Palm Beach Dramaworks is launching Dramalogue, a fresh program designed to provide theater enthusiasts with an entertaining and educational glimpse of various facets of theater production.
The series of six events focus on topics from the theater world, including some that feature an in-person discussion with a theater professional, a format similar to the popular TV show, The Actor’s Studio.
In addition to actors and playwrights, the presentations showcase representatives of other facets of theater. The guests include noted playwright Israel Horovitz; actress Sally Ann Howes and Frank Verlizzo , who designs poster art for Broadway and off-Broadway shows, including The Lion King and Sweeney Todd.
Tickets are $20 for each presentation, or a package of $90 for a subscription of six. The programs are slated for various Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the theater. 201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. For more information call (561) 514-4042 or visit palmbeachdramaworks.org.
William Hayes, the theater’s producing artistic director, said the program is designed for theater supporters who are eager to soak up information about the people and the processes behind the scenes. Attendance at other educational programs that the venue offers is strong, he said. “The more they know, the more they’ll be engaged in what we produce,” he said.
The schedule is:
Dec. 10: Our Fair Lady: Sally Ann Howes, interviewed by Lee Wolf. Howes, a Palm Beach resident, made the cover of “Life” magazine when she succeeded Julie Andrews in My Fair Lady. A child actress in her native England, Howes was also seen on Broadway in Kwamina, Brigadoon, What Makes Sammy Run? and James Joyce’s The Dead, and may be best known for her role opposite Dick Van Dyke in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Dec.17: Elia Kazan The Actor’s Director, a presentation by Dramaworks’ resident director J. Barry Lewis. Few artists have contributed more to the American theatre than Elia Kazan. As co-founder of the Actor’s Studio, his students included Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and Julie Harris. As a director noted for developing naturalism on the stage, his collaborations with Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams transformed American theatre.
Jan. 7: George Abbott Mr. Broadway, a presentation by J. Barry Lewis. Actor, playwright, producer and director; George Abbott wore all these hats during a career that spanned more than 70 years. He is most celebrated for his work on such ground-breaking musicals as On Your Toes, On the Town, Fiorello!, and Damn Yankees, steering musical comedy from infancy to adulthood.
Feb. 4: Frank Verlizzo First Impressions, interviewed by J. Barry Lewis. “Fraver” is recognized as the finest designer of poster art in American theatre. He has designed posters for over 300 Broadway and off-Broadway shows – including The Lion King, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George,and Deathtrap – and is in his third season as poster designer for Palm Beach Dramaworks.
April 1: Israel Horovitz, interviewed by Sheryl Flatow One of our most prolific, eclectic, and widely produced playwrights, Horovitz has written over 70 plays, several of which have been translated into as many as 30 languages and performed worldwide. Among his best-known titles are Park Your Car in Harvard Yard, The Primary English Class and The Indian Wants the Bronx. Several of his works have been produced at Florida Stage and Arts Garage.
April 8: Frederico Garcia Lorca, Granada’s Poet, a presentation by Mark Perlberg, former chairman of Dramaworks. The author of The House of Bernarda Alba and Blood Wedding was a liberal, homosexual rebel against Spanish society who was captured and killed by Franco’s brigade. Completely banned in his homeland until decades after his death, Frederico Garcia Lorca ultimately would become known as one of the greatest Spanish dramatists.