Carol Burnett's real-life story told in 'Hollywood Arms'

MINDEN, Nev.

by Sharlene Irete

sirete@recordcourier.com

"Hollywood Arms," the comedic drama about comedienne Carol Burnett's childhood in Hollywood in the 1940s and '50s, opens Friday at the CVIC Hall in Minden. The Carson Valley Community Theatre Group's production runs in weekend performances through April 19.

The play was written by Burnett and her daughter Carrie Hamilton and is based on Burnett's 1986 memoir, "One More Time."

"Hollywood Arms" is the real-life story of how Burnett, her alcoholic mother and hypochondriac grandmother lived on welfare, but had dreams of stardom in Hollywoodland.

Director Lucille Rao said the play shows the humor and love the family shared through hard times.

"They were really poor " barely scraping by," said Rao. "People will find out in the play what a hard life Carol Burnett had as a child. But her grandmother really loved her and hopefully that will show through.

"We have a tremendous cast that spans from talented young actors portraying children to seasoned actors. This is one story that needed to be told, so that you meet the real person behind the star persona of Carol Burnett."

Burnett's daughter was fighting lung and brain cancer as "Hollywood Arms" was written and died three months before the play premiered in Chicago in April 2002. In honor of Carrie Hamilton, the Carson Valley Community Theatre Group's Relay for Life team will donate a portion of the proceeds of their play to the American Cancer Society.

In the past three years, the Carson Valley Community Theatre Group has presented "Steel Magnolias," "Odd Couple, Female Version," the courtroom drama "The Night of January 16th" and musicals "Sounds of Broadway" and "Blackjack Bottom."

Marabel Moorhead contributed to this article.

Carson Valley Community Theatre Group presents the Broadway play, 'Hollywood Arms,' at the CVIC Hall, 1602 Esmeralda Ave. in Minden.

The comedic drama is directed by Lucille Rao.

The play may not be suitable for young children.

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and April 17 and 18; 5 p.m. Sunday and 2 p.m. April 19.

Tickets are $15 general, $12 students and seniors. Opening night champagne and dessert gala, $17 and $20. Group sales, $10.

Information, 265-6964 and (775) 843-3493. Tickets available at Carson Valley Arts Council building, Barone & Reed Restaurant, Re/Max Realty Affiliates, Eddy Street Book Exchange, and carsonvalleycommunitytheatre.org

Cast

Margaret Edson, Nanny

Victoria Grathwohl, Louise

Joel Hannel, Jody

Samantha Vardas-Doane, Helen

Melissa Marsh, older Helen

Lisa Falanga, Dixie

Doug Midkiff, Bill/cop

Thomas Rao, Malcolm