May brings live theater to Lake Tahoe's MontBleu Showroom with performances of 'Motherhood Out Loud'

Where else have you been able to entrust the subject of motherhood to such a dazzling collection of celebrated American writers and local Lake Tahoe talent? Motherhood Out Loud will take the stage at MontBleu May 9, and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 12 at 3 p.m. It is a moving hilarious theatrical event perfect for a Mother’s Day weekend outing. Go here for tickets, call (530) 541-4975 or stop by the MontBleu Box Office.

“We’ve partnered with host MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa to present one of the first west coast productions of this joyous new play,“ said Ginger Nicolay-Davis, President of the nonprofit Tahoe Tallac Association. The May 12, 3 p.m. Mother’s Day matinee performance will include a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider for every Mom. “In an insightful humorous way, Motherhood Out Loud reveals many of the raw emotions and rocky roads we experience in life,” continued Davis. The show is not recommended for children due to language and content.

Critics are giving the play positive reviews with Andrew Beck, Examiner describing it as “Funny, unexpectedly poignant and sweetly entertaining. Brings tears of joy.” The proceeds from the shows will go to the non-profit Tahoe Tallac Association which produces the annual summer-long Valhalla Arts & Music Festival.

Motherhood Out Loud was conceived by Susan R. Rose and Joan Stein. It was written by Leslie Ayvazian, David Cale, Jessica Goldberg, Beth Henley, Lameece Issaq, Claire LaZebnik, Lisa Loomer, Michele Lowe, Marco Pennette, Theresa Rebeck, Luanne Rice, Annie Weisman and Cheryl L. West. “A hip and breezy production. Storytelling at its sweetest,” said Jennie Webb, Back Stage.

According to Davis, show goers have coined it “utterly unpredictable with its inherent comedy as it celebrates the deeply personal truths that span generations.” The Tahoe production features local actors Diana Evans, Ginger Nicolay-Davis, Ann Swallow, Pam Taylor, April Foiles, Michelle Hirschfield and Kurt Munger.

For those looking to experience more live theater at Lake Tahoe, head to these performances at the Tahoe Tallac Site for the following line-up as part of the Valhalla Arts & Music Festival:

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a comedy for all ages and will take stage July 5-7 & 11-13, 7:30 p.m., July 13, 2 p.m. at the Boathouse Theatre. Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, the Bard meets the Three Stooges and this play has become a worldwide phenomenon, earning the title of London's second-longest-running comedy after a decade at the Criterion Theatre.

In 97 minutes three actors will expose show-goers to all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays. And this production breaks with tradition with having a woman in the cast. According to the play’s director, Dave Hamilton, “the show is a fast paced, witty, and physical comedy with a healthy dose of improvisation.” “This irreverent deconstruction of Shakespeare’s work makes a dilly of poor Willy. A fantasia of zany energy that throws together Monty Python-ish drag and Mel Brook-ish anything-for-a-laugh gags,” said critic Michael Musto, New York Daily News.

Tahoe Improv Players performs at the Valhalla Boathouse July 9 & 23, Aug 6 & 20, 7:30 p.m. and is a comedy improvisation for all ages. Tahoe Improv Players are known to make audiences laugh ‘til they cry with their spontaneous, hilarious, improvised comedy, which has been entertaining audiences for over 15 years. Look for MC Gerry Orton as well as addition local Tahoe favorites.

Additional performances of Motherhood Out Loud, the adult comedy/drama, are planned for July 18-20, 7:30 p.m. July 21, 2 p.m. in the Boathouse Theatre.

Better Late is an adult comedy written by Larry Gelbart who was a main force behind the creation of the television series M*A*S*H as well as an academy award nominated screenplay for the film Tootsie, The show performs July 26-28 & Aug 1-3, 7:30 p.m., Aug 4, 2 p.m. Julian (Nussbaum) is forced to move in with his ex-wife and her new husband in order to recuperate from a sudden illness. With each passing day, the awkward situation spirals further and further out of control. As the laughter builds, the question becomes: how long will Julian have to stay? According to Valhalla Festival director, Dave Hamilton, “this bitingly funny December-December-December romance is a not-to-be-missed new comedy.”

Young Shakespeare performs Aug 2, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival's D.G. Menchetti program presents an exciting, fun filled and interactive performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream adapted specifically for children and families.

Gatsby Murder Mystery Dinner on Aug 10, 6 p.m. is where participants must solve the murder at this authentic Tahoe-based radio theater performance and catered dinner. This audience-interactive play with local actors celebrates the Roaring Twenties’ South Shore lifestyle. Presented annually, this event is different every year. Reserve your seats early as it sells out.

The annual summer-long Valhalla Arts & Music Festival is a unique celebration of music, live theater and the visual arts set against the magnificent backdrop of Lake Tahoe. The Festival takes place at the historic Tahoe Tallac site on the shore of Lake Tahoe, a 74-acre setting currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now in its 33rd year, events occur at the most unique and authentic locations including the historic Boathouse Theatre, Valhalla Grand Hall and the Grand Lawn. For more info, go here and for real time updates on the events festival see the Facebook page here.

About Tahoe Tallac Association
The Tahoe Tallac Association was formed in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the goal of assisting the Forest Service in restoring the three estates on the Tallac Historic Site, developing the site as a historic center, and sponsoring/producing the Valhalla Arts & Music Festival held annually on the Heller Estate of the Tallac Historic Site. Visit http://valhallatahoe.com/ for more information. The Tahoe Tallac Association is operated under a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.