A Woman of Independent Means

In a special Mother’s Day performance, the California Performing Arts Centre presents its award-winning production of Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey’s A Woman of Independent Means, starring Lissa Layng. The play is adapted by Ms. Hailey from her internationally acclaimed best-selling novel. Norman Cohen directs.

Layng portrays Bess Steed Garner, a character based on the playwright’s grandmother. Garner’s story is a grand unfolding tale of what it was like to be an adventurous spirit in the first seven decades of the American Century. During a period when terms such as “liberated” and “feminist” had yet to became ingrained in the popular lexicon, Bess lives her life exactly as she pleases. Through challenge and triumph, depression and wealth, wars and peace, Bess is emblematic of the fierce courage and independent spirit of the emerging American Woman of the 20th Century.

“Lissa Layng’s brilliant talent makes every phase of the character believable.”
— Entertainment Today

“Woman’s strong solo character resonates. So does Layng’s striking performance.”
— Los Angeles Times

“A magical, monumental theatrical achievement… spellbinding!”
— The Tolucan Times

“In a time when people are working to define things essentially American, this is one portrait to put into the mix.”
— Pasadena Star-News