Gilda Radner, "Saturday Night Live" actress and comedienne, and "SNL" writer Alan Zweibel were best friends for nearly fifteen years. Though never lovers, they shared an eccentric kinship until her death from cancer in May 1989. Zweibel wrote a book about their relationship which he's now turned into a stage play, world-premiering now through Dec. 1 at Philadelphia Theatre Company's Plays &;Players Theatre.
Though a comedy, the play does follow the full arc of Zweibel and Radner's friendship, ending with the playwright's eulogy for the actress.
Christopher Ashley, best known for directing the Off-Broadway, L.A. and film versions of Paul Rudnick's Jeffrey, directs Bunny Bunny. "When long-time PCT director Christopher Ashley brought Bunny Bunny to our attention," noted producing artistic director Sara Garonzik, "it seemed like a perfect pairing of two creative minds. We have been admirers of Alan Zweibel's work since 1985 when we produced his delightful one-act, Between Cars.." Bunny Bunny is Philadelphia Theatre Company's 24th world premiere -- a track record that includes Terrence McNally's Master Class.
After his "Saturday Night Live" years, Zweibel wrote for the television program as "It's Garry Shandling's Show" and on the Rob Reiner film, "North" (based on Zweibel's own novel). Bunny Bunny was workshopped at Vassar's New York Stage & Film in 1995.
Starring in Bunny Bunny are Paula Cale as Gilda and Bruno Kirby as Alan, with recent Juilliard graduate Alan Tudyk playing all other roles in the piece. Cale was seen in The Night Of The Iguana both on Broadway and at Chicago's Goodman Theatre. Bruno Kirby, best known as a film actor ("Good Morning Vietnam," "The Freshman") has appeared on stage in Lost In Yonkers and on Broadway in Geniuses. The high profile design team for Bunny Bunny includes David Gallo (sets), Michael Lincoln (lighting) and David Woolard (costumes). Gallo is best known for his work on the Angels In America tour and Blue Man Group in Boston. Lincoln co-designed Broadway's current Skylight; Woolard has designed for Broadway's Tommy and Damn Yankees revival.
Bunny Bunny plays at the Philadelphia Theatre Company on Delancey St. through Dec. 1. Special events include Post-Show discussions with the artists Nov. 7 &21 (the playwright will attend on the 7th). For tickets ($22-$30) and information on Bunny Bunny, call (215) 893-1145.
-- By David Lefkowitz
