Powerhouse presents Alan King in ‘Mr. Goldwyn,’ July 27-August 12

Renowned actor and comedian Alan King will star in the world premiere of "Mr. Goldwyn," a one-man show based on the life of one of the legendary creators of Hollywood. Written by Marsha Lebby and John Lollos and directed by Tony Award-winner Gene Saks, "Mr. Goldwyn" opens Friday, July 27, and runs through Sunday, August 12, at the Vassar College/New York Stage and Film's Powerhouse Theater.

Presented in association with the Broadway producers of "TRU," "Mr. Goldwyn" is an exploration of the life of Samuel Goldwyn. In May of 1952, when the glove salesman-turned-movie mogul still had that "Goldwyn touch," the legendary producer of "Stella Dallas," "Wuthering Heights," "Guys and Dolls," and "The Little Foxes" was witnessing the Hollywood he helped create fade. The reign of television had begun and the studios were struggling. In this poignant and funny play, the audience will spend an afternoon and an evening in the office of producer Samuel Goldwyn.

King's acting career took off in 1955 with "Hit the Deck" and he has continued to earn feature roles in such films as "Bonfire of the Vanities," "Casino," and most recently with Jackie Chan in "Rush Hour 2." On the production side, King is an owner and member of the executive board of the Kaufman-Astoria Studios, where interiors are shot for many made-in-New York City films. He produced "Memories of Me," costarring Billy Crystal. He is also the author of five best-selling books, among them his autobiography, "Name-Dropping - The Life & Lies of Alan King." He is now completing ""The Jewish Wit" for Crown Publishing.

Saks has won three Tony Awards ("Brighton Beach Memoirs," "Biloxi Blues," and "I Love My Wife') two Drama Desk Awards, and twice has had three shows running simultaneously on Broadway. His first success was "Enter Laughing" (1963), which introduced Alan Arkin, followed by "Nobody Loves an Albatross" with Robert Preston, and "Half a Sixpence' with Henry Fonda, among many others. In addition, Saks directed "The Man Who Came to Dinner" for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the musical "I Love My Wife."

Performances are evenings at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. There will be no performance on Saturday, August 4, or on Sunday, August 5, at 2 p.m. There will be an additional show on Sunday, August 5, at 7 p.m.

Single ticket prices for main stage productions are $25. Season tickets are also available. For more information call the box office at (845) 437-7235/5599 or, for a taped message on show times, call the Special Info Line at (845) 437-7645 or visit the web site at http://powerhouse.vassar.edu/

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Friday, July 27th, 2001.