WORLD PREMIERE!! "CASSATT" AT THEATRE WEST

 

CASSATT  : a world premiere, opens at the revered Theatre West. Founded in 1962 by actors working in movies and television, seeing a need to keep their chops up by working.. opened at 3333 Caheunga just over the hill from Hollywood. What TW does and does often with success is to devlop a World Premiere.  In this case, CASSATT  written and directed by Arden Teresa Lewis.  CASSATT is a very ambitious production with cinematic scene changes that trace the life of the American born artist Mary Cassatt. (Samantha Gregory).

This old playhouse echoes with the literally hundreds of productions that have come and gone:  voices and applause.  Audiences still love TW at the age of sixty four! 

 

The production is a chronicle of the life of the artist with spectacular video projections that announce the  locations  and dates that factor into the life of the artist. When the technical aspects of any show are so well done, it's up to the director and thc cast to step up and be counted.   Gabrieal Griego's video creations, especially a wonderful rendition of a horse running at full gallop as Mary seems to be riding along is very impressive.   Another impressive video project is the creation of  her portarit of a black servant who was leaving to be married. Impressive.  The use of turning four sided periaktoi worked well for many many scene changes.

Michelle Afradi's period costumes circa 19th Century are worthy of comment.

Better suited for a film than the stage, "Cassatt" as a biographical unfolding takes its time.  All the good intentions of each member of the cast and crew and volunteers who create this unique  theatre are met to the best of their ability. The legacy of Theatre West will always rise to the occasion.

I've never thought it a good idea for an author to direct their own work. Theatre is a collaboration at the highest level.. so to that I would wish that a more objective eye might have tightened the prooduction, with the possibility of a full length productio in one act a possibility.

The cast list below tells the tale of a variety of acting styles and approaches to their characters. Each contributes in a unique way.

Fans of Impressioist Art should see this show..

CAST

Samantha Gregory :  Cassatt

Cecil Jennings:  Degas/Eakins

Caroline Quigley: Lydia Cassatt

 Saratoga Ballantine: Katherine Cassatt

Kathie Barnes:   Mathilde)

Brianna Burnside:  Eliza Haldeman/Louisine

Lily Cadot: Suzanna/Child Model

Alexandria Sander Servant/Berthe Morisot

Walter Rodriguez: Vollard/Howard Roberts

Daniel Korth:  Camille/Harry

 Crew:

Assistant to the Director: Elise Walters

Production Consultant: Elyse Ashton

Set Design: Jeff G. Rack

Costume Design: Michelle Afradi

Graphic & Projection Design: Gabrieal Griego

Stage Manager: Sarah Acuna

PR: Philip Sokoloff

Social Media: Briana Burnside  

 

CASSATT written and directed by Arden  Theresa Lewis

Theatre West

3333 Caheunga

Los Angeles,CA 90068

Runs May 29 through June 28, 2026  Performances take place every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.