LENGTH: 185 words
HEADLINE: Groundlings to honor its 25 years of comedy
BYLINE: SUSANNE AULT
BODY:
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Groundling Theatre will roll out 25
different improv events honoring its comic alums,
including Jon Lovitz, Lisa Kudrow, Kathy Griffin and Paul Reubens.
Opening the fest Sept. 24 is sketch collection "Groundlings 25 to Life,"
dedicated to past Groundling Phil Hartman. Also
notable is a reunion show Sept. 29, with Griffin, Reubens and Lovitz all slated
as speakers.
The fest will preem "The Dope," a play penned by Jennifer Joyce
and directed by Deanna Oliver. Production jams three people
into eight different characters in funny, romantic situations.
Also bowing at the Groundling's 25th birthday bash is a new play written
by Heather Morgan ("The Dana Carvey Show") and
directed by Patrick Bristow ("Ellen").
As an added bonus, successful Groundling grads will hold a discussion series,
kicking off Sept. 25, to include "Just Shoot Me"
exec producer Tom Maxwell, "Ellen's" Emmy Awardwinning scribe Tracy
Newman and Bill and Cheri Steinkellner of
"Cheers."