A Woman Of Independent Means
By Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey. Based on her best selling novel.
Starring Lissa Layng
Ms. Layng portrays Bess Steed Garner, the heroine of "A Woman Of Independent Means". Garners' story is the grand unfolding tale of what it was like to be an adventurous spirit in the first seven decades of that exciting time that came to be known as the American Century. In a period before term like "liberated" and "feminist" became ingrained in the popular lexicon, Bess lives her life exactly as she pleases.
Through challenge and triumph, through depression and wealth, through wars and peace, through sorrows and joy, through adversity and victory, Bess lives her life at the forefront of wherever she finds herself. Based on the real person of playwright Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey's grandmother, Bess Steed Garner is emblematic of the fierce courage and independent spirit of that historical force with which to be reckoned, the emerging American Woman of the 20th Century.
To book a special performance, call (626) 441-5977.
Review Quotes:
"Women's strong solo character resonates. So does Layng's striking performance." RECOMMENDED –L.A. TIMES
"Lissa Layng's brilliant talent makes every phase of the character believable…" –Entertainment Today
"A captivating woman. Layng's performance radiates an essential humanity..." –Pasadena Star News
"A magnificent, monumental theatrical achievement...Layng's flawless tour de force performance...spellbinding." –Tolucan Times
"Hailey's writing has easy accessibility and pertinence." –L.A. TIMES
"Layng plays her (Bess) with charm, whit and elegance and infuses her with the persuasiveness of a velvet steamroller." –www.reviewplay.com
AWARDS
Winner of 2 ADA Awards – Best One Person Show – Best Director of a One Person Show
ReviewPlays.com: Top 10 actresses of the Year- Lissa Layng for A Woman Of Independent Means
Pick Of the Vancouver Fringe: Lissa Layng in A Woman Of Independent Means
After an extended 6 month run at the Fremont Centre Theatre, this solo show has done performances for:
- Masonic Lodge for Widows of Veterans Valentines celebration
- Oneata Club Valentines banquet
- Delores, Colorado Library Fundraiser
- South Pasadena Chamber Of Commerce
- Society of Women Engineers, Pasadena Convention Centre
- Vancouver Fringe Festival (twice), Pick of the Fringe
- Winnipeg Fringe Festival
- Cape May Stage, NJ
- Annual Mothers Day Weekend at FCT (with Mothers Day tea)
