Schoolhouse Theater Production of "Biography" Begins NYC Run on November 20

“S. N. Behrman wrote ‘Biography’ and ‘No Time for Comedy’ during the Great Depression,” says artistic director Pamela Moller Kareman, who has directed a long line of critical successes at The Schoolhouse since it opened 10 years ago. “He made audiences laugh then and he makes us laugh now. Especially with the current economic situation, this is the time for comedy.”

 

Broadway musical star Tracy Shayne continues in her role as the captivating Marion Froude, a worldly, free-spirited portrait artist who is short on funds but with a rich past, who has been offered a small fortune to write the story of her life. Shayne, who has had leads in “Les Miserables,” “Chicago” and “Phantom of the Opera,” proved to be a sensation in this non-singing role, which marked her debut at The Schoolhouse.

 

“The gods of theater have smiled on us all with the marriage of Tracy Shayne and S. N. Behrman’s ‘Biography,’” says Moller Kareman. “I can think of no other actress to play the glamorous, charismatic and beautiful Marion Froude, and I am thrilled to be able to bring this pairing to New York City audiences.”

 

Shayne will be joined by the cast of Schoolhouse veterans who appeared in “Biography” during its run in Croton Falls this past March: Tyne Firman, Kevin Albert, George Kareman, Keith Barber, Sarah Bennett, Neal Mayer and Cheryl Orsini.

 

Part of what propelled this production from Croton Falls to 43rd Street were reviews in the local press. A review in The Journal News by Bob Heisler was titled “This Depression-era comedy keeps spirits soaring.” Michael Millius of The Record-Review (Bedford) wrote, “Regional theater doesn’t usually get much better than what’s on at the Schoolhouse, and this ‘Biography’ is one of their best.” And Chesley Plemmons of The News Times (Danbury) wrote, “‘Biography,’ now in a smart and stylish production at The Schoolhouse Theater, is a good example of what the theater lost when they ‘stopped writing them like that.’”

 

This marks the second time in just two years that a Schoolhouse Theater production has moved Off-Broadway. The 2007 smash hit “The Crucible,” which featured many of the Schoolhouse troupe appearing in “Biography,” moved to ArcLight Theater last year.

 

The Schoolhouse is a unique setting for the arts in Westchester. Built in 1926, the brick building served as an active school until 1976. Galleries exhibit many fine local artists, while the theater seats small but enthusiastic audiences of less than 100. Theater-goers enjoy the intimate quality of the space, as well as the all-Equity casts who bring theatrical excellence and experience from Broadway to Croton Falls. 

 

“Biography” plays at Theatre 3 at the Mint Theater, 311 West 43rd Street. Previews run at 7:30 p.m. on November 20, 21, and 23, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 22. The play opens Tuesday, November 24 and runs through December 19. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. on Wednesdays; and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $45. For information and reservations, call 212-352-3101.