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)

You can still catch a preview performance this week for only $27.50-$30!

If you buy a ticket to opening night, Friday, March 26 at 8pm, you will enjoy a free champagne reception after the show!  Our reception includes, of course, our Famous Meatballs!  It’s always fun, so come out if you can!

See you at the theater soon!

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

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

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.