'My Time With Dali' Performance Reading

[Allan Rich & Melissa Strom-Hayworth Theatre]

I had the opportunity to play Monica in the My Time With Dali reading. The screenplay is written by the great Allan Rich. Allan is one of the greatest American character actors who has worked on Broadway, film and television. People recognize him from his roles in the films Amistad, Quiz Show and Serpico. During the McCarthy era Allan was blacklisted and became an expert in selling modern art and opened the Allan Rich Gallery on Madison Avenue. My Time With Dali is based on Allan's real life experiences with the surrealist painter Salvidor Dali in 1970.

[Allan Rich & Salvidor Dali- St. Regis 1970]

I was honored to be a part of this reading because Allan became my personal walking and talking acting and artist encyclopedia. Allan paints pictures by telling the most vivid stories about the Great Depression, the McCarthy Era, old Broadway, his experiences on film sets and his love for acting, teaching, modern art and Wall Street. I enjoyed listening to him recall his experiences about Salvidor Dali in the 1970's. He is generous, knowledgeable and experienced in many avenues- a true Renaissance man. Please click on the title of this blog to learn more about Allan Rich.

[Allan Rich & Melissa Strom- Hayworth Theatre]

In the reading I played the character "Monica" based on Allan's lovely wife Elaine. I really enjoyed rehearsing, reading and performing this story. The script is entertaining, witty and jumps off the page. The reading was held at the Hayworth Theatre in Los Angeles' Historic Wilshire District. The beautiful building used to be a movie theatre and dance studio and has that "old hollywood" vibe.

Thank you Bernie, Allan, David and Dal for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a fun read. I had a blast. The best to all of you!