von Mahlsdorf, along with a couple of dozen other characters, was absolutely brilliant. His ability to transition from the main character into a separate and very distinct different character and voice and then back again, was nothing short of astonishing.” – Dee Jae Cox, Coachella Valley Weekly
“Vince Gatton . . . playing Charlotte von Mahlsdorf and 34 other roles, is mesmerizing. It is nothing short of a tour-de-force bravado performance. Likely the very best performance by any actor in the Coachella Valley for 2016.” – Armin Callo, InFluxMagazine.com
“(Ron) Celona’s seamless staging and direction of ‘I Am My Own Wife’ is a mesmerizing theatrical experience which is underscored by the amazing performance of his star Vince Gatton.” – Jack Lyons, DesertLocalNews.com
A CLASS ACT
Music and Lyrics by Edward Kleban; Book by Linda Kline and Lonny Price
January 20 – February 14, 2016
The Tony-award winning lyricist for A CHORUS LINE was hell-bent on writing the words and music for a Broadway show, a goal unrealized in 1987 when he died of cancer at the age of 48. Only posthumously would Ed Kleban garner the acclaim he deserved, in this biographical musical which dramatizes his often hilarious, ultimately heartbreaking journey. A vibrant musical of musicals!
Directed by Ron Celona
Musical Direction by Scott Storr
Choreographed and Assistant Directed by Mark Esposito
Actors: Jeffrey Landman (Ed Kleban), Julie Garnye (Sophie), Craig Cady (Bobby / Michael), Rachael Johnson (Lucy), Craig McEldowney (Charley / Marvin), Sal Mistretta (Lehman Engel), Christina Morrell (Felicia), and Kristin Towers-Rowles (Mona)
Musicians: Jeff Barish (woodwinds), Dave Hitchings (drums), Bill Saitta (bass), Scott Storr (piano)
“If you like A CHORUS LINE you’ll love A CLASS ACT for the story behind that legendary musical.” – Bruce Fessier, The Desert Sun
“A CLASS ACT, a fictionalized biography of songwriter Ed Kleban’s life, results in an entertaining evening of theatre, with a compelling story, a well-written, humorous book, fabulous dancing, and several excellent singing and acting performances.” – Audrey Liebross, BroadwayWorld.com
“Jeffrey Landman plays (Edward) Kleban with charm, style, and terrific timing. He sings, he dances and he emotionally draws the audience into his nuanced performing orbit by the sheer force of his talent. As good as Landman is, however, he doesn’t do it alone. He has seven gifted cast mates who perfectly blend together as they tell the story.” – Jack Lyons, DesertLocalNews.com
HAPPY HOUR
By George Eastman
October 28 – November 22, 2015
CVRep’s first world premiere of a full length play.
Directed by Ron Celona
Actors: Gavin MacLeod (Harry Townsend) and John Hawkinson (Alan Townsend)
This humorous and touching play explores the dynamics of a parent/child relationship as they both deal with a life altering decision — the father’s inability to live on his own. Harry Townsend is a cantankerous jokester who uses every opportunity to share his playful and oftentimes side-splitting philosophy of life with his son Alan.
“The Coachella Valley Repertory production of George Eastman’s HAPPY HOUR directed by Ron Celona, is the first world premiere I’ve seen in the desert that has the potential to go to New York.” – Bruce Fessier, The Desert Sun
“Wow! Is doesn’t get much better than this! It is a privilege to watch the superb performances by co –stars Gavin MacLeod and John Hawkinson in this masterfully written (George Eastman) play which is directed to perfection by CVRep Artistic Director Ron Celona. We wouldn’t be at all surprised to see this World Premiere hit the road all the way to NYC!” – Michael Napoli, Performing Arts LIVE
“Gavin MacLeod and John Hawkinson knocked the socks off the opening night audience. As we say in the theatre, when a two-hander (just two cast members) is ‘cooking on stage’ everyone in the audience is transformed as well.” – Jack Lyons, DesertLocalNews.com
“HAPPY HOUR is both touching and hilariously funny.” – Audrey Liebross, BroadwayWorld.com
“HAPPY HOUR will make you laugh … and cry … and think. If your parents are still living, it might just inspire you to give them a call.” – Bonnie Gilgallon, Coachella Valley Independent