Holland Taylor in Ann: An Affectionate Portrait Of Ann Richards

Galveston's Grand 1894 Opera House celebrates the return of the Emmy® Award winning stage and screen actress, Holland Taylor, portraying Texas' beloved, second female governor in "ANN: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards." Set for a limited engagement April 21-24, this production premiered in work shop last May at The Grand as the acclaimed "Money, Marbles, and Chalk!" Four shows are scheduled for April 21st- 24th - 8pm,... Thursday-Friday; 2pm and 8pm, Saturday; 3pm on Sunday.

This original two-act play sprang from Taylor's desire to "understand and reveal the spirit of Ann Richards." Stepping into the shoes of Ann Richards is no small feat. As the second female governor of Texas, Richards set the bar high for strong, independent women. And Taylor was "a natural" to portray the colorful and complex personality of this awe-inspiring, beloved lady.

No one would deny that Taylor is perfectly suited to portray strong women --e.g. the Harvard law professor in Legally Blonde, a sultry judge in The Practice, and the mother of Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer in Two and a Half Men. Taylor's other acclaimed credits include Baby Mama and Romancing the Stone.

Taylor spent three years researching and forming the basis of this play by interviewing people who knew the Governor, watching video coverage, and speaking with Richards' family, friends, staff and colleagues. Taylor hopes it will "bring a magical touch to the past and present, swirling them together as only the theatre can do, and leaving the audience with an enhanced sense not only of a person and a time, but of themselves." ANN began as the "project" of an ordinary fan -- who like most people had admired the governor from afar. However, writing the play became " a journey impossibly rich -- a quest to understand what is was about this down-home and fun woman...housewife, mother, grandmother, and Governor of Texas -- that affected so many people so deeply".

"Texans know Ann Richards is a legend in her own right, and Holland's three years of impressive research have culminated in a fantastic portrait of this incredible woman," noted Maureen Patton, executive director of The Grand 1894 Opera House. "Consider this warm, entertaining evening 'continuing education' on Texas mythology and Richards' life teachings. Don't miss it!"
See More

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Holland Taylor
• live theatre
• Ann Richards
• The Grand 1894 Opera House
• Money Marbles and Chalk

[reallyharried]

Ms Taylor is an authentic historic / dramatic genius, and meticulous. She channeled our beloved Miss Ann on the Paramount stage in Austin, and I am so glad I was there!

[rrlg1]

I really want to see this - hear its going to Broadway. Love Holland Taylor, and this looks fantastic.

[kellik28]

Brilliant...

[2legit64]

Would loved to have seen this live. Love both Ann Richards and Holland Taylor. As far as I'm concerned, this is a winner all the way around.

[Sampiro]

That is an incredible transformation.