College of Fine Arts and Design

September 12, 2011

The University of Central Oklahoma Broadway Tonight Series will present Academy Award-winner Olympia Dukakis in "Rose" by Martin Sherman at 7:30 p.m., Sat., Sept. 17 in the University of Central Oklahoma's Mitchell Hall Theater.           

"Rose," a one-woman play, is a portrait of a feisty Jewish woman who has survived some of the major events that shaped the 20th century with humor, guile and spirit.  The play illustrates a remarkable life that began in a tiny Russian village, moved on to Warsaw's ghettos and a ship called The Exodus and finally to the boardwalks of Atlantic City, the Arizona Canyons and Miami Beach.           

Dukakis first performed "Rose" in 1999 on stage at the Royal National Theatre in London and then in spring 2000 opened the show on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre.           

"Olympia is regarded as acting royalty in the theatre world.  She has spent her life perfecting the art and I am excited for our students to be in the presence of such an amazing talent," said Greg White, director of Central's Broadway Tonight series.           

During her career that spans over 40 years, Dukakis has worked as an actress, director, producer, teacher and activist.  She is best known for her performance in "Moonstruck," the 1987 feature film, which won her an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actress category, a New York Film Critics Award and a Golden Globe Award.           

Other feature film releases include "Picture Perfect" with Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Bacon; "Mafia!" for Disney; "Mr. Holland's Opus" with Richard Dreyfus; Woody Allen's "Mighty Aphrodite"; "I Love Trouble" with Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts and "Steel Magnolias," directed by Herbert Ross.           

Dukakis is a founding member of The National Museum of Women in the Arts and a member of various organizations including Broadway Cares, NOW, Women in Film, Congress of Racial Equality, Amnesty International and New Jersey Choice.           

During Dukakis' visit to Central she will conduct a master class for Central theatre arts and music theatre students.           

A reception at the UCO Alumni House is scheduled following the performance offering audience members a chance to meet Dukakis.           

For tickets, call UCO's Mitchell Hall Theater box office at (405) 974-3375.