SPECIAL LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
Also Starring: Robert Foster, James Giordano, Jonathan Kells Phillips, Chauntae Pink, Ben Shields, Don Swayze, Mark Gadbois, Terrence Beasor and Steve Voldseth
Set design: Christopher Stone & Lighting design: Juliet Klancher
Previews were from October 5-7; and the play opened on October 8, 2011, and closed on Dec. 4, 2011.Ends , 2011.
For the first time the true and balanced story of America's most famous, controversial and effective antiwar activist is told. What is the truth about Jane Fonda's antiwar activism during the Vietnam War? Who are the people who oppose her activity so viciously, and why are they so angry even to this day? What did she actually do? And why did she do it?
This new play tells the true story of America's most famous, controversial and effective anti-war activist. The play is being developed in a workshop presentation, and JANE FONDA IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION opens for its first public performance on October 8 at Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica.
It stars Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner Anne Archer, who returns to the stage after her provocative portrayal of Mrs. Robinson in THE GRADUATE at the Gielgud Theater in London's West End.
JANE FONDA IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION uses a little-known event which occurred in Waterbury, Connecticut on June 18, 1988, where Fonda confronted a room full of hostile war veterans who were boycotting the announced filming f her movie STANLEY & IRIS (co-starring Robert De Niro) as a forum to surface many controversial and polarizing issues that had festered for years regarding Fonda's activism during the Vietnam War.
What is the truth about Jane Fonda's anti-war activism? Who are the people who oppose her activities so vigorously, and why are they so angry even to this day? What did she actually do? And why did she do it?
For the first time, see and hear the true story of what happened as told by an impartial writer whose intent is to tell the accurate and balanced story of what Jane Fonda did so people will know the facts and can formulate their opinion accordingly.
While Anne Archer is best known for her starring roles in movies such as FATAL ATTRACTION, PATRIOT GAMES, A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER and more, she has also enjoyed success in the theater starring in the Off Broadway production of"A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking","Les Liaisons Dangereuses" at Williamstown Theatre festival, "The Poison Tree" at the Mark Taper Forum, "The Vagina Monologues" in Los Angeles, and received rave reviews for her performance as Mrs. Robinson in "The Graduate" in London's West End.
Writer-director Terry Jastrow is the winner of 7 Emmy Awards ® as a producer/director of coverage of the world's biggest events, including the Olympic Games, Super Bowl, Indianapolis 500, U.S. Open golf championship, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, and more. Mr. Jastrow conducted comprehensive research regarding Fonda's activities, which included interviews with many war veterans, especially of the Vietnam War and a trip to Hanoi retracing Fonda's steps using her same guides and interpreters to learn and understand exactly what happened.
Michelle Danner co-directs. The founder and artistic director of Edgemar Center for the Arts, she recently directed the feature film HELLO, HERMAN, starring Norman Reedus (TRUE BLOOD) and Mexican film star Martha Higareda.
REVIEWS:
Click Here to read an interview with Anne in SantaMonicaMirror.com
Click Here to read the review in Backstage.com.
"Absorbing... Compelling historical detail..."
LA Times
"Politically explosive... So hypnotic..."
LA Weekly
"Outstanding acting ensemble ...
Excellent production, it is a compelling, thought-provoking evening of theatre."
Santa Monica Mirror
"Riveting due to tight direction from Terry Jastrow,
his script that presents both sides of the argument evenly ...
and a dynamite ensemble of actors led by Anne Archer as Fonda.
In the heat of the argument it's unbearable,
with no where to hide, either stay and face facts or get out"
BroadwayWorld .com
"Archer compellingly channels the strength, determination,
and sincerity of Fonda's convictions.
Terry Jastrow directs his balanced script with an even,
steady hand, keeping the vocal explosion,
spewing at an almost-uncomfortable pace
in this high-tension-filled church meeting room.
Be ready to [shed] a few tears near the end
of this effective makes-you-think hour-and-45-minute show"
Culturespotla