The hostess "Marlene" is performed by Victoria Valentino. A classically trained actress Ms Valentino first came into the national spot light as Playboy Magazine's Miss September 1963. The guest of honor in "Dial M for Marlene" is "Marilyn" performed by up and coming actress Ariane Bellamar. Ms. Bellamar is one of the stars of the upcoming ABC Family Channel's "Beverly Hills Nannies". These iconic blonds drink champagne and expose themselves to each other and the audience with tongue in cheek performances.
The play also has the supporting cast of Sophie Brabenec, Peter Cluff, Bruce Culpepper and Jeremy Ebenstein playing a variety of roles.
"Dial M for Marlene" opens on June 28th for a limited run ending July 15th. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved via phone at: (310) 360-7064.
We are so looking forward to entertaining all who come.. and, who knows, sharing a glass of champagne after the performance... Come see!
ReplyDeleteVictoria Valentino aka "Marlene"
Dear Mr. Carney:
ReplyDeleteI've read the script, and this play is based upon actual events in the lives of Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe and not just fantasy (although a liberal amount of "dramatic license" has been taken). Those two blonds had enough drama in their lives to keep us all entertained for generations to come.
Marilyn already broke one of her spaghetti straps during rehearsal, as art imitates life (recalling the 1956 press conference, announcing the pairing of Monroe and Olivier for the movie version of Prince and the Showgirl). There may be more thrills and mishaps along the way, which will undoubtedly be adeptly handled by two seasoned, professional actresses playing Dietrich and Monroe.
But be prepared for anything to occur in this new comedy, since part of the story takes place in the circus of an aging film star's mind. Aerial acts, clowns, and tamed animals are all "de rigeur" in the Park Avenue apartment, where this whacky drawing room farce takes place.
There is even a rumor that Garbo may appear, although in her raincoat and floppy hat, probably no one will recognize her.
I saw this play from the front row and it was a lot of work for those poor actresses. No wonder it closed and reopened a week later. Who could have remembered those precise lines, and difficult monologues? Even Marilyn would have stuttered her way through it, and Marlene would have simply ad-libbed in German. But it was fun watching them all work out. When Alexis Del Lago storms out during of the theater in a jealous rage, you know you've got a hit on your hands.
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