ART, LIFE, & SHOW-BIZ, A NON-FICTION PLAY
By Ain Gordon. Starring Helen Gallagher, Lola Pashalinski & Valda Setterfield
** Limited Engagement! Jan. 3 - 26 at P.S. 122 **

P.S. 122 presents the World Premiere of Art, Life, & Show-Biz, A Non-Fiction Play. Written, transcribed and directed by Ain Gordon, the piece has been culled from interviews, archival research, and stories from his cast: Helen Gallagher, of Broadway musical theater fame; Lola Pashalinski, a founding member of Charles Ludlam's Theater of the Ridiculous; and Valda Setterfield, British-born long-time Merce Cunningham dancer. A production of The Pick-Up Performance Company produced by Alyce Dissette, the show features lighting by Agnieszka Kunska. This limited engagement begins previews January 3rd with opening night scheduled for Thursday, January 9th.

Art, Life, & Show-Biz, A Non-Fiction Play was conceived as an evening length tribute to a life in the theater and the theater in liferdon himself as master of ceremonies and provider of a respectfully cynical eye. It draws on true stories, myths, and outright lies of the famous, the infamous, the forgotten and the unknown. Names that pop up include Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Woody Allen, Jean Michael Basquiat, Agnes de Mille, Brian de Palma, Mikhail Baryshnikov and John Cage. It is an insiderıs look at those who are at home on stage and on stage at home.

Helen Gallagher is the recipient of two Tony Awards, for Pal Joey and No, No Nanette. She also received three Emmy awards during her 14 year stint on ABCıs Ryanıs Hope. Other noteworthy stage appearances include High Button Shoes, Touch and Go, Sweet Charity (Tony nominee), Hot House, and Absurd Person Singular.

Lola Pashalinski created 17 roles over 13 years as a founding member of The Ridiculous Theatrical Company, including Obie winning roles in Corn and Der Ring Gott Farblonjet. She has worked with numerous directors including Richard Foreman, Anne Bogart and Joanne Akalitis. In 2000 she received a third Obie for Gertrude and Alice: A Likeness to Loving. Most recently, she appeared on Broadway in Fortuneıs Fool.

Valda Setterfield has received an Obie for The Family Business and a Bessie for Outstanding Achievement. The British-born dancer and actor has worked with Woody Allen, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Caryl Churchill, Merce Cunningham, Graciela Danielle, Maria Irene Fornes, Robert Wilson, and Ivo van Hove, among many others.

Ain Gordon received a playwrighting Obie for Wallyıs Ghost. His plays include Public Ghosts - Private Stories, 93 Acres, and Birdseed Bundles, plus three collaborations with David Gordon: the Obie winning The Family Business, Punch & Judy Get Divorced, and The First Picture Show. His work has been seen nationally at venues including Mark Taper Forum, Jacobıs Pillow, Baltimore Museum of Art, SoHo Rep, Dance Theater Workshop, George Street Playhouse, and The Public Theater.

Art, Life, & Show-Biz, A Non-Fiction Play runs January 3 - 26, Wednesday - Sunday at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15. P.S. 122 is located at 150 First Avenue (at 9th Street -- accessible from the L train at First Avenue or #6 at Astor Place). For information and reservations call 212-477-5288 or visit www.ps122.org.