Pasadena Playhouse Hosts CONVERSATIONS WITH Saint James 6/14, Regina Taylor 6/20

In celebration of Pasadena Playhouse upcoming production of CROWNS, which opens on July 12, the Community Outreach Program invites the community to enjoy two candid and lively CONVERSATION WITH...events with acclaimed artist/author Synthia SAINT JAMES on June 14 and playwright/actress ReGina Taylor on June 20. The CONVERSATION WITH... series offers an intimate glimpse into the women's creative process of the musical CROWNS. The events will be held upstairs in Pasadena Playhouse's Carrie Hamilton Theatre (39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena).

Sunday, June 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Internationally acclaimed fine artist/author SYNTHIA SAINT JAMES

Playwright ReGina Taylor commissioned SAINT JAMES to create a painting for merchandising for her incredible play CROWNS. Join SAINT JAMES as she illuminates on her love affair with art. Immediately following the presentation, the artist will give a private tour of her exhibition in the Friendship Center.

The Synthia SAINT JAMES Solo Exhibition "In Celebration of CROWNS" opens Saturday, June 6 - August 16, 2009 showcasing high-end and affordable artwork.
Partial proceeds of the artwork will go to support Pasadena Playhouse.

Special Welcome by BEVERLY WHITE (NBC4 Anchor/Reporter)

Saturday, June 20 at 6:00 p.m.

Playwright/Actress ReGina Taylor

Enjoy an up-close and personal visit with dynamic playwright and actress (CBS' The Unit) on her celebrated acting career and passion for writing for the stage.

Moderated by writer/director/actress Iona Morris

Previous CONVERSATION WITH... guests have included Tony and Emmy Award winner Leslie Uggams. Academy Award nominee and legendary actor/activist Ruby Dee, Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin, esteemed actors Michael York, Carol Lawrence, Grammy Award winners Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., and the late Gregory Hines.

General admission tickets for the CONVERSATION WITH... are FREE and must be reserved by email request to gparker@pasadenaplayhoues.org. Seating is limited and is first come, first served.

CROWNS, adapted by ReGina Taylor from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry is a co-production with Ebony Repertory Theatre. The Los Angeles premiere is currently playing at ERT's Nate Holden Performing Arts Center and will move to Pasadena Playhouse with a July 12th opening date. For information on CROWNS at ERT visit www.ebonyrep.org and at Pasadena Playhouse go to www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.