Isabella Rossellini Solo Show Premiere To Benefit Long Island Theater

BELLPORT, NY — Isabella Rossellini plans to launch the U.S. Tour of her solo show, "Darwin’s Smile," to benefit the performing arts space in her hometown on Long Island in August.

All proceeds from the Aug. 13 show will be donated to The Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County in Bellport. There will be a VIP cocktail reception with Rossellini after the show. Tickets will run from $75 to $150.

The 75-minute monologue will "reconcile two worlds that are often at opposite ends: art and science," according to a news release from the theater. Charles Darwin’s book, “The Expression of Emotions on Man and Animals,” "revealed to Rossellini that the continuity between humans and animals can also be detected in the expression of emotions," the news release states.

Rossellini said she had "ample time" to reflect on her passions for both theater and science during the COVID-19 lockdown, adding, "It seemed that these two interests of mine were both distinct and separate: one satisfied my heart, while the other satisfied my brain. When I understood that they could be integrated, my heart and my brain finally became reconciled and harmonious."

Rossellini, a model, actress, and environmentalist, has a home in Bellport.

In her performance, Rossellini will "explore how empathy, which is at the base of acting, is also necessary for the study of animal behavior," or ethology, theater officials said.

"Darwin’s Smile is both a lesson on evolution and on acting," officials said. "It is an opportunity to learn while also being entertained."

In her usual comical tones. Rossellini will demonstrate how acting can be used to understand the mysterious nature of animals and their emotions," theater officials said. "By using humor and simple, innocent devices, she will have you laughing about the art of acting and complex scientific theories. Watch as she becomes dogs, cats, chickens, peacocks, and of course, Charles Darwin."

There will also be a second performance on Sunday, Aug. 14. Tickets can be purchased at TheGateway.org or by calling 631-286-1133.