Log in

ENTERTAINMENT

First Ladies stop by Stage Left for 'Tea'

Theater’s latest play starts Feb. 3, runs through Feb. 28

Posted 2/1/21

For February, Stage Left Productions, 11340 W. Bell Road, Suite 105 A, is presenting, “Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat, and Betty,” a delightful trio of visits with three first ladies, nearing the end of their tenures.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor
ENTERTAINMENT

First Ladies stop by Stage Left for 'Tea'

Theater’s latest play starts Feb. 3, runs through Feb. 28

Posted

For February, Stage Left Productions, 11340 W. Bell Road, Suite 105 A, is presenting, “Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat, and Betty,” a delightful trio of visits with three first ladies, nearing the end of their tenures.

The play, by Eric N. Weinberger and Elaine Bromka, portrays Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon and Betty Ford, sequentially, pouring tea in the family quarters of the White House, each awaiting her successor.

The ladies are played, respectively by noted actresses, Cindy Covington, Debra Lyman, and Kandyce Hughes. The play is directed by Cody Dull.

“Tea for Three” premiers at Stage Left at Wednesday, Feb. 3, and will run at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 28.

“Tea for Three” might well be called “Transition among Three First Ladies.” What is it like for a woman when her husband has been president of the United States — and she is suddenly thrown into the spotlight?

This witty, sly, and deeply moving play explores the hopes, fears, and loves of these three in scenes taking place in the family quarters of the White House, just prior to the end of living there. Each woman confides alone to the audience, while awaiting her successor’s visit.

Secrets are spilled about their early years, their husband’s rise to power, their unique experiences as wives in the White House, and their feelings about imminent retirement.

Lady Bird talks about devotion and obedience to her husband’s wishes, in spite of Lyndon’s eccentricities and intensely unpopular decisions. Pat remains loyal, defending Richard, through sadness at the circumstances of their departure. Betty, less accepting of her new and unexpected role, becomes substance dependent. All, however, are strong women.

Cindy Covington (Lady Bird Johnson) is back at Stage Left after her roles as Miep Gies in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” and Eunice in “A Streetcar Named Desire” last year. She is humbled to be playing the role of Lady Bird.

Debra Lyman (Pat Nixon) is in her second production at Stage Left. She previously played Rose in “The Last Romance.” Other favorite appearances include “Classic Tales of Fright,” and “Something Wicked” for Davisson Entertainment; “The Laramie Project,” and “Deathtrap” at Mesa Encore Theater; “Tis a Pity” at Space 55; “Medea” at Now and Then; “The Best Man” at Compass Players; “Whisper Sweetly” at Brelby; “ Julius Caesar” at Class 6; and “John” at Stray Cat (ariZoni nomination, Best Supporting Actress). She was a five-time participant in the 24 Hour Project at Phoenix Theater.

Kandyce Hughes (Betty Ford) is back working with Stage Left after her ariZoni-nominated performance as Maria in “Comedy of Tenors” last year. As an actor, some of Kandyce’s other favorite roles include Lee in “Tale of the Allergist’s Wife;” M’Lynn in “Steel Magnolias” (ariZoni Award winner); and Mabel in “The Best Man.” She is also a producer, director, choreographer, and designer. She was Zoni-nominated this past year for set design for “Always a Bridesmaid,” and for physical-comedy choreography for “Comedy of Tenors” – both at Stage Left. She has also appeared in national TV commercials through the Leighton Agency. She tells Cody she is happy to be helping the arts survive this pandemic.

Audiences are to be reminded that seats are extremely limited, and must be purchased in advance.

The outside doors to the theater will not be opened until the house is open. Each patron will be escorted directly to their seat without lingering in the lobby. Masks must be worn throughout the performance.

Tickets may be purchased online 24/7 at tickets@stageleftaz.com. They may also be obtained by phone from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Wednesday at 623-285-6321.