The Carson Valley Community Theatre Group has selected "Hollywood Arms," the story of Carol Burnett's childhood and her rise to stardom as a top comedienne and entertainer. Based on Burnett's memoir, "One More Time," the play written by Carol Burnett and her daughter Carrie Hamilton, tells the comedienne's story in early Hollywood.
Carol Burnett was born in the early 1930s and grew up in the 40s. These were the golden days of Hollywood when stars were born and discovered in the famous town.
It was her mother's ambitions that took them to Hollywood. The young star arrives in Hollywood with her grandmother to reunite with her mother. They were very poor and living on welfare. So the story unfolds as the three women, spanning three generations, share life in a one room apartment. The close quarters cause every emotion to rise as they react to each other. How does love and pressure create stardom? That is what "Hollywood Arms" is about and it's quite a story.
Lucille Rao, director for the play was very impressed with Burnett's story.
"I choose this play over others considered because the story was real and the characters had depth. I wanted to find a play with interesting characters where the actors can stretch their ability. It's amazing to see how the show comes to life as the actors grow within their characters" she said.
There is a second part of this play that many do not know. That is the fact that Burnett's daughter was fighting lung and brain cancer when the two of them wrote the play.
During that time they struggled with the treatment and energy flows that it creates.
The play is a testament to their love and how they helped one another to accomplish its success. Carrie Hamilton, Burnett's daughter is very much a part of "Hollywood Arms."
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society in honor of Carrie Hamilton.
Show Times: Fridays and Saturdays, April 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. Sunday Matinees: April 12 at 5 p.m. and April 19 at 2 p.m.
Ticket Prices: General, $15. Students/Seniors, $12. Group Sales, $10. Opening Night Champagne and Dessert Gala, $17 & $20.
For Dinner (Barone & Reed) and Show Package info: Call 775-265-6964, or 775-843-
3493.
Tickets available at: Copeland Building, 1572 Highway 395 in Minden, Mon.-Fri. noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday noon to 2 p.m.; Re/Max Realty Affiliates, 1320 Highway 395 Gardnerville; Eddy Street Book Exchange, 1225 Eddy St., Gardnerville or at www.carsonvalleycommu
nitytheatre.org.
*May not be suitable for young children