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“She’s the kind of star that you hang on a Christmas tree.”
Crystal Weeds
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The Original Crystal Weeds Cast
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The above six words best summarize the heart of the play Crystal Weeds. Spoken by the play’s jaded protagonist, this quote embodies the spirit and plight of the aspiring actor.
Crystal Weeds is a play about the tumultuous personal lives of four young would-be female actors who are living together in a crowded apartment in New York City. The story delves past the auditions, past the spotlights, into the inner world of the actor’s mind. For added flair, the four characters are written as modern-day versions of movie actresses Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Dorothy Lamour, and Natalie Wood. The real-life personalities, relationships (the infamous Davis-Crawford feud), and pre-fame names of these four legends shape the characters of Elizabeth (Ms. Davis), Billie (Ms. Crawford), Mary (Ms. Lamour) and Natasha (Ms. Wood).
PRODUCTION HISTORY
- July, 2003 Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (World Premiere)
Directed By: Jenny Kreyl Leibowitz
Starring: Krista Bruno, Laura Sweeney, Ann Davis, and Lindsey Happel
- 2003 Finalist in American Theatre Co-Op National Playwrighting Competition
- February, 2004 Eternal Spiral Project, Adrienne Theater, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(Staged Reading)
Directed By: Deborah Block, MFA in Directing, Temple University
Starring: Sarah Doherty*, Kirsten Quinn**, Laura Sweeney, and Jenny Kreyl Leibowitz
* Barrymore Nominated Actress
**Member of Actor’s Equity Association
- November, 2006 Coatesville Cultural Society
(Staged Reading)
Directed By: Mike Shoeman
Starring: Jennifer Summerfield, Kelly Vrooman, Rebekah Bonney, and Jenny Kreyl Leibowitz
A NOTE FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT
Because I have been asked so often: "Why did you choose these particular four actresses?" I feel the need to express my reasoning.
Dorothy Lamour and Joan Crawford were both friends of my Great Aunt. Thus, I feel connected to the vibrancy of their spirit. Joan was Dorothy's idol, as she is in the play.
Natalie Wood has been my favorite actress for as long as I can remember. Upon doing an extended amount of research on her, I discovered Bette Davis was a kindred spirit to Natalie. This fact combined with her colorful nature made Bette the obvious choice for my narrator.
My hope is that Crystal Weeds will provide a fresh, unique opportunity for my fellow female artists.
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