The play, with several local actors, will open this Friday at Malibu Stage Company.
By Malibu Times Staff
Several local actors will be performing in Jane Anderson’s comedic drama “Looking for Normal” presented by the Malibu Stage Repertory (formerly Zuma Repertory Theatre) beginning this Friday at the Malibu Stage Company. The play will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 24.
“Looking for Normal” made its world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles in 2001. The gender-bending comedy-drama tells the story of a middle-aged, Midwesterner named Roy (played by Will Carney) who, after 25 years of marriage, announces to his family that he has decided to have a sex-change operation. While to the outside world Roy’s life with a wife, children and a steady job may look “normal,” his search for his true identity and deep desire to bring drastic change to his life forces those around him to explore the complexities of their relationships, the institutions of marriage and family, and the very notion of love.
Diane Carroll, who directed “Glorious” in Malibu and in Hidden Hills last year, directs this Malibu presentation of “Looking for Normal.” Her other directorial credits include productions of “The Caine Mutiny,” “A Thousand Clowns” and Thornton Wilder’s “Happy Journey to Camden” on the East Coast. She was also the executive producer of the Lions Gate film “Route 666” starring Lou Diamond Phillips, and producer of “Lost in the Movies” at the Court Theatre in Los Angeles. Carroll is also a member of the Malibu Stage Company Board of Directors.
Thirteen-year-old Hailey Hoffman, a Malibu Middle School student, will perform for the first time with Malibu Stage Repertory as Patty Ann, daughter of Roy and his wife Irma (played by Nancy Little). She recently performed in Malibu High School’s production of the musical “Seussical,” as the lead character, Sour Kangaroo. Hoffman’s talents extend to music as well, having performed as a violinist with the Malibu Strings Academy and in the annual Stairway of the Stars event, and she has participated as a vocalist in several performances of the Malibu Coast Children’s Choir, as well as local Malibu ensemble and solo events.
Brian Pietro might be more known locally for being the owner of the Malibu Beach Shack, but the Malibu resident has had acting chops since he was a child, and has performed in college and small Los Angeles theater plays, as well as in small roles for film and television. Pietro plays the role of Frank.
Other performers include J. Walter Holland as Roy and Irma’s son Wayne, Jimmy Hall as Reverend Muncie, Howard Ferguson as Roy Senior, Margott Rifenbark as Em and Nathalie Blossom as Grandmother Ruth. Carney, Little, Ferguson and Blossom have all previously performed with Malibu Stage Repertory.
Malibu Stage Repertory was created by the Malibu Stage Company Board of Directors in 2007. The group has grown to more than 30 members including actors, directors, producers and other volunteers.
The group is planning the Malibu Stage Company’s first subscription season for 2009-2010. The inaugural subscription season plays are three Pulitzer Prize winners: “Proof,” “Three Tall Woman,” and “How I Learned to Drive,” and the musical, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” More information on the plays and the upcoming season will be announced soon.
As an advisory, due to the subject matter and themes, “Looking for Normal” is suitable for ages 13 and older only. No children under age 5 will be admitted, and children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
“Looking for Normal” opens Friday, May 1, and runs through May 24. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets for all shows are $20 and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com. Group rates and more information can be obtained by calling 310.589.1998. The Malibu Stage Company is located at 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 (near Zuma beach, between Kanan-Dume Road and Morning View Drive, near Heathercliff Road). Parking is free.