Act II Playhouse Presents Tony Braithwaite's FIRST IMPRESSIONS 1/6-17/2010

Act II Playhouse presents the first of two special event shows during its subscription season break in January, when Barrymore Award winner Tony Braithwaite premieres his newest one-man show, First Impressions: Tony's Historical and Hysterical Take on the Presidents. Braithwaite's political humor romp is on stage at Act II Jan. 6-17, 2010.

In First Impressions, described by the actor/comedian as a "hilarious, mad-cap virtuosic one-man show...with three people," Braithwaite performs his well-honed impressions of U.S. Presidents as well as more than three dozen other famous people in comedic skits, original songs, funny press conferences, nightly improv and audience interaction. Assisting him are Howie Brown and Alex Bechtel.
"This show has sort of been in the back of my mind since I was 12 years old," said Braithwaite. "My parents took me to see Rich Little in Atlantic City, and Rich did a whole section on the Presidents in his act. I loved it! As a kid, I basically stole Rich's act and did it for anybody who'd listen. As I grew up and developed my own stand-up material, the Presidential stuff typically went over hugely, and I always thought there was a full show there."

Braithwaite is no stranger to political comedy, performing for the last four years in 1812 Production's holiday show, This Is The Week That Is.

His favorite President to inhabit? "Of the bunch, I think Clinton is my favorite because of his ultra smooth style," remarked Braithwaite. "I got to meet him once. We're both Georgetown alums, and I met him on campus. I was so struck at how calm he was, how smooth. I mean, the guy could read a 911 call transcript and make it sound tranquil!"

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The performance schedule for First Impressions will follow the typical Act II schedule: 8 p.m. shows Wednesday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesday and Sunday. Opening Night is at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, with a reception following the show at The Shanachie Irish Pub & Restaurant in Ambler.
Tickets for First Impressions are $25 for all Wednesday-Thursday performances and $30 for Friday through Sunday shows. Subscribers receive discounted tickets of $20 for any performance, and discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available by calling the Act II Box Office at (215) 654-0200, in person at 56 E. Butler Ave., or online at www.act2.org. Box office hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Another Act II favorite, Tom McCarthy, who just completed a four-week run as Norman Thayer in Act II's highly acclaimed production of On Golden Pond, returns to the stage in February to star in The Philly Fan, Feb. 9-21, 2010. Written by Barrymore Award-winning Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham, this wildly popular journey through Philadelphia sports history was presented last February at Act II for the first time with Graham's updated ending to reflect the Phillies' World Series victory.

ABOUT ACT II PLAYHOUSE

Act II Playhouse, celebrating 11 years of professional theatre in the Philadelphia suburb of Ambler, PA, is committed to creating world-class theatre in a 130-seat venue whose intimacy draws audiences and actors into dynamic interaction. Act II produces new, classic, and contemporary plays and musicals that reflect the highest artistic standards, under the direction of Bud Martin (Producing Artistic Director) and Harriet Power (Associate Artistic Director).
Act II resumes its subscription season on March 3, 2010 with the world premiere of Bruce Graham's new play, Any Given Monday, a co-production with Theatre Exile, directed by Harriet Power. Press Opening is Friday, March 5 at 8 p.m.