Illustration: Gordon Studer
A major hit off-Broadway, Orson’s Shadow is an ingenious tale of two Hollywood giants – Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier. Welles, sensing his foothold in the screen industry slipping, is coaxed by his friend, the legendary critic, Kenneth Tynan to direct Olivier and Olivier’s young paramour Joan Plowright in Ionesco’s absurd masterpiece Rhinoceros. Olivier’s eccentric wife Vivien Leigh adds to the volatile mix as legendary egos collide both on and off stage, and their human frailties are reluctantly revealed in this witty and incisive depiction of the drama of theatre.


Stage set for Orson's Shadow


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Deborah Taylor Barrera * | Joan
Nicholas Hormann * | Larry
Steve Irish * | Orson
Zac Jaffee | Sean
Amy Resnick * | Vivien
Liam Vincent * | Ken
Eric Sinkkonen ** | Set Designer
Kurt Landisman ** | Lighting Designer
Laura Hazlett | Costume Designer
Norm Kern ** | Sound Designer
Carol Selig | Properties Artisan
Stephanie Schielman * | Stage Manager
Dawn-Ellin Fraser | Dialect Coach
Annie Stuart | Casting Director
* Denotes member of Actors Equity Association
** Member, United Scenic Artists local 829

"Genius is on display"
"Sankowich directs and his love of backstage – and comedy – comes through as the actors take on the legends"
- LEE BRADY
PACIFIC SUN
[SEE REVIEW]
"... a well staged, amusing and frequently enlightening look at what is not visible when the lights go down on opening night"
- Charles Brousse
Marin Independent Journal
"It’s an interesting concept by the playwright and a wonderful, evening of classic theatre"
- Jerry Friedman
KGO Entertainment
"An intriguing ride through cinematic history "
- Jan Wahl
entertainment reporter
KCBS and KRON-TV

Credits: First photo - Steve Irish | Second photo - Cast | Third photo - Amy Resnick and Steve Irish

Photos: Ed Smith