Contact: Kris Ellenberg or Racquel Lehrman 310.430.1772 or 818.342.4319
kris.ellenberg@gmail.com
racquel@theatreplanners.com
AT SANTA MONICA PLAYHOUSE FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY BENEFIT PERFORMANCE
8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13
During National Adoption Month -- All Proceeds To Be Donated to American Liver Foundation,
Vista Del Mar and The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute
-- Charity Auction, Sweet Lady Jane Cake and Champagne Reception to Follow Reading --
SANTA MONICA, CA, Sept. 29, 2008 – Following on the success of its extended, full production run in The Other Space at the Santa Monica Playhouse which received rave reviews last Oct. through Dec., ...And Baby Makes Two - an adoption tale™ written and performed by Nanci Christopher and directed by Paul Linke returns for a special benefit reading at 8 pm on Thursday, Nov. 13 during National Adoption Month. All proceeds from this one time only performance will be donated to the following nonprofit organizations: American Liver Foundation in memory of Elizabeth Sample Zufelt, the birth mother of Christopher’s adopted son, Joshua; Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services; and The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute.
…And Baby Makes Two - an adoption tale is the real life story of one single woman’s experiences in the world of adoption as she pursues her deepest desire – motherhood. This inspiring tale about creating a family for oneself is tumultuous, amusing and, according to Backstage West, “fascinating material.” Comedian Richard Lewis agrees. “Wow! Nothing better than to have a good cry and laugh simultaneously! This play is heroic, incredibly moving, entertaining and timeless. And thank God, especially during these days, it’s art that really addresses our most important asset – children. Bravo!” said Lewis.
Throughout the original and extended run of the play in 2007, Christopher held live and silent auctions that raised over $9,400 for charity: $7,150 for the American Liver Foundation and $2,300 for five adoption organizations.
“The legacy of this show has, and always will be, about giving back to the communities that have given so much to me,” said Christopher. “My goal with this benefit reading is to raise as much awareness as possible for adoption as an attainable option for would be parents. As a single woman in my mid-thirties I decided to look into all the baby options available since my biological clock was screaming and my knight in shining armor had still not shown up. Adoption helped fulfill my destiny of becoming Joshua’s Mom. Now nine years later, I’m as passionate as ever about advocating for, and demystifying, adoption, and am proud of what this little show has been able to achieve.”
Leading publisher Samuel French, Inc. just acquired worldwide publication and licensing rights in English for …And Baby Makes Two - an adoption tale, and the Santa Monica Playhouse recently nominated the play and Christopher for the prestigious 2009 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, which honors exceptional women playwrights and their unique voices (http://www.blackburnprize.org). In July, the International World Premiere Reading of … And Baby Makes Two - an adoption tale took place at Theatre d’Aire Falguiere in Paris, France, where it is now being primed for production with leading French actress Béatrice Agénin.
Following the Nov. 13 benefit reading, there will be a cake and champagne reception provided by the world-famous West Hollywood gourmet bakery Sweet Lady Jane. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on the following auction items to help raise additional funds for charity (all donations, including the cost of theatre tickets, are tax deductible): jewelry from XIV Karats in Beverly Hills (value $500-1,000); a private domestic adoption consultation with leading authority, attorney David Radis (value $750); a Mommy Pampering Gift Basket filled with fabulous LaLicious body products, a double magnum of white Tuscan wine, a French lesson, hand-dipped chocolate bon bons from SouthnFrance.com and much, much more (value $500); and a gift certificate for dinner at hip Asian eatery Koi in West Hollywood (value $200).
TICKET INFORMATION
For tickets to this special one night only event, please call 310.285.2200 or email skaterqueen7@gmail.com to reserve one ticket for $35; two tickets for $60; or four tickets for $100. Your reservation will be confirmed with payment due at the door the evening of the performance by cash or checks only. The Other Space at the Santa Monica Playhouse is located at 1211 4th Street in Santa Monica between Wilshire Blvd. and Arizona Ave. Free parking for the first two hours is available in public lots nearby. For more information and photos, please go to http://www.andbabymakestwo-anadoptiontale.com.
About the Actor/Writer
Actor and writer Nanci Christopher is a current associate member of the Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice, CA; was a member of Theatre West for years; and was Co-Founder of The Joint Theatre Company/CBS Radford. She has been an invited guest at The Actor’s Theatre of Louisville-Humana Festival and The O’Neill National Playwrights conference in Connecticut as well as being a member of The Dramatists Guild of America, Inc. Other theatre includes: Los Angeles premiere of Lee Blessing’s, Down The Road, and Diane Samuels’ Kindertransport, both at The Tiffany Theatre; Home Fire and Letters HomeatTheatre West; The Transmogrificationand Open Your Golden Gateat Playwright’s Horizons/NYC. Film credits include HBO’s Crime of the Century and The Check is in the Mail. TV credits include Two And A Half Men, ER, Night Stand, USA High, Ryan’s Hope and All My Children. She is represented in the U.S. by attorney Susan Grode of Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP, and in Europe by agent Marie-Cécile Renauld of MCR Agence in Paris.
About the Director
Paul Linke is a veteran stage actor and director who has been an integral part of creating theatre on the Westside in Los Angeles for over two decades. One of his biggest contributions was co-founding the Garden Theatre Festival (LADCC Award). He was also a member of the Company Theatre, and the founder and original artistic director of the Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica where he created his internationally acclaimed Time Flies When You’re Alive, which was later filmed as an HBO Showcase special and nominated for a Cable Ace Award. He was honored to direct Nobody Don’t Like Yogi starring Ben Gazzara, Off-Broadway at the Lamb’s Theatre. Mr. Linke co-authored and directed Save it for the Stage – The Life of Reilly starring comic legend Charles Nelson Reilly.
About the American Liver Foundation (http://www.liverfoundation.org)
Founded in 1976, the American Liver Foundation (ALF) is the nation's leading nonprofit organization promoting liver health and disease prevention. ALF provides research, education and advocacy for those affected by liver-related diseases, including hepatitis.
About Vista Del Mar (http://www.vistadelmar.org)
Founded in 1908, Vista Del Mar’s mission is to provide comprehensive, family-centered social, educational and behavioral health services that encourage children, adolescents and their families to lead self reliant, stable and productive lives.
About The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute (http://www.adoptioninstitute.org)
Founded in 1996, The Adoption Institute is a national not-for-profit organization devoted to improving adoption policy and practice. Its mission is to provide leadership that improves adoption laws, policies and practices - through sound research, education and advocacy - in order to better the lives of everyone touched by adoption.
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