The Heiress (Pasadena Playhouse, April 24 - May 20, 2012)
(39 S El Molino Ave. Pasadena, CA)
Director
Dámaso Rodriguez
Gigi Bermingham (Elizabeth Almond), Richard Chamberlain (Dr. Austin Sloper),
Steve Coombs (Morris Townsend), Julia Duffy (Lavinia Penniman),
Chris Reinacher (Arthur Townsend), Elizabeth Tobias (Maria),
Heather Tom (Catherine Sloper), Anneiliese van der Pol (Marian Almond),
Jill Van Velzer (Mrs. Montgomery)
Click on thumbnails to enlarge
Catherine has been given everything she ever wanted, except the one
thing she truly needs: her Father's affection. When she meets Morris,
her fantasies of a fulfilled life seem destined to become a reality. But sometimes
love is just a game, and vengeance is the only way to win - a tale of romance and retribution, with an ending one will never see coming.
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In playing Dr. Sloper, Richard Chamberlain displayed in one single characterization the grin of a Dr. Kildare, the wittiness of a Cyrano, the slyness of a Blackthorne, the avenging eye of a Monte Cristo and the tormented soul of a Father Ralph!
Listen to Director Dámaso Rodriguez
talk about "The Heiress"
The Director
“I’m thrilled with our cast — Heather Tom is
going to knock people out as Catherine, Julia Duffy
is born into her funny and moving role as
Catherine’s aunt and eventual confidante, and
Richard Chamberlain is extraordinary in a performance that should not be missed. I think he’s one of our greatest stage actors.”
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”The intricate, psychological nuances in the Goetz’s
script – along with influences from Henry James’ acclaimed novel will drive what I hope to be
a fresh look at this hugely popular classic. I am
very much looking forward to working with our acclaimed cast of Los Angeles theatre talent led by the legendary Richard Chamberlain who
brings his towering charisma and experience
to the role of Austin Sloper and Heather Tom
whose magnetic interpretation of the title character I find thrillingly complex—
as well as reuniting with the equally
accomplished Julia Duffy, who I’ve had
the pleasure of working with both on The Playhouse stage and with the furious Theatre Company."
Meet the cast...
Richard Chamberlain, Heather Tom
and Julia Duffy discuss "The Heiress"
Richard Chamberlain on KFWB Radio spoke briefly about his role in "The Heiress" and announced his new project, "The Exorcist", at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles (July 3 - August 12, 2012) Listen to the Radio interviewhere
"I don't think he is a villain," said Chamberlain of Sloper.
"I think he becomes obsessed with this competition
with this young man. And he is such a controlling
man. I can think of my father. He was extremely
dominating in the household."
Photo Jim Cox Gigi Bermingham, Steve Coombs, Elizabeth Tobias (in back), Julia Duffy,
Richard Chamberlain, Heather Tom, Anneliese van der Pol and Chris Reinacher
Photo Jim Cox Julia Duffy and Richard Chamberlain
Steve Coombs, Heather Tom and Richard Chamberlain
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Opening Night (April 29, 2012)
"Richard Chamberlain is the backbone of the production"
Photo Pasadena Playhouse
Photo Pasadena Playhouse
Photo Pasadena Playhouse
Photo Pasadena Playhouse
Photo Pasadena Playhouse
Photo Pasadena Playhouse
Photo Pasadena Playhouse
Photo Pasadena Playhouse
"Opening Night!
...As a sold out Pasadena Playhouse came to its collective feet
to give the cast of The Heiress a standing ovation on the
much celebrated Opening Night, stars Heather Tom and
Richard Chamberlain were the talk of the town. While
Chamberlain is a venerable star and did not disappoint
as the play’s male lead, soap opera actress Heather Tom
not only held her own opposite the acting icon, who
plays her domineering father, but delivered a grand
slam of a performance as a plain-looking young woman
who stands to inherit a fortune from her ailing physician
father. The drama really builds when a handsome and
penniless young suitor proposes marriage and the
overprotective father is certain he is only after his
daughter’s inheritance.
"When the curtains went up on that amazing stage with some of the best staging and lighting I've seen, I was like "Wha what? Is that Richard Chamberlain? The man works grey hair and sophistication." And he was so cold. Chills."
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Seeing The Heiress at the Pasadena Playhouse seemed like
what a theater experience would have been like in the ages
before television. The actors draw the audience in –to the point
where its collective gasps and sighs seem to become part
of the play’s dialog. Richard Chamberlain at 78 was inspiring.
He has not lost either his looks or his acting ability with age
and it was a pleasure to see such a master at his craft.
The play is set in New York City in the Mid 1800s.
It is about a sweet, shy young woman, the only child of
a renown New York City physician, as she copes with the
constant disapproval of her father and crippling social anxiety.
Her family is independently wealthy, which combined
with her naïveté about men makes her extremely
vulnerable to the attentions of a charismatic suitor.
She falls in love with him of course. From the set up
of the plot you can imagine the rest of the story line —
but don’t let that fool you. It is a real treat to see such
masterful performances, elegant staging in one of the most
beautiful theatres in LA. The venue is so authentic you may
feel surprised to find yourself in 2012 when you exit the theater.
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"Richard Chamberlain as the Doctor and Father was Magnificent
being a father myself I could place myself in the story...
Heather Tom... Well let's just say was Truly Amazing to
watch she took the Heiress to another level. Steve Coombs
played a very Smooth Operator whose intentions even
had me fooled for most of the play. Julia Duffy had the
most interesting role of Aunt to the Heiress having to try
and keep things moving in what was in the best
interest for the Heiress..."
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"First off, RICHAARDDD CHAMBERLAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! *melt*
He is by far one of the most brilliant actors EVVERRRR!! "
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"The play itself was "wonderful"; Richard Chamberlain and Heather Tom blew me away!!! I was nearly in tears during one of Heather's scenes - both of them really brought it."
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"Chamberlain's acting was superb, clean and articulate, 5 stars!"
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"Hats off to the extremely talented Heather Tom and Steve Coombs;
they stole the show. It takes a very talented cast to take you to
another place where you feel that stage is not static, but like there
is life outside of the set, and like you are looking at a movie or
being nosy into someone's real life. You will laugh, snarl, and your
heart will drop and rise again with the very human story that
can be so related to modern life; and if you are a fan of
Downton Abbey-like sensibilities like I am, you will be tickled
to death. Seriously, this was a wonderful play in an absolutely
lovely venue. Definitely check it out."
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"Richard Chamberlain performs Dr. Sloper with a perfect nuance."
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"Chamberlain commands the stage as Dr. Sloper, a man who
can barely disguise disdain for and disappointment in
his hapless, seemingly graceless daughter. Consummate
actor that he is Chamberlain portrays this cruel character
in a way that makes his harshness understandable."
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Opening Night Party
Photo Barry King Director Dámaso Rodriguez with his cast
Photo Barry King Heather Tom and Richard Chamberlain
Photo Barry King
Photo Barry King Richard Chamberlain, Heather Tom and
Playhouse artistic director Sheldon Epps
Photo Barry King The Cast
Photo Barry King
Photo Barry King
Photo Paige Petrone The Cast
Photo Barry King
Photo Barry King Richard Chamberlain and actress Cassandra Peterson
Photo Barry King Richard Chamberlain and actress Kate Linder
Photo Barry King Richard Chamberlain and actress Kate Linder
Photo Barry King Richard Chamberlain and Paige Petrone
Photo Barry King
Photo Barry King
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Richard Chamberlain after a performance next to his dressing room
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Excerpt from ACT I, scene 3, Dr. Sloper meets Morris Townsend,
the suitor of his daughter Catherine
...
MORRIS. You expected me, Sir?
SLOPER. Yes, I did. You are admirably prompt.
MORRIS. I deserve no credit for that , Doctor. I could hardly be late for so important an occasion as this one.
SLOPER. Yes. Catherine told me what has been going on between you.
Will you sit there?
MORRIS. Thank you. I have been walking all morning, and you know, Sir, I find New York as lovely as any city in Europe at this time of the year.
SLOPER. Yes. You must allow me to say, Mr Townsend, that it would have been becoming of you to give me notice of your intentions before they had gone so far.
MORRIS. I should have done so, Doctor, if you had not left your daughter with so much liberty. She seems to me quite her own mistress.
SLOPER. She is. But she is not, I trust, quite so emancipated as to choose a husband without consulting me. Te truth is, your little affair came to a head faster than I expcected. It was only the other day Catherine made your acquaintance.
MORRIS. We have not been slow to arrive at an understanding.
My interest in Miss Sloper began the first time I saw her.
SLOPER. Did it not even precede your first meeting?
MORRIS. I certainly had already heard that she was a charming girl. SLOPER. A charming girl - that's what you think her?
MORRIS. Otherwise I should not be sitting here. SLOPER. My dear young man, you must be very susceptible. As Catherine's father, I have, I hope, a just appreciation of her many good qualities. But I don't mind telling you I've never quite thought of her in that light.
MORRIS. I don't know what I might think of her if I were her father.
I can't put myself in that place. I speak from my own point of view. SLOPER. You speak very well - but did you really expect that I would throw my daughter into your arms?
MORRIS. No, I had an idea you didn't like me.
SLOPER. What gave you that idea?
MORRIS.The fact that I'm poor. SLOPER. That has a harsh sound, but it's about the truth. You have no means, profession, visible ressources or prospects, and so you're in a category from which not to choose a son-in-law. Particularly not for my daughter, who is a weak young woman with a large fortune.
MORRIS. I don't think Miss Sloper is a weak woman. SLOPER. Mr Townsend, I've known my daughter all her life - you have known her only two weeks. Besides, even is she were not weak, you are still penniless.
MORRIS. Ah, yes! That is my weakness. And therefore, you mean, I am mercenary. I only want your daughter's money.
SLOPER. No, I don't say that - you say that. I say simply you are in the wrong category.
MORRIS. But your daughter doesn't marry a category. She marries a man
- a man whom she is good enough to say she loves. SLOPER. A man who offers nothing in return?
MORRIS. Is it possible to offer more than the most tender affection and a lifelong devotion?
SLOPER. A lifelong devotion is measured after the fact. Meanwhile it is usual to give a few material securities. What are yours? A handsome face and figure and a very good manner.
MORRIS. But really, Doctor, I...
SLOPER. Oh, they are excellent as far as they go, but they do not go far enough.
MORRIS. There is one thing you should add to them - the word of a gentleman.
SLOPER. The word of a gentleman that you will always love Catherine?
You must be a fine gentleman to be sure of that.
MORRIS. The word of a gentleman that I am not a mercenary. I care no more for your daughter's fortune than for the ashes in that grate.
SLOPER. I take note - I take note. But even with that solemn vow, you are still in the category of which I spoke.
MORRIS. You think I am an idler? SLOPER. It doesn't matter what I think, once I tell you I just don't think
of you as a son-in-law.
...
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Photo session at The Pasadena Playhouse for 89.3 KPCC Radio (Off-Ramp)
Photo Off-Ramp
Richard Chamberlain interviewed on Off-Ramp
Photo Off-Ramp
Photo Tim Berger
Richard Chamberlain at the Pasadena Playhouse library
Photo Starla Fortunato Richard Chamberlain at the Pasadena Playhouse
The storyline of The Heiress has fascinated and allured the stage, screen, and literary world for over 130 years. Inspired by the Henry James novel, Washington Square, Ruth and Augustus Goetz dramatized the tale of a plain young woman who has long suffered under the disgruntled eye of her father in 1947, which played on Broadway for nearly a year, garnering two Tony Award nominations (winning one for Best Costume Design).
Two years later, Hollywood came calling with William Wyler’s Oscar-winning film adaptation starring Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift. Since then, there have been three Broadway revivals of the play, the last being in 1995 which launched Cherry Jones’ career as the shy and demure Catherine Sloper. And this fall, yet another Broadway revival is slated to hit the boards with Jessica Chastain (The Help, The Tree of Life)
in the title role.
So what is it about The Heiress that has enthralled and attracted so many to its timeless tale of love, betrayal, and deception? Director Dámaso Rodriguez says, “Audiences love this play because the title character of Catherine is so compelling — we immediately feel for this shy young woman, and hope to the very end she’ll find love and happiness despite the manipulative forces of her well-meaning father and the expectations of
19th century high society.
To thank them for their generous support,
the members of the Director's Circle
were invited, June 4, 2012, to a dinner also
attended by Richard Chamberlain.
