Follow Us:

Cast

Creative Team

Director's Notes

About the author

Terrence McNally (November 3, 1938 – March 24, 2020) was an American playwright, librettist, and screenwriter.

Described as "the bard of American theater" and "one of the greatest contemporary playwrights the theater world has yet produced," McNally was the recipient of five Tony Awards. He won the Tony Award for Best Play for Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class and the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime, and received the 2019 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1996, and he also received the Dramatists Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 and the Lucille Lortel Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2018, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the highest recognition of artistic merit in the United States. His other accolades included an Emmy Award, two Guggenheim Fellowships, a Rockefeller Grant, four Drama Desk Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards, two Obie Awards, and three Hull-Warriner Awards.

His career spanned six decades, and his plays, musicals, and operas were routinely performed all over the world. He also wrote screenplays, teleplays, and a memoir. Active in the regional and off-Broadway theatre movements as well as on Broadway, he was one of the few playwrights of his generation to have successfully passed from the avant-garde to mainstream acclaim. His work centered on the difficulties of and urgent need for human connection. He was vice-president of the Council of the Dramatists Guild from 1981 to 2001.

He died of complications from COVID-19 on March 24, 2020, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida.

About the play

THE STORY: At turns funny and powerful, MOTHERS AND SONS portrays a woman who pays an unexpected visit to the New York apartment of her late son’s partner, who is now married to another man and has a young son. Challenged to face how society has changed around her, generations collide as she revisits the past and begins to see the life her son might have led.

“Terrence McNally is a probing and enduring dramatist. A resonant elegy for a ravaged generation, MOTHERS AND SONS wears its significance defiantly.” —NY Times. “Eloquent, exceptionally timely and intensely resonant. A moving reflection on a changed America.” —Chicago Tribune. “Fantastic! McNally captures a moment of hope and promise…MOTHERS AND SONS feels like the sun on your face!” —NBC New York. “A masterpiece. Terrence McNally is one of the greatest contemporary playwrights the theatre world has yet produced. MOTHERS AND SONS is profound. Heartbreaking. Triumphant.” —NY Observer.

Meet the Company

Lily Moss

Young Perri/Tuna

Lily is 14 and a freshman at Palisades High School. She has performed in many YES shows and Youth Musicals at the Morgan-Wixson Theater. She portrayed “Wheeler” in The Emperor’s New Clothes, for which she won an award for outstanding supporting performance from National Youth Arts, “Anna” in Frozen Jr., “Lavender” in Matilda, “Freckleface” in Freckleface Strawberry, and more! Outside of the theater, Lily studies, performs, and choreographs all dance genres. Tremendous love and thanks to her MWT family and her parents for driving her every night to and from rehearsals! She literally couldn’t be here without them!

Caroline Jones

Diane Kubota

Caroline Jones grew up in the Los Angeles area, but it wasn't until experiencing the stage during her time at UC Irvine that she found her love for acting. She graduated with a double major in International Relations and Drama. Today she continues honing her craft at the CRASH acting school, and is excited to be returning to theater after working in independent and short films. Caroline is proud to bring life to stories about the Asian-American experience, hoping to fuel the growing current of cultural representation and diverse storytelling. Website: http://jonescaroline.com/

Eliza Day

Lily (Monarchs) | Sarah (Swiped)

Eliza is a newcomer to the Los Angeles theater community and is thrilled to be returning to the stage after a hiatus that allowed her to explore other artistic realms. She is especially passionate about the cultivation of new work and is honored to be part of breathing life into these stories. She can be found on instagram and tiktok @elizadaylight.

Bouket Fingerhut

Joey

Bouket is beyond excited to be making her Morgan Wixson acting premier at this years New Work Festival. In addition to playing Joey, she is also playing Perri in “Monarchs”. Bouket is a Broadwayworld.com winner for best actress in a lead musical role, and is affiliated to countless theatre companies in the Greater LA area. She is in the process of starting her own theatre company and is grateful to have such a successful career in the arts. Some of her favorite roles are: Mamma Rose (Gypsy), Anita (West Side Story), Mrs. Walker (Tommy), and Paulette (Legally Blonde).

Randi Tahara

Masako

Randi is humbled and honored to be invited to participate in this personal and meaningful production; her father's family was incarcerated in Colorado at Amache and they rarely talked about it; they are all gone now. Her theater credits are numerous, spanning genres and county lines, ranging from new works to the classics. She dedicates her performance to her cousin Bill who lived life as if he were on stage; he was entertaining to say the least, and his life was somewhat tragic yet comedic. Special thanks and appreciation to the playwright, Dr. Dorinne Kondo, director Melodie Rivers for her vision and leadership, the incredible cast, and the Morgan-Wixson Theatre's Board for conceiving and bringing the New Works Festival to fruition.

Sara Kaner

Cindy/Cathy

Sara Kaner (Cindy/Cathy) is proud to be a part of the Monarchs cast and the 2023 New Works Festival at the Morgan-Wixson! She was previously on the MWT stage in Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Madame) in 2022, and The Wedding Singer (Ensemble, U/S Rosie) in 2019. A big thank you to Kristie, our amazing director, and to our wonderful production team!

Ciel Choi

Grandma

Ciel (They/Them) is incredibly thrilled to be apart of this marvelous cast of Seamless! Ciel is currently a Junior at Alexander Hamilton High School, they are an active participant in Cheerleading, Chamber Choir, and Musical Theater. They are so grateful to have the opportunity to be able to bring the story of this wonderful play to life.

Juls Hoover

Darla

Juls is a Southern California native, a graduate from San Diego State University, and attended the British American Drama Academy. Her theatre credits include Julius Caesar, Titus Andronicus, As You Like It, A Midsummer Night's Dream, King Lear, Anton in Show Business, The Children’s Hour, Twelfth Night, The Lark, Stop Kiss, and Taming of the Shrew. Television Credits: NCIS LA, Parks and Recreation, Arrested Development, and Happy Endings. Film credits: Manifest West, Found Family, Jersey Boys and The Sponsor. Thank you to Rondrell and Khari for asking me to be a part of this beautiful play. All my love to Mom, Dad, Linz, and Josh.

Anja Racić

Abby

Anja Racić is a Serbian actor, singer, dancer and writer. Last summer, Anja premiered her original solo show, "Steps of Glory", for which she received two nominations at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Anja was recently seen in two different productions of "The Tempest," with Shakespeare Center of LA and Antaeus Theater Company. Keep your eyes peeled for her film "Cake" in the festival circuit this winter. Anja is grateful to the cast and team of "Some Type of Ecstasy." Education: Professional Conservatory at the Art of Acting Studio, Stella Adler NYC & Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts

Miriam Billington

Jane

Last seen on the Morgan-Wixson stage as Rose in "The Wedding Singer" (Geoffrey Award). Thanks to Stephen and to all who worked so hard to put this festival together! Thanks to you for coming and supporting live theater.

Daniel Koh

Ken

Daniel is an actor-singer-pianist and a choral conductor / music director in Los Angeles. Favorite recent roles he has had the privilege to bring to life include Alvin in “The Story of My Life,” Jeff in “[title of show],” the Madam in “Pacific Overtures,” Bruce in “The Normal Heart,” and Dante in the world premier of “A Tangled Affair” at the inaugural Morgan-Wixson Theater New Works Festival in 2021. Favorite shows that he has recently music-directed include “Spring Awakening,” “Sweeney Todd,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “42nd Street,” “Company,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Into the Woods.” He currently serves as the Director of Performing Arts at Windward School in Mar Vista, and he is a proud member of the Crash Acting Studio.

Aaron Merken

Uncle Saul

Aaron is thrilled to be part of this incredible play & wonderful cast! He's done 6 game shows so far & has done theatre, T.V. & film. Mazel Tov to everyone!

Richard R. Rosales

Dr. Mort Motek

“Richard is excited and honored to be back on the MWT New Works Festival stage after playing Armand in 2022’s A Tangled Affair! Los Angeles native, Richard started his endeavors as a gospel music soloist. Performing at churches and events throughout Southern California and the U.S. He went on to study Musical Theatre and Classical Voice with voice coach Cathy Gabrielle Wallace (Culver City, CA). Roles: Lumpy, in La Piñata (Teatro Fogata). Buddy, in I Don’t Have To Show You No Stinkin Badges (Morgan Wixson). Sherlock, in Sherlock Holmes Meets The Bully of Baker Street (Culver City Public Theatre) Mr. Feldzeig, in The Drowsy Chaperone (Morgan Wixson). Evil King, In Rosalynde and The Falcon (Culver City Public Theatre). Tevye, in Fiddler On The Roof (Concert). Charlie Brown, in You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Grace Players).”

Bouket Figerhut

Perri

After reading “Monarchs” earlier this year, I knew this was something remarkably special. With every page I read, I related and understood Perri so much, it was almost like looking in a mirror. I am beyond honored and grateful to share this story with you, and hope you love it as much as we do. I dedicate this performance to Little Bouket, and to my “flower”, my sweet sweet husband.

Miriam Billington

Junie

Excited to be back on the Morgan-Wixson stage since playing Rose in "The Wedding Singer" (Geoffrey award!). Thank you Stephen, for supporting me, and thanks to all who worked on and attended this ground-breaking festival.

Michael German

Waiter, Doctor, Andrew, Archivist, CD voice, database, & Museum website

Michael is thrilled to be a part of tis New Works event at The Morgan Wixson Theater. He has performing theater since he was 7. Originally from Baltimore where he graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts, he then continued his theatrical training at Boston University. Since moving to Los Angeles he has performed at theaters all over SoCal. He was most recently see at The Hollywood Fringe Festival in an original piece, "Losing Your Humanity"(a zombie musical) yes, that's right. He was also part of an original play "Accomplices" at the Fountain Theater in Hollywood. He loves having the opportunity to be the actor to "breath life" into a character for the very first time." It's an honor." Some of his past performances include; "Anything Goes" Lord Evelyn "Assassins" Sam Byck "Something Rotten" Lord Clapham. "The Rocky Horror Show" Brad. "Nuncrackers" Father Virgil. "The Pajama Game" Sid. " Oklahoma" Jud. "Guys and Dolls" Nathan Detroit "It's a Wonderful Life" George Baily. This play, Seamless, is something special. He would like to thank Melodie for trusting him with the task of many characters. He would also like to once again thank his wife Nicole and daughter Mason for letting him come out to play.

Michael German

Neighbor

Michael is thrilled to be part of this wonderful New Works event @The Morgan Wixson Theater. He has been doing theater since he was 7. Originally from Baltimore and a graduate of The Baltimore School for the Arts, he continued his theatrical training at Boson University. Since moving to LA he has been in many stage productions all over SoCal. He was recently seen at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in "Losing Your Humanity" (a zombie musical) Yes that's right. He was also fortunate enough to be part of the production of an original piece"Accomplices" at The Fountain Theater in Hollywood. 'I really enjoy when I have an opportunity to be part of an new, original script and be the first one to "breath life" into a character. It's an honor." Some of his other performances include; "Anything Goes" Lord Evelyn. "Assassins" Sam Byck "The Rocky Horror Show" Brad. "Something Rotten" Lord Clapham. "Oklahoma" Jud. "Nuncrackers" Father Virgil. The Pajama Game" Sid. Guys and Dolls". Nathan Detroit and "It's a Wonderful Life" George Baily He would like to thank Michael for trusting in him to take on this role. And his wife Nicole and daughter Mason for letting him com out and play.

AnnaLisa Erickson

Dragon in "Here Be Dragons"

ANNALISA ERICKSON: AnnaLisa has spent a great deal of time on LA stages and seen the country from summer stock in Wisconsin and Missouri to regional theater in North Carolina and Minnesota. Favorite stage roles include Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd," Florence Foster Jenkins in "Glorious," and Sister Hubert in "Nuncrackers" alongside Sally Struthers. Company member NEO Ensemble Theatre and Rogue Machine Theatre. resumes.actorsaccess.com/AnnaLisaErickson imdb.me/AnnaLisaErickson

Eve Keller

Dot

Eve Keller is excited to be in the New Works Festival! She starred as Brenda Blue in the PBS television show, “Jay Jay the Jet Plane”, and has acted in commercials. She has also performed on many stages in Atlanta, GA as well as multiple productions in touring companies for young audiences. Eve's other passion is directing for the Morgan-Wixson's Y.E.S. productions and has received nominations for her directing through National Youth Arts for both, “Curious George And The Golden Meatball” as well as “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. Eve also runs her own drama programs for both Elementary and Middle Schoolers. She is the current VP of the Y.E.S. committee, the Co Administrator for the Youth Workshops and a member of the theatre Board.

Ross G

Ben Roth in SEAMLESS

Ross G (Ben Roth) is excited to perform for the first time at the Morgan-Wixson! Other roles include Dick in 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL and Capt. Lesgate in DIAL ‘M’ FOR MURDER at Kentwood Players, plus Sir Toby Belch in TWELFTH NIGHT at Theatre Palisades. When not acting, he’s editing true crime documentary TV series for Discovery+ and others. He thanks director Melodie S. Rivers, the cast, crew and producers for this tremendous opportunity. He's grateful to God, family, friends and his beloved wife, Mara Guidici.

Kirsten Hansen

Director - No Loitering

Kirsten Helen Hansen is an actor, writer, and director based in Los Angeles. She received her MFA in Acting from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in the UK and is currently studying with Marjorie Ballentine. A big thanks to playwright Amy Dellagiarino, her talented ensemble, and the Morgan-Wixson for this wonderful opportunity!

SPECIAL THANKS!!!!

Dean Karasinski; Sam Gianfala; Joel Castro; the team at Superfast Copying and Binding