Amanda Bearse Joins Cast of Party Face for Final Week of Performances
(© David Gordon)
Amanda Bearse (Married…With Children) will join the cast of Isobel Mahon's Party Face at New York City Center — Stage II for its final week of performances. Bearse, who directed the cast led by Academy Award winner Hayley Mills, takes over the role of Bernie, currently played by Klea Blackhurst. Blackhurst plays her final performance on April 1, and Bearse will finish out the off-Broadway run, ending on April 8.
Bearse offered the following statement: "I guess you could say I’m crashing the party! I am both thrilled and terrified to step onstage for the last week of Party Face. Klea Blackhurst's characterization of Bernie is party-perfect, but she will be off and running on a new project, leaving a window for me to rejoin the fun. The joy of directing this production has been one of the highlights of my career. Who knew this play would offer me another off-Broadway debut, bringing me out of acting retirement to perform alongside these fabulous actresses? What an amazing way to end our run!"
Party Face began previews on January 11, opening on January 22. The cast features Hayley Mills (The Parent Trap), Klea Blackhurst (Goodspeed’s Hello, Dolly!), Gina Costigan (Mint Theater’s The Suitcase Under the Bed), Brenda Meaney (Indian Ink), and Allison Jean White (Roundabout’s Man and Boy).
The play is described as follows: "You're invited to a party that’s full of surprises. Careful plans are upended when a mother brings her own food to her daughter's party — and also the 'right' person to be her daughter's new best friend. They put on their 'party faces' and hope for the best — but when facades crack, secrets spill…and laughter roars as their revelry leads to revelations."
