Theatre Palisades PRESENTS

by Charles Busch

Directed by RIa Parody Erlich

Producers Martha Hunter & Pat Perkins

Set Design Sherman Wayne & William Pitcher

Lighting Design Sound Design Sherman Wayne Susan Stangl

Costume Design Stage Manager Sherry Coon Josh Harper

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Originally produced by Theatre Club on February 8, 2000. Subsequently produced on Broadway by , Lynn Meadow, Artistic Director, Barry Grove, Executive Producer, Carol Shorenstein Hays, , Stuart Thompson and Douglas S. Cramer, opening on November 2, 2000. A Reputation for Results

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CalBRE#00902158 Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)

Mohammed ...... Bradley Orok

Marjorie ...... Lauren Leitner

Ira ...... Phil Bartolf

Frieda ...... Lois Bostwick

Lee ...... Kim Kensington

Setting: Manhattan Time: Y2K (Year 2000)

ACT I Scene 1: Late morning. Scene 2: A few hours later. Scene 3: A week later. Scene 4: Several days later. Evening.

ACT II Scene 1: Two days later. Early evening. Scene 2: The following evening Scene 3: A few days later. Afternoon.

There will be one 15-minute intermission Celebrating 12 Years! From my family to yours, THANK YOU for your continued support.

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GET ORGANIZED FOR LIFE Nancy Drobnis, MBA Professional Organizer 310.963.3909 [email protected] • www.thelaorganizer.com Director’s Notes The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife is playwright Charles Busch’s first foray into mainstream comedy after penning several campy spoofs including Psycho Beach Party and Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, in which he appeared as various female characters. In fact, Allergist’s Wife is based on a one-man show Busch performed, playing an housewife searching for the meaning of life. The play offers large helpings of Woody Allen, Norman Lear, and Neil Simon. However, Busch also was intrigued by the notion of putting many of the people he had known while growing up Jewish in the Manhattan sub- urbs into “a rather cryptic [Edward] Albee or [Harold] Pinter play.” In addition, Busch clearly was inspired by German author Hermann Hesse’s novel Siddhartha, about the Buddha’s quest for self-realization and spiritual peace, furthering his desire to use “a mysterious story line with very un-mysterious characters.” As Lynne Meadows, director of the original production said, Allergist’s Wife is “about getting lost somewhere in the mid- dle of life and finding one’s way.” So, I invite you to take this offbeat, hilarious, occasionally outrageous journey with us. Who knows? It might just awaken the Buddha inside you. Special thanks to an exceptionally talented cast who made my job more fun than any director has the right to expect; to co-producers Martha and Pat, who made my life easier; and to stage manager Josh, who was both my right- and left-hand man. Couldn’t have done it without you. And, as always, thanks to Shel, my ever-supportive partner on my per- sonal journey to self-fulfillment. I love you! — Ria Parody Erlich

OUR NEXT PRODUCTION: PICNIC By William Inge Directed by Sherman Wayne JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 19, 2017 Auditions Saturday, November 12 & Tuesday, November 15 Please see www.theatrepalisades.org for details SERVING DINNER NIGHTLY 4:30-10 Sun.-Thurs. 4:30-11 Fri.-Sat. Sunday Brunch 11-3 Early Bird Menu Special Menu Complete Dinners 4:30-7 Mon.-Fri.

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16626 Marquez Ave., Pacific Palisades (310) 454-5548 Members of the Cast Phil Bartolf (Ira Taub) is the proud grandfather of Harper (4) and Graham (1), and now Dusty Rose Levine, born Sep- tember 21. This is his eighth appearance on our stage. Favorite roles include The Diary of Anne Frank (Otto Frank), The Tem- pest (Prospero), Rumors (Lenny), Moonlight and Magnolias (David O. Selznick), 12 Angry Men (Juror 8). T/P Awards: Fea- tured Actor in Rumors, Lead Actor in 12 Angry Men and Lead Actor in Anne Frank. Love to my wife of 23 years, Patsy!

Lois Bostwick (Frieda Tuchman) received training at North- western University and the Jean Shelton Acting School. She has appeared in a variety of productions including favorites Lysistrata, The Music Man, Picnic, Ah Wilderness!, Morning’s at 7 and Fifth of July. At the Morgan-Wixson Theater Lois received a Best Actress award for her role in Shadow Box. Her most recent roles were in Social Security and The Foreigner at the Morgan and Rabbit Hole with the Kentwood Players.

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15321 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 P: 800.899.6107 F: 310.454.6941 310.454.8027 www.palisadesflowers.com Kim Kensington (Lee Green) is thrilled to make her Theatre Palisades debut. Previous roles include lots of ingénues, char- acters with British accents, and her favorite, the dog Sylvia. In commercials she tends to get wet (a surfer with her dog for Milk-Bone and a synchronized swimmer for Vicks Cough & Cold). Fortunately, she remained dry in six episodes of Untold Stories of the ER, the film The Prankster and, usually, as a psychologist for adults with ADHD.

Lauren Leitner (Marjorie Taub) is ecstatic and honored to be part of this intimate cast of The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. Her last appearance on the Pierson Playhouse stage was in South Pacific. A native of Los Angeles, Lauren moved to New Orleans for about seven years but missed the L.A. theatre scene. Past projects include The Recreation of Man and Woman, a play she wrote and performed. She thanks our director for her trust and collaboration.

Bradley Orok (Mohammed) is a native Californian and thrilled to be a part of Theatre Palisades for the first time. He has been seen in the television series True Nightmares and independent films such as Behavior and Spellbind. His recent theatre credits include Under Fire: Stories of Combat Veter- ans, Key Exchange and Footloose, The Musical. Bradley enjoys playing guitar and traveling. He has a B.A. in psychology from UC Riverside with a minor in theatre.

About the Playwright Charles Busch is the author and star of such plays as The Divine Sister, The Lady in Question, Red Scare on Sunset and Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, which ran five years and is one of the longest running plays in Off-Broadway history. His play The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife ran for 777 performances on Broadway and won Mr. Busch the Outer Circle Critics John Gassner Award and received a Tony nomina- tion for Best Play. He wrote and starred in the film versions of his plays, Psycho Beach Party and Die Mommie Die, the latter of which won him the Best Perform- ance Award at the Sundance Film Festival. In 2003, Mr. Busch received a special for career achievement as both performer and playwright. Mr. Busch made his directorial debut with the film A Very Serious Person, which pre- miered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival, where it won an honorable mention. He is also the subject of the documentary film The Lady in Question is Charles Busch.      Palisades Symphony Directed by Joel B. Lish  &

BrentwoodDirected by Palisades Susan S. Rosenstein Chorale Both volunteer groups invite instrumentalists & singers to join them for a season of combined music-making. For more information, please call: Eva Holberg at (310) 454-8040

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(310) 573-1326 875 Via de la Paz Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 www.vivianspalisades.com Production Staff Ria Parody Erlich (Director) was a producer and stage manager for Theatre Pal- isades at Rustic Canyon Park, took a hiatus, then found her way to the Pierson Playhouse in 2007, where she added acting and directing to her resumé. The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife is her first regular season show as a T/P director. She has directed numerous one-acts and scenes for the Theatre Palisades Actors Troupe (TPAT) and several shows for the annual Palisades Playwrights Festival. Thanks, as always, to Shel, for his unending support.

Martha Hunter (Co-Producer) now in her 28th “role” as a producer, has re- ceived Best Production Awards for five previous shows. Most memorable roles as an actress on our stage have been in Hay Fever, Perfect Wedding, The For- eigner, Moon Over Buffalo, Plaza Suite, Noises Off, Cash On Delivery! and Ru- mors. Three years ago Martha spearheaded TPAT (Theatre Palisades Actors’ Troupe). Congratulations to Ria and her wonderful cast, Sherman and William for the fabulous NYC set and to the entire hardworking production staff.

Pat Perkins (Co-Producer) has enjoyed being an active member of Theatre Pal- isades since 1982. Since then she has participated on any number of committees and is currently a member of the Board of Directors. She has worked on sets, backstage, on stage, front of the house, and plans to continue doing what she can, when she can, as long as she can, so help her Thespis. Thanks for being here. Enjoy the show. Come see us again.

Sherman Wayne (Set & Lighting Design) is on the board of directors of Theatre Palisades as VP of Production and has directed, produced, managed, designed and built sets for the theatre for more years than he would like to admit. Beginning as company manager of The Fantasticks in NYC, he worked extensively both off and on Broadway. Moving back home to California, Sherman worked for The Centre Theatre Group, the Greek Theatre and spent 25 years teaching high school the atre. He has directed many plays at T/P, including Noises Off, Plaza Suite, Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure and Don’t Dress for Dinner. Along with his numerous T/P Awards, Sherman received both the Christofer Cariello Award and the Lelah T. Pier- son Award for his never-ending support and commitment to Theatre Palisades.

William Pitcher (Set Co-Designer) is a PaliHi parent who became a part-time volunteer when he discovered Sherman Wayne working on the set for The Game’s Afoot; or Holmes For the Holidays—and offered to help. Offer accepted! He has been Sherman’s right hand man since, assisting with design and construction on all five main-stage productions this year. When not busy with the set, William (Continued) CONSTRUCTIONBest LIC. NO. 461362 George Barboza (310) 475-1237 FAX: (310) 475-3014 1935 GLENDON AVE. • SUITE 302 • LOS ANGELES, CA 90025

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The Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades is an active (and fun!) club, serving the Palisades and international communities for over half a century.

Check us out at www.palisadesrotary.com centers himself in throwing porcelain ceramics at The Clayhouse pottery studio in Santa Monica. He is also a husband and father.

Sherry Coon (Costume Design) wears many hats for Theatre Palisades, including producer, board member, director and actor. Congratulations to Ria and the cast of The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” — Oscar Wilde

Susan Stangl (Sound Design) has designed sound for over 100 theatrical produc- tions. She was last seen at the Pierson Playhouse as Effy in The Spitfire Grill, is cur- rently performing in the interactive horror play Delusion: His Crimson Queen as a vampire bride, and will be directing Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid at Kent- wood Players for Jan.-Feb. 2017. Kudos to Ria for bringing this show to life!

Joanne Reich (Scenic Artist) has designed most of the T/P posters for the past five years! She also designed the set for Company. Her scenic artistry has been on display in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Don’t Dress for Dinner, South Pacific and Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure, among others. A nationally renowned sculptor and painter, she has a B.A. in Art from UCLA. She also studied oil painting at the DeCordova Museum Art School and sculpture at the Brentwood Art Center and the Sculpture Studio in Santa Monica.

Maria O’Connor (Props) most recently co-produced Broadway Bound here at Theatre Palisades. She has directed/produced variety shows for children and adults at Stearns Musical Theatre in Long Beach for the past seven years. Maria’s roles as an actress include Irene Adler (Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure), Miranda (The Tempest), Lady Margaret More (A Man for All Seasons), Suzette (Don’t Dress for Dinner) and Julie (Per fect Wedding). Cheers & enjoy the show!

Josh Harper (Stage Manager) is thrilled to return for his 23rd production at the Pierson Playhouse. He started in 2010 on the stage crew for TPY’s produc- tion of The Wind in the Willows and grew to be stage manager with both TPY and mainstage productions. In addition, Josh was associate producer for five TPY shows and has made cameo appearances in Has Anybody Here Seen Roy? and Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure. He was most recently stage manager for TPY’s production of Xanadu Jr. “Break a leg!” GET INVOLVED! Membership is open to anyone interested in helping. Please contact Membership Chair Rodney Carrington at [email protected] RECOMMENDED BY e , ao, EVERYONE. 96% of our customers would refer The Maids to friends or family. Apparently, 4% don’t have any friends. Or family.

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Theatre Palisades 2017 Season JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 19 MARCH 31 – MAY 7 Picnic Clybourne Park By William Inge By Bruce Norris

JUNE 2 – JULY 9 SEPTEMBER 1 – OCTOBER 8 Vanya and Sonia and The Fantasticks Masha and Spike Book and lyrics by Tom Jones, By Christopher Durang Music by Harvey Schmidt

NOVEMBER 3 – DECEMBER 10 In-Laws, Outlaws, and Other People (That Should Be Shot) By Steve Franco Plus one free show of your choice at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica!

Plays subject to availability. We reserve the right to change plays or dates, if necessary. Subscriber information: 310.454.1970 www.theatrepalisades.org

We are grateful to our Donors of 2015 — $500 — Nina Luce Marguerite Perkins Mautner William Wilk — $200 to $499 — Sylvia Baer Mervin & Bonnie Hecht Monica Baier Bennett & Peggy Kayser Susan Beazley Robert & Louise Martin Shirley Churgin — $100 to $199 — Beverly Auerbach Ann Lewis Ronald Brown Helga Lupu Anonymous Sharon & Brad Lusk David & Sharon Decker Robert MacKenzie Peter Dwan Christiane Mencini-Baker A.W. “Pete” England Romana Pichel Sumner Fine Helen Seid & Gerry Feldstein June & Michael Graves Marcus & Marilyn Singleton Beverly Keese Lynn Tharsing — $50 to $99 — Kurt & Phyllis Amboss Don Naftulin Kirby & Glenda Baker Ann & Richard Olsen Jay Bevan Jean Renner-Manser Joan Boylan Steven Carr Reuben Jon Robert & Alana Calhoun Michele Rogers Jan Comsky James & Ellen Starr Margaret & Yacoub Kharraz Robert & Suzanne Stein Donald & Suzanne Kleinbub David & Marilyn Walsh Richard & Doris Littlestone Judith Wexler Carrie & Richard Meyer Martha Zaharia Ann Mulally — $20 to $49 — Joseph Aponte Gisela Moriarty Wallace & Shirley Benton Margot Morrison Lee Calvert Stephanie Pellegrino Mary & David Cole Mary Jean Pyatt Carol Dituri Carolyn Serling Jerome Greenberg Dr. & Mrs. Simon Simonian Harold Hart Barbara Smith Cynthia Kelly Barbara Tamraz Patricia Lewin Rosanne Wolf Anne & George Mallouk Donations received January 1 to December 31, 2015 THEATRE PALISADES

PIERSON PLAYHOUSE 941 Temescal Canyon Road at Haverford Avenue, Pacific Palisades

Performances Friday & Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. Sunday matinées at 2 p.m.

For information & reservations: (310) 454-1970 Tickets available at the box office, Wednesday-Saturday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Visit our website: www.theatrepalisades.org

Theatre Palisades is a proud member of the American Association of Community Theatre