Jeffrey Cannata and Dana Green in THE PSYCHIC

We have two more chances for Falcon audiences to win a FREE session with Kenny (a $300 dollar value!)  April 7 (tomorrow) and April 14, we’ll be holding a drawing as well – so buy your tickets for a Wednesday show and enter to win!

If you need a little push to come see the show, check out what the reviewers have been saying about THE PSYCHIC by Sam Bobrick:

“The play’s clever, Pirandello-esque twists make for a pleasant divertissement…director Susan Morgenstern deliberately toys with the audience’s preconceptions in a cheeky and well-paced staging…the crispy comic Green shines as a slink femme fatale…performances bode well for this satisfyingly unpredictable ‘Psychic’”
- LA Times

“(Horvitz’s) turn as the mafioso ‘Johnny Bubbles’ is a pistol whip to the funny bone…an energetic cast keeps the zings flying fast.”
- LA Weekly

“Cannata is a likeable protagonist, enlisting our empathy for this befuddled average Joe…his deadpan retorts hit the target.”
- Backstage

“The Psychic concludes The Falcon Theatre’s 2009-2010 season on a high note of mystery, surprise plot twists, and all-around hilarity. It’s one of the best original comedies I’ve seen at a theater which has debuted quite a few. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love it!”
- StageSceneLA

“A delightful murder mystery adventure…many humorous, suspenseful, unexpected twists and turns, very characteristic of the talented playwright Sam Bobrick…Bobrick shows his innate ability with this play’s sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing…LA audiences…will savor the suspense and surprise that “The Psychic” delivers.”
- Tolucan Times

“The Psychic is a laugh-filled unexpectedly entertaining ride that gratifies copiously from moment to moment. A definite must see with anelectrically charged cast!”
- Broadway World

“Engaging, surprising,clever and funny!”
- Examiner

Dana Green

Falcon: What was your first experience with the theater?

DG: In 7th grade I played ‘Mrs. T Muse’ in Oxford Ohio’s community theatre production of Thorton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth.  I got the part after singing a bone chilling rendition of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up Now Tell Me”.

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

DG: I love the “did she or didn’t she” aspect and keeping the audience guessing.

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

DG: Working on a world premiere is always very rewarding because you are figuring out everything for the first time and don’t have any previous models to rely upon.  It’s an extra treat when the playwright is working alongside you and getting ideas as you work, as has been the case with The Psychic.  You really feel like you get to be a part of shaping something.

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

DG: I’m going to go with The Maltese Falcon.

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

DG: I don’t have any specifics but everyday in rehearsal for this show was a blast.  Lots, and lots of laughter.

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

DG: I think it’s such a funny play with a really fantastic cast that keeps the audience on their toes.  As for me?  I do mostly a lot of classical theatre so this for me is a wonderful experience to stretch in a more contemporary and comedic work.  Hopefully the joy of that comes through in my performance.

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

DG: I think the communal experience of everyone being in the same room when a story is told is
a timeless and valuable one.

Dana Green is delighted to be making a return to the Falcon after performing in Surviving Sex last season. Most recently she appeared at Anteaus in Cousin Bette.  She has spent four seasons with the Stratford Festival of Canada where she appeared in Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure, Orpheus Descending, The Brother’s Karamazov, Love’s Labours Lost, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Regional theatre credits include Yale Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Old Globe, California Shakespeare, Asolo Reperatory Theatre, Court Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, and The Shakespeare Festival of Dallas.  Her television credits include “Early Edition” (CBS)

CLICK HERE to listen LIVE to KUSC – Classical FM 93.1!

For more info about Jeffrey Cannata, check out his website here.

Jeffrey Cannata

Falcon: What was your first experience with the theater?

JC: The very first play I ever did was during my senior year of high school.  Most of my friends were in drama club, and the previous year I noticed that while they were all in play rehearsals I didn’t have anyone to hang out with after school.  I decided I’d audition for the next play, just so I could be there with all of my friends during performances.  The play was Inherit the Wind, and I hoped to get a small role that showed up toward the end – the ‘radio announcer’.  Much to my surprise, I was actually cast in the lead role of ‘Drummond’, and quickly fell in love with being on stage.  From that moment on, I was hooked.

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

JC: I love the fact that Adam gets to stand at the center of the storm.  The play takes place in Adam’s apartment, and I have the joy of seeing each of the other wonderful characters walk through the door and spin the play in a new, hilarious direction.  I have been so overwhelmed by the level of talent involved in this show; it is such great fun to see these fantastic comedic performances come to life.  Each scene is so different, because each actor does such amazing, different things.  I just try to hang on for the ride!

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

JC: This is the first time I’ve ever been involved in a world premiere, and it is extremely exciting.  To see the play take shape, and to be present as Mr. Bobrick continues to refine moments based on what he sees us do… it is a bit daunting, but a total creative thrill.

Falcon: “The Psychic” is a “murder mystery of sorts.”  What is your favorite mystery novel, play or movie?

JC: One of my favorite mystery movies is the 1985 film, Clue.  I loved the marriage of comedy and whodunnit.  Much like The Psychic, it lampoons the genre while also providing a genuine, well-crafted mystery to unravel.

Flalcon: What is the funniest thing that has happened during a rehearsal?

JC: I’m not sure I’ve ever been a part of a rehearsal process in which we laughed more than The Psychic.  This is a very funny cast – and I often have a hard time not breaking up on stage just seeing what they are doing.  But that is only half of it.  The jokes and stories shared during the rehearsal process have been a show in and of themselves.  Richard and Phil, particularly, have worked on so many incredible projects, with so many amazing people – I could just sit and listen to them tell stories for hours – and honestly, there have been some days where we have!  I look up to those guys quite a bit, but while I’m looking up they tend to be poking me in the gut, making me laugh.  It is a treat to come to work every day.

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

JC: The Psychic is great fun.  I love being in a show that is so easy to recommend.  Yes, there are times when it is interesting to do plays that challenge the audience, or deal with heavy emotion – I love doing the classics, for example.  But then you get a chance to do something as genuinely funny as The Psychic and you realize it is such a blast to just sit in a theater with a group of people and laugh!  The Psychic is so smart and funny, so well-written, and so full of fun characters that I can invite everyone from my 15 year-old cousin to my 93-year old grandfather and know they will have a great time.

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

JC: We are so inundated in LA with the movie and TV industry it can be easy to forget what is so special about live theater.  There is something incredibly immediate and magical about being in the room with a group of actors, going through an experience with them.  It is absolutely true that the theater is a communal experience – a real two-way street between the audience and the actors on stage.  It is participatory, sitting there in the theater, in a way movies can never be – and that makes it incredibly exciting.

Short Biography:

Jeffrey Cannata (Adam) is pleased to be making his first appearance at the Falcon.  Other stage credits include All My Sons (TheatreWorks), Cymbeline, Henry IV pt 1, Shenandoah (Texas Shakespeare Festival) Romeo & Juliet (Nevada Shakespeare Festival), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Eclectic Company), Boy’s Life (Next Stage), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum).  He is perhaps best known as the co-creator and host of The Totally Rad Show on Revision3.  Other TV includes Bold & the Beautiful, Reviews on the Run, Just for Kicks, All My Children, and General Hospital.

"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.

The Psychic follows the chaotic life of Adam Webster (Jeffrey Cannata), a befuddled, down-on-his-luck writer, who has put a sign in his apartment window, in desperation to make the rent: “Psychic Readings $25.”  The sign soon draws the interest of the lovely and conflicted Laura (Dana Green), her shady husband Roy (Cyrus Alexander), Roy’s mistress Rita (Bridget Flanery), a gangster named Johnny Bubbles (Richard Horvitz) and ace Detective Norris Coslow (Phil Proctor).  In the comedic cacophony that follows, The Psychic entangles Adam in a hilarious murder mystery (of sorts) that you won’t want to miss!

The Cast and Director of the world premiere comedy "The Psychic": Cyrus Alexander, Dana Green, Jeff Cannata, Bridget Flanery, Phil Proctor, Susan Morgenstern and Richard Horvitz

Check out the bios of the writer and director – these people are amazing!

Sam Bobrick (Playwright) has written and co-written over 35 plays that are performed throughout the world.  They include: Norman, Is That You?; Murder At The Howard Johnson’s; Weekend Comedy; Are You Sure?; Death in England; Baggage; Flemming – An American Thriller; Remember Me?; The Crazy Time; Annoyance and without William Shakespeare’s blessing, Hamlet II (Better Than the Original).  His extensive TV writing has earned him three Writers Guild awards.  Some of his television credits include The Andy Griffith Show, Get Smart, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and he created the series Saved By The Bell.  As a songwriter, his work has been recorded by Elvis Presley, Bryan Ferry and Los Lobos.  He is still extremely proud of two MAD magazine albums that he co-wrote early in his career, MAD Twists Rock ‘n’ Roll and Fink Along with MAD that contained such memorable tunes as Please, Mary Jane, When Are You Going To Shave Your Legs?; She Got A Nose Job; and the cult classic, It’s A Gas.  A native of Chicago and graduate of the University of Illinois, Sam is a member of the Dramatists Guild, as well as the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and directs many of his plays in the United States and Canada.  His plays are published by Samuel French.

Jumping into rehearsal! Director Susan Morgenstern, Jeff Cannata and Dana Green.

Susan Morgenstern (Director) Susan began directing by staging musical theatre concert productions while co-teaching “American Musical Comedy” with Tom Lehrer at UC Santa Cruz.  She went on to teach and direct in New York, where she also co-wrote, co-produced, co-directed, and performed in the zany comedy group, The Sylvanian Shakes­pearean Sircus.  Susan has directed various works at Theatre West, including Saturday Night at Grossinger’s, which played for several months to sold out houses.  To open the Falcon Theatre’s 2007-2008 season, she directed Leap, and then returned to the Falcon the following season to direct Surviving Sex. Susan is happy to be returning for her third season in a row to direct The Psychic. Next, she will be directing a Theatre West mainstage production of The Socialization of Ruthie Shapiro, opening in June 2010.

Jeff Cannata playing "Adam Webster"

Dana Green playing "Laura Benson"