Casa Valentina Set to Make West Coast Premiere
(@ Jewel Moore)
Casa Valentina begins performances tonight at Pasadena Playhouse.
Inspired by a true story, the show takes place in 1962, in an inconspicuous bungalow colony in the Catskills. Amidst dirty dancing and borscht-belt comedy, a group of men find the freedom to express themselves. In the end, they are faced with the decision as to whether the freedom they've gained is worth the risk to their reputations.
Written by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein and helmed by David Lee, the show features Christian Clemenson as Charlotte/Isadore, Nike Doukas as Eleanor, Raymond McAnally as Albert/Bessie, Valerie Mahaffey as Rita, Robert Mammana as George/Valentina, Lawrence Pressman as Theodore/Terry, James Snyder as Jonathan/Miranda, Mark Sullivan as Michael/Gloria, and John Vickery as The Judge/Amy.
The creative team includes Mark Esposito (choreographer), Tom Buderwitz (set design), Kate Bergh (costume design), Jared A. Sayeg (lighting design), Philip G. Allen (sound design), Rick Geyer (wig/hair/make-up design), and Mike Mahaffey (fight choreographer).
Performances will run through April 10.
