The Best of Broadway Comes to The Ahmanson Theatre in DTLA with "Grey Gardens" the Musical Now Playing Through August 14th!

You no longer have to travel 3000 miles to experience terrific theatre. Broadway brings it's critically acclaimed "Grey Gardens" the Musical to LA's magical Ahmanson. You can even avoid traffic and parking complications by taking advantage of the subway (yes LA does have a subway system) from the Universal City or NoHo metro stations. It’s a hop, skip, and a jump, as well as a fun, stress free adventure. Visit metro.net

Grey Gardens was originally a 1975 documentary by the Maysles Brothers. The Musical takes place at the Grey Gardens estate in East Hampton, Long Island, NY. It tells the story of Big Edie and Little Edie, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and their journey from glamorous aristocrats in the 1940s to notorious recluses in the 1970s, living in a crumbling house filled with memories and cats.

Scenic design by Jeff Cowie is stunning; direction by Michael Wilson, impeccable; the award winning cast and crew, A+; book by Doug Wright, music by Scott Frankel, and lyrics by Michael Kori, magnificent from la creme de la creme of the industry.

Watching Betty Buckley, at the top of her game, play Edith Bouvier Beale, is an honor and privilege. She’s a treasure, one of theatre’s most respected and legendary leading ladies with a world renowned career spanning theatre, film, television and concert halls. Whenever Betty appears, she exudes class and confidence, eloquence and excellence, poise and perfection.

Buckley was inducted into the 2012 Theater Hall of Fame; won a Tony Award for “Cats;” received her second Tony Award nomination for “Triumph of Love;” and received an Olivier Award nomination in London for her performance in “Sunset Boulevard” which she repeated to more rave reviews on Broadway.

Other notable Buckley Broadway credits are “1776,” “Pippin,” “Song And Dance,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Carrie.” Her film credits include M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Happening,” Brian de Palma’s “Carrie,” Bruce Beresford’s “Tender Mercies,” Roman Polanski’s “Frantic,” Woody Allen’s “Another Woman” and Lawrence Kasdan’s “Wyatt Earp.”

Betty is currently shooting “Split,” a new film directed by Shyamalan in which she co-stars with James McAvoy. Her numerous TV credits include the series “Oz” for HBO and four seasons starring as Abby on “Eight is Enough.” Buckley has received two Emmy nominations and two Grammy nominations. Her latest (and 17th) CD “Ghostlight” was produced by T Bone Burnett.

Rachel York, in the role of “Little” Edie Beale, is a dynamic and versatile actress, singer, dancer and comedienne, much more than just a triple threat. She’s best known for her critically acclaimed Broadway performances in “City of Angels,” “Les Misérables,” “Victor/Victoria” (Drama Desk Award) with Dame Julie Andrews, “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” “Sly Fox” with Richard Dreyfuss, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and recently the new musical “Disaster!”

Previously at the Ahmanson, Rachel starred as Reno Sweeney in the national tour of “Anything Goes.” Also on tour, she created the role of Cruella de Vil in “The 101 Dalmatians Musical;” starred as Guenevere in “Camelot;” and portrayed Lilli Vanessi/Kate in “Kiss Me, Kate.”

Off-Broadway, York starred in “The Best Is Yet to Come: The Music of Cy Coleman,” Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting It Together” (Drama Desk nomination), “Dessa Rose” (Drama Desk nomination) as well as NYC Encores! acclaimed productions of “Gentleman Prefer Blondes” and “Little Me.”

Among Rachel’s favorite regional productions are “Ragtime,” “The King and I,” and “Turn of the Century” opposite Jeff Daniels. She turned heads with her courageous portrayal of Lucille Ball in the CBS movie “Lucy.” York has also appeared on several popular TV series including “Power,” “Hannah Montana,” “Frasier,” “Numb3rs,” and is featured in the upcoming film “It Had To Be You.”

Director Michael Wilson is pleased to bring new innovative elements into this presentation. He revealed that "being at the Ahmanson has given us the opportunity to expand the scope of our production, incorporating new cast members and production elements. Utilizing both live-feed and pre-recorded footage, we bring the making of the Maysles' iconic documentary more into focus within the musical's story telling.”

Wilson directed the 2013 Broadway revival of “The Trip to Bountiful,” which garnered a Best Actress Tony Award for Cicely Tyson and was later presented at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Wilson received 2015 DGA and NAACP/Image Award nominations for his direction of the Lifetime/Ostar production of “Bountiful,” which was nominated for two Emmys including Outstanding Television Movie. He received Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his direction of Horton Foote’s “The Orphans’ Home Cycle” at Signature Theatre.

Other Broadway works are Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man,” “Dividing the Estate,” “Enchanted April,” and “Old Acquaintance.” Off- Broadway plays are “Talley’s Folly,” and also “The Old Friends” with Betty Buckley.

Wilson recently finished work on his first independent motion picture, “Showing Roots,” starring Maggie Grace, Uzo Aduba, Elizabeth McGovern, Adam Brody and Cicely Tyson.

“Grey Gardens” The Musical received 10 Tony Award nominations when it premiered on Broadway in 2006. Ben Brantley of The New York Times said “‘Grey Gardens’ is ... an experience no passionate theatregoer should miss.” Peter Travers of Rolling Stone said, “‘Grey Gardens’ is more than a unique and unmissable musical: it’s a gift!” David Rooney of Variety said, “This spellbinding account of American fallen royalty is as boldly odd, original, and beguiling as its subjects.”

Tickets for “Grey Gardens” The Musical are available: by phone at (213) 972-4400; online at CenterTheatreGroup.org; or by visiting the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre, located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012.

A series of Stage Talks are set to take place following the Tuesday shows on July 26, August 2 & 9. Leads Rachel York & Betty Buckley will comment on "Grey Gardens," the Musical & answer questions from attendees.

In conjunction with the Stage Talks, a special $40 ticket can be purchased online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org. Patrons may enter the code: GGWEEKDAY. Tickets are for Mid-Orchestra and Preferred Mezzanine. The offer is not valid on previously purchased tickets and may not be combined with other offers. Handling fees may apply. Tickets are subject to availability.