Desperately Seeking Love- Starring Bernie Kopell and Mariette Hartley

The original theatrical production, “Desperately Seeking Love” will première at the Theatre Palisades beginning July 20, 2012.

From the creator of “Lost in Radioland” and “The World’s Worst Play, Ever” (Theatre 68, October 2009 & Palisades Theater, July 2011) director Ryan Paul James, is at it again with the original production of “Desperately Seeking Love” at the Palisades Theatre.

Desperately Seeking Love explores the land mine of dating with a unique twist, as six lonely hearts with differing backgrounds, try to find love in quirky and comedic ways;  from a radio show to an open mic night . The joy is in watching these characters bring their personalities and vulnerabilities to the surface as they lay their souls bare in their pursuit of happiness.

 The show stars:

Bernie Kopell- Universally recognized as Ship's Doctor Adam Bricker on the blockbuster prime-time sitcom The_Love_Boat (1977-1986) -- a part he held for the entire nine-season run of the series. In the early '60s, Kopell joined the Actors' Ring Theatre in Los Angeles, where he developed a knack for characterizations and voices; this led, in turn, to character-type roles on a myriad of television programs including The_Dick_Van_Dyke_Show, The_Steve_Allen_Show, and My_Favorite_Martian. Kopell had landed steady assignments on Get_Smart, Bewitched, That_Girl, and other series. The_Love_Boat, however, embodied his breakthrough. He followed it up with an emcee assignment on The Travel Channel (hosting its Railway_Adventures_Across_Europe) and a surge in theatrical work, with portrayals in regional productions of such plays as +Rumors, +A History of Shadows, and +Death of a Salesman.

Mariette Hartley- It took her six years to get her first movie, Ride the High Country (1962) with Joel McCrea. She then made a series of TV appearances and sitcoms. One of those films was "Marnie" directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Ultimately, she appeared with co-host Bill Beutel on "A.M. America", the predecessor to ABC's "Good Morning America" (1975). She is most known, however, for her series of Polaroid commercials with James Garner. Mariette won an EMMY Award for her role in the 1970's television show "The Incredible Hulk".

Richard Steven Horvitz- As a child, Richard starred in numerous commercials and made many television guest appearances on such shows as Different Strokes, Head of the Class, You Can't take it with you, Rags to Riches and many more. As an adult Richard starred in the TBS original TV series "Safe at Home" (1986). In 1987, Richard starred along with Mark Harmon and Kirstie Alley in the Carl Reiner-directed film, Summer School (1987) for Paramount Studios. Most recently Richard co- starred in the Warner Bros. film," The Informant" (2008) as Matt Damon's Attorney, Bob Zaideman. In 2011, Richard can be seen along side Steve Carell in "Crazy, Stupid, Love." Other notable films include Race To Space (2001)The Legend of Galgameth (1996) for the Disney Channel and also the film _Storm, (1999)_, starring Martin Sheen. Richard also continues to make guest appearances on television including numerous appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The Jimmy Kimmel Show. Savvy viewers will also recognize Richard as the Green Grapes in the Fruit of the Loom commercials.

Melissa Disney- An award winning actress, singer-songwriter who grew up in San Diego doing musicals. You've heard her on The Simpson's, starring in the Emmy Nominated Nickelodeon series "As Told By Ginger", winning the 2004 Best Actress Winn Award,  McDonald's TV/radio, singing voice of “Snow White” and as the 1st female voice of Movie trailers. According to Variety, Melissa is, "Widely regarded as the most successful female voiceover artist working today" winning the Golden Trailer Award for her work in "Gone in 60 Seconds" starring Nicolas Cage and catching the attention of Tom Cruise for "Mission Impossible". Melissa live announced The Academy Awards, EMMY Awards  and The Billboard Music Awards.  Soon you'll see her on the big screen starring alongside Lake Bell in, "In A World".  Other credits include "Butterfly Circus", "Up in the Air", "Snare" and Nickelodeon's  iCarly.  Her grandmother was a silent film star named Toy Gallagher, and yes, she’s related to Walt Disney.

 Izzy Diaz-  Izzy is a well established actor. He has worked on many TV shows including, “Lost”, “Entourage”, “NCIS: Los Angeles”, “Happy Endings” and many more. His big break came in 2007 with the Brian DePalma film "Redacted".

 Katie Zeiner- Is a comedic gem, who honed her skills while living in New York City. There she did numerous TV shows, most notably “Sex In The City”. Katie has been in many plays including "Lovers and Other Strangers" and "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot". 

Performances of “Desperately Seeking Love” are set for July 20, 21, 22, 27 and 28 at 8:00 p.m. The Theatre Palisades is located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road in Pacific Palisades, CA. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling the theatre box office (310) 454-1970. 

For more information visit: www.ryanpauljamesproductions.com