In March of 2020, Skylight LIVE re-imagined theatre by creating a new online series where people could feel connected during a time of social distancing – and it had a total viewing of over 60,000. The 2021 season of the series begins on Saturday, April 24 at 5 p.m., with a video presentation of Robin Gerber’s THE SHOT starring Sharon Lawrence, directed by Michelle Joyner and produced by SPARK Theatricals.
The play reveals the well-kept secrets of American icon Katharine Graham who, before becoming the publisher of The Washington Post, endured the physical and emotional abuse of Phil Graham, the husband she loved and admired.
‘The Shot’ on-demand viewing takes place Saturday, Apr. 24 through Sunday, May 2 on YouTube with reservation required at https://skylight.live. Minimum donation of $10 benefits the Violence Intervention Program and Skylight Theatre Company. Run-time is approximately 60 minutes, with a 20-minute live Q&A following the April 24 at 5 p.m. performance only which will include a discussion with the creative artists and other guests, moderated by Dr. Astrid Heger, Executive Director of the Violence Intervention Program.
“We trust that Katharine’s story will inspire insight, hope, and support for victims and survivors,” says producer Laurie Bernhard, SPARKS Theatrical, “or anyone who cares about them,” Heger said.
Gary Grossman, Artistic Director for Skylight Theatre Company, adds, “We selected Robin’s important piece to be the inaugural production of our second season of our digital platform, Skylight LIVE, because we wanted to call attention to interpersonal violence. We’re grateful to partner with the Violent Intervention Program, headed by Astrid Heger.”
“VIP embraces all women impacted by violence—but we look to Katharine Graham to remain an icon of overcoming the depths of abuse and suppression,” explained Heger. “We all take hope from her story.”
Starring in ‘The Shot’ as Katharine Graham is Sharon Lawrence who has been prominently featured on stage and screen over the last 25 years. Her television work includes her multiple EMMY nominated and SAG award-winning run on the series NYPD Blue, as well as notable stints on hit shows such as Queen Sugar, Shameless, Dynasty, On Becoming a God in Central Florida, Desperate Housewives, Rizzoli & Isles, and Grey’s Anatomy which earned her another Emmy nomination.
Sharon spent 10 years on Broadway in Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, and as Velma in Chicago. Los Angeles audiences have enjoyed her performances onstage at The Mark Taper Forum, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, the Geffen Playhouse and the Pasadena Playhouse. Sharon is currently appearing in Center Theatre Group’s online Digital Stage in The Gaze, No Homo and is filming the new series Rebel for ABC.
Recognized as a “powerhouse of new play development” by Dramatist Magazine and as “a leader in play development” by the L.A. Times, in just the last three years two plays originating at Skylight Theatre Company have been performed Off Broadway. In 2019 Center Theatre Group remounted their multiple award-winning production of ‘Rotterdam’ at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City as part of Block Party – a play I personally selected in my top 10 for the year!
Following ‘The Shot’ upcoming Skylight LIVE events include: ‘Stand Up/Speak Out’ – The power of spoken word & conversation illuminates Intimate Partner Violence: Apr. 28 at 7 p.m., and ‘Released, Not Free’ – Prison’s strangle hold on America’s soul exposed through multi-generational voices. May 23 at 5 p.m. Donations benefit Housing Works and Skylight Theatre Company. More information at http://skylighttheatre.org
