One Night with Fanny Brice by Chip Deffaa

November 5-27, 2010
Rosslyn Spectrum (directions)

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Fanny Brice was a unique American performer, and undeniably a great one. She conquered burlesque, vaudeville, the Ziegfeld Follies, radio and films, introduced hit songs that are still cabaret classics today, and excelled at sketch comedy and dancing. Yet because her movie appearances were few, the public's memory of Fanny is fading. This show by Chip Deffaa brings Fanny back to life.

Mysteriously returned to the stage for "one night" -- actually, a lot of nights -- in front of a curious audience, Fanny, as imagined by Deffaa, tells her story with colorful anecdotes---all true! -- and best of all, Fanny's greatest song hits, which just happen to be some of the best and most beloved melodies from the years between the World Wars. There are more than twenty in the show, including "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey?", "Will You Love Me In December As You Do In May?", "Be My Little Baby Bumble Bee," "Rose Of Washington Square," "You Made Me Love You," "Second Hand Rose," "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody," "After You've Gone," and her calling card, "My Man."

After researching Brice's life thoroughly, Director Ellen Dempsey and Musical Director Tom Fuller searched far and wide for the right actress to play Fanny, and found her in local cabaret singer, actress and comedienne Esther Covington, who tap-danced, clowned and sang her way to becoming an audience favorite in TACT's antic 2007 production of Hellzapoppin'.

The set design is the creation of Patrick Lord, with lighting design by Steven L. Barker, sound design by Darlene Richardson, and choreography by Gia Mora; Arthur Rodger is Stage Manager. Co-producer Rip Claassen designed Covington's period costume. Rhonda Hill is the other half of the production team.

Please note: One Night with Fanny Brice will be performed at the Spectrum in Rosslyn, which is larger and has better public transportation access than Gunston's Theater Two, the company's usual venue. The Spectrum is located at 1611 N. Kent Street, Arlington VA; free parking is available in the building garage, accessible from N. Arlington Ridge Road. See the above link for directions.

Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (includes 1 intermission)