I've had the good fortune of being inspired by and having an opportunity to learn from great performers and artists in the arts and entertainment.One such artist is the Legendary Lily Tomlin, who has become my role model as a performer, and also as a socially-conscious entertainer. Ms. Tomlin is an Ambassador for my international Cinema Series "Kat Kramer's Films That Change The World" and we've worked together on presenting films and documentaries featuring current social issues. My father Stanley Kramer, a maverick filmmaker only made films about controversial subjects or with a "message" and my Godmother was Feminist screen icon Katharine Hepburn, so it's no wonder I strive to work with those artists in our business who are social-justice minded. During the past several years of working closely with Ms. Tomlin on these issues, I was also lucky to perform a special musical Tribute for her that I had created that encompassed her career and social activism.
Having the ability to share ideas with Lily Tomlin has greatly added to my educational growth as an artist. A few years ago, I proposed an idea to her about a way to celebrate the masterpiece play "The Search For Signs Of An Intelligent Life In The Universe" written for Lily by her life partner, longtime collaborator and wife, Jane Wagner. It debut on Broadway in September 1985 to rave reviews. Lily portrayed twelve characters, (including herself) and won her every possible theatrical award including the Tony Award for Best Actress. My idea was to present a one-night-only staged reading of "The Search" featuring multiple actors in the roles originally portrayed by Lily. This was in early 2012,and the play was about to be re-published and celebrate twenty-five years in print. and Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner were receiving a joint STAR( the 345th Golden Palm STAR on the Palm Springs Walk-of-Stars.) I attended the historical ceremony and felt it was time to re-invent "The Search."
It's true that "The Search" has been performed across the country at various theatres and colleges as a solo piece the way it was originally intended. Nobody could ever stamp it as their own , or make such an indelible impression the way that Lily Tomlin has.
I admit, I never had a chance to witness Lily's performance in "The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In The Universe" in the original Broadway production or any of the revivals. I am an admirer of the film version, and Lily's astonishing transformations are evident as she plays every role in the film version,too.
Perhaps my idea of having multiple actors inhabit the roles was too ambitious or ahead of it's time.
But now the time is just right to launch another idea even more ambitious.
A new production called "The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In The Universe: Revisited" has recently opened at the Los Angeles LGBT Center's intimate Davidson/Valentini Theatre. There is no venue that exists that is more ideal for this "re-imagined" show. It's a full blown production featuring twelve actors in the roles created by Tomlin, an inventive set, new original music and costumes. It's the brainchild of acclaimed producer Jon Imparato, who happens to be the Cultural Director of the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center, the campus of the Davidson/Valentini Cultural Arts Center.It's directed and staged by the brilliant Ken Sawyer, who has collaborated with Imparato before at the Center, most recently with the smash hit and award winning original play with music called "Hit The Wall."
This current production has been re-worked by Wagner, even though it's still set in the 1980's it proves just how timely and contemporary her piece is. Timeless in fact.
I have been "searching for signs" myself for the past few years as to when would be the right time to re-introduce this play to new audiences. The many themes Wagner touches on are just as current today as when "Search" debut in the mid-1980's.Homelessness, suicide, women's equality, and LGBT issues are all still a part of the national conversation.
Since this new version opened in October it has received stellar reviews and been extended until December 11th. It's also Ovation recommended, and each actor breathes new life into the characters.
The time for "The Search" to be introduced to new generations is definitely now. Earlier this month, Southern State Community College's Central Campus in Hillsboro presented of "The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In The Universe" featuring an all female cast of ten. The character of "Lily" (an actress currently performing a one woman show) is actually a part of this SSCC production.
I doubt any production could be as innovative as the current production at the Davidson/Valentini.
After seeing "The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In The Universe: Revisited" I am personally motivated to explore yet another idea to move the audience's journey of "The Search" into 2017..... And Beyond.