For more info about Phil Proctor, check out his website here.

Phil Proctor

Falcon: What was your first experience with the theater?

PP: I’m  Irish and Amish on my mother’s side of the family (read “Rosannah of the Amish” for the whole story), and I inherited some extraordinary talents from my musical, multi-lingual great-uncle Joe Yoder.  Legend has it that as a baby in Goshen, Indiana, I hummed back a hymn my grandfather was singing over my crib and he brought me downstairs to repeat the feat for the rest of the family.  That was my first public performance — and I’ve insisted on being paid for ever other one since!  Later, I played a town burgher in a second grade (but first-rate) production of The Pied Piper of Hamlin at the Allen-Stevenson School in Manhattan, and being a boy soprano, I went on to play female leads in the annual Gilbert & Sullivan productions. God, how I miss those days…

Falcon: What is your favorite part about the character you play in “The Psychic”?

PP: As  a classically trained actor, I love the fact that my detective character speaks in such a “dignified and refined” manner. I’m also delighted to be portraying another role from the brilliant comic mind of Sam Bobrick, whom I met at the International Mystery Writer’s Festival in Owensboro, KY a few years ago when I performed in his award-winning play Flemming after which we were both appointed Kentucky Colonels for our exceptional patronage of the local BBQ joints.

Falcon: What is it like to originate a role in a world premiere play such as “The Psychic”?

PP: It’s always a thrill because we get a chance to establish characters that others will emulate in future productions. Working with our wonderful director, playwright, and exceptional stage manager and staff,  we’ve also been encouraged to make suggestions and adjust lines, many of which have been incorporated into this production.

Falcon: What is your favorite mystery novel, play or movie?

PP: I love Agatha Christie’s mysteries and had the pleasure of playing ‘Poirot’ at last year’s Mystery Writers’ Festival with my wife, Melinda Peterson, as ‘Agatha’. Then, of course, there’s The Maltese Falcon. It inspired me and obviously inspired our playwright as well… the cheap hack.

Falcon: What is the funniest thing that has happened during a rehearsal, either for this show, or another one?

PP: Every day is filled with laughter with this brilliantly talented ensemble and our equally witty director Susan Morgenstern and our stage manager, Deidre Murphy.  It is so important when preparing a comedy that we amuse one another.  Finding comic rhythms and the humorous balance between characters is an instinct that cannot really be taught and this cast is perfectly pitched, thanks in no small part to ingenious casting. Comedy does not need to be hard, and  if everyone is focused on developing their characters’ honest commitment to the author’s intentions, the result will be the interaction of eccentric but real people who are silly in spite of themselves. Well — come and see for yourself.  You’ll be well rewarded and hopefully will have as much fun seeing the results of our efforts as we had a fun time getting there!

Falcon: Why should people come see you in “The Psychic”?

PP: Me? Well, although I started as  child actor on live TV in New York, most of my recent work has been as a voice-over artist due to  a 43-year long success as part of the 4-man Firesign Theatre satirical recording group; but my theatrical background includes a BA in Drama from Yale University and an extensive history of stage roles from Broadway to the Mark Taper, to a 14-year run with the celebrated Antaeus Classical Theatre company in North Hollywood.  This role’s a rare chance for me to appear in a contemporary and hopefully, wildly popular comedy, not unlike a part I played in Samual Warren Joseph’s dark comedy Window of Opportunity a while back at the Met Theater. I like working with funny Sams…

Why do you think theater in general is important for Los Angeles audiences?

It’s LIVE!  I tell you – LIVE!!!!

Anything else we should know?

If you were psychic, like Adam, you wouldn’t have to ask that question…

Phil Proctor (Detective Norris Coslow) Phil met Sam Bobrick at the International Mystery Writers’ Festival in Owensboro, KY while performing in his Angie-winning comedy, Fleming with his wife, Melinda Peterson, where all were appointed Kentucky Colonels – another honor in a long career on Broadway, screen, TV, records and touring with the LA Guitar Quartet.  Proctor’s musical and linguistic talents have made him one of today’s most sought-after voice artists: ‘Howard’ in Rugrats, the ‘drunken French monkey’ in the Dr. Doolittle movies, and characters in Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., The Princess and the Frog and interactive games.  He was cited as Best Actor by the LA Free Press, won a Theatre World Award, LA Weekly and Drama Critics’ awards with the Antaeus company, three Daytime Emmys and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Rugrats, and three Grammy nominations with the Firesign Theatre, one of whose recordings was inducted into the Library of Congress.

For more info about Richard Horvitz, check out his website here.

Richard Horvitz

Falcon: What was your first experience with the theater?

RH: I would have to say that my favorite early theater experience was when I played a workhouse boy and Fagin Pick-pocket in the musical Oliver at the Aquarious Theater in Hollywood. The play was directed by Onna White, who had won an Academy Award for choreographing the 1968 movie of Oliver. It starred Dick Shawn, Stubby Kaye, Shani Wallis  (reprising her role as Nancy from the film version) and Tessie O’Shea.  I was 12 years old and I had one line, “These sausages are moldy!!” but I delivered it with passion and hunger!!!  Even then I was method.

Falcon: What is your favorite part about the character you play in “The Psychic”?

RH: All the lines I have…and that I get to pay homage to some of my favorite film gangsters…Jimmy Cagney, Edward G. Robinson and Snoop Dog.

Falcon: What is it like to originate a role in a world premiere play such as “The Psychic”?

RH: I would have to say that it’s nice to have the freedom to explore and experiment and not have to fulfill any expectations of an already created character.

Falcon: What is your favorite mystery novel, play or movie?

RH: The Sixth Sense was very good. I have a lot in common with that film.  I smell dead people.  Not as impressive as “seeing dead people” but a gift none the less.

Falcon: What is the funniest thing that has happened during a rehearsal, either for this show, or another one?

RH: We are not allowed to be funny during a rehearsal. Doing comedy is serious business.

Falcon: Why should people come see you in “The Psychic”?

RH: Because they can Tivo their favorite shows but you can’t Tivo The Psychic.

Falcon: Anything else we should know?

RH: Yes.

Richard Horvitz (Johnny Bubbles) is proud to be making his Falcon Theatre debut in The Psychic.  Favorite roles: ‘Policy Pinkle’ in Cole Porter’s Red Hot and Blue; ‘Uncle Hen’ in George and Ira Gershwin’s Tip Toes; ‘Professor Irwin Corey’ in The Sacred Fools Theater production of Resignation Day; The Little Witch of Wichita at the Geffen Playhouse; ‘Adam’ in Push at Theater 40; ‘Aaron’ in The Monkey Jar at Theatre 40; and the ‘Waiter’ in Moonshine (Inland Empire Award – Best Supporting Actor).  Proud member of Fred and Mary Willard’s sketch group The MOHO’s.  Film: Matt Damon’s attorney ‘Bob Zaideman’ in The Informant; ‘Alan Eakian’ in Carl Reiner’s Summer School; Disney’s The Legend of Galgameth; Storm; Deadly Weapon; and How I Got Into College.  Television: That’s So Raven, Saturday Night Live, The Jimmy Kimmel Show with Fred Willard, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  Richard wishes to thank Sam Bobrick and Julie Stein for always believing in him.  To his wife Kristen and their three boys, all my love

Bridget Flanery

Falcon: What was your first experience with the theater?

BF: I played the Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland in the fifth grade.  I was dying for the role of ‘Alice’, but the lead role always went to a sixth grader, so I was left as an insect.  My mother made my costume from old green curtains!  I had to dance in burlap and sing a song about vowels.

Falcon: What is your favorite part about the character you play in “The Psychic”?

BF: Rita loves men.  All men.  And men love her in return for her unconditional devotion and affirmation of their masculinity.

Falcon: What is it like to originate a role in a world premiere play such as “The Psychic”?

BF: Exciting and yet daunting.  Exciting,  because you have a freedom to create and explore that you aren’t always allowed.  Daunting, because you feel a greater duty and desire to deliver the playwright’s intent particularly when he is present.

Falcon: What is your favorite mystery novel, play or movie?

BF: I really loved the film  The Usual Suspects.  What breakout performances from so many of those actors!

Falcon: Why should people come see you in “The Psychic”?

BF: Because Rita is a character that I’ve never done before.  In the last year, I’ve had three different colors of hair to match the three roles I’ve played.  First I was an unattractive old maid in The Rainmaker, then I tackled ‘Kate’ in The Taming of the Shrew, and now I get to be the sexpot with a heart of gold.  All in one year!  Gotta’ love it!

Falcon: Why do you think theater in general is important for Los Angeles audiences?

BF: There is some amazing work being done in this city!  People dismiss LA theatre due to the massive TV and film industry and also because of the generalization of superficiality assigned to Hollywood. But, I have seen brilliant actors, breathtaking productions, and worked with innovative directors in this city that rival anything that I’ve experienced in NYC or anywhere else.

Falcon: Anything else we should know?

BF: We have the most amazing stage manager!  And I want everyone to know that because she isn’t going to get to take a bow with us every night!

Bridget Flanery (Rita Malone) An Iowa native, Bridget recieved her MFA from the Yale School of Drama.  She has performed in theatres all over the country.  Some favorite stage roles include:  ‘Lizzie’ in The Rainmaker, ‘Blanche Dubois’ in A Streetcar Named Desire, ‘Beppi’ in Farmyard, ‘Isabella’ in Measure for Measure, ‘Wendla’ in Spring Awakening, ‘Kate’ in The Taming of the Shrew and ‘Viola’ in Twelfth Night.  Bridget has appeared in many television shows and films, including: Desperate Housewives, Two and a Half Men,  Will and Grace, Without a Trace, General Hospital, Out of Practice, 7th Heaven, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, All My Children, Guiding Light, Babylon 5 and Something Blue to name a few.

"The Psychic" by Sam Bobrick begins previews March 17!

On the last three Wednesdays during the run of the world premiere comedy The Psychic, Falcon audiences can enter to win a FREE 30-minute session with legendary celebrity psychic/medium Kenny Kingston! These sessions are normally worth $300!

Join us on March 31, April 7 or April 14 to enter to win! Buy your tickets today to secure your chance in the giveaway! Call our box office at 818.955.8101.

Ticket holders will be able to enter the drawing that night before the show and at intermission – don’t miss out!

Kenny Kingston

More info on Legendary Celebrity Psychic Kenny Kingston:
Legendary celebrity psychic/medium Kenny Kingston was involved in spiritualism long before today’s trend, paving the way for the current crop of psychics. Starting in his youth and continuing today, Kenny has given messages and readings to top personalities in all walks of life: Marilyn Monroe (he was her one and only psychic), Greta Garbo, Lily Tomlin, U.S. Presidents Truman and Eisenhower, Carol Burnett, Hugh Jackman, Phyllis Diller, Josephine Baker, Whoopi Goldberg, John Wayne, soap stars from General Hospital, Young and the Restless, and Guiding Light and Britain’s royals from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Princess Diana. Kenny has hosted his own TV series twice – Kenny Kingston: A Psychic Experience in Los Angeles and The Kenny Kingston Show for syndication throughout the East Coast. During each show’s run, he often received in excess of 10,000 letters each week. The dynamic psychic has given prediction and interviews regularly to Los Angeles Magazine, Movieline, Mademoiselle, the National Enquirer, Globe, the London Daily Star, Woman’s World, the London Sun and other major magazines and newspapers throughout the world. The personable clairvoyant is a favorite on four continents in night clubs, on cruises and on the motivational lecture circuit, often incorporating material from the five books he has authored into his appearances. His guiding principle in life is: “Only Believe. All Things Are Possible If You Only Believe.”

“Kenny Kingston is a true Hollywood Legend.”
- Tucker Carlson, MSNBC

For more info, visit: www.KennyKingston.org

For booking information, contact:  323-650-7007 or vporter27@msn.com

Falcon Theatre is not associated with Kenny Kingston and does not warrant the accuracy of any services he may provide.  Falcon Theatre is not responsible for any liability, direct or indirect, resulting from Mr. Kingston’s services or activities.

On Thursdays in February, starting at 7pm, Arthur Murray Dance Studios, Sherman Oaks will be giving FREE dance lessons to Falcon Theatre patrons! The dances will come from the era of the 1930s and 1940s – in which Souvenir takes place.  Patrons will dance until we open the house – which will hopefully get their energy up for a rather hilarious show!  Plus, if you give Arthur Murray a call at 818-783-2623 and mention the Falcon, you’ll get a special discount on dance lessons at their studio!  This should be a lot of fun – so don’t miss out on dancing like it’s 1944!

Also, we’re still selling our 2-Play Laugh Packs! With a Laugh Pack, you get one discounted ticket each to Souvenir by Stephen Temperley and The Psychic by Sam Bobrick, an original world premiere comedy that will close out our 2009-10 season.  You also get a $10 gift certificate to Papoo’s diner, across the street from the Falcon!  (This is a perfect gift for your Funny Valentine!)