La Verne: IVRT Livestreaming ''Zero Hour'' May 11 And 12

Press release from the La Verne Chamber of Commerce:

April 26, 2021

Cate Caplin to Direct Frank Minano in IVRT Livestreaming Play “Zero Hour”

Claremont, CA— Inland Valley Repertory Theatre (IVRT) proudly announces Cate Caplin as director of its upcoming livestreaming play, “Zero Hour.” A one-man play, Frank Minano will portray Zero Mostel —the outgoing and lively American actor best known for his roles as “Tevye” in “Fiddler on the Roof” and as “Max Bialystock” in “The Producers.”

“The real-life Mostel was a larger-than-life figure who was continually performing and would do virtually anything for a laugh. His behavior was as outrageous off stage as it was on but he was also a towering dramatic actor,” said Director Cate Caplin.

With more than 150 theatre credits in acting, directing and producing, Frank Minano is honored to bring “Zero Hour” to IVRT patrons. “I have always enjoyed the timing and talent of Zero Mostel. While he was known for his comedic roles, his dramatic roles are heartfelt and memorable,” Minano said.

“As always, the greatest ‘clowns’ soar in dramatic roles too. This play gives an insight into his life of ups and downs and covers a time in America that is relevant and should never be forgotten,” Minano added.

About the play: Set in theatre legend Zero Mostel's painting studio on Manhattan’s West 28th Street, a naive reporter attempts to interview the famously volatile artist, prompting an explosion of memory, humor, outrage and juicy backstage lore. Mostel is remembered for his comedic genius and his definitive roles, but in the 1950's he was equally known for his place on the infamous Hollywood blacklist. Mostel's swagger, ferocity, intelligence and fantastic wit is brought back to the stage in this volcanic tour-de-force.

“’Zero Hour’ tells happier as well as painful stories prompting explosions of humor and outrage. He also shares memories of backstage antics including theatrical triumphs along with his sorrows and his lengthy estrangement from his family,” Caplin said.

Performance Date and Time: Performance dates are May 11th and 12th at 7p.m. Tickets are $27 and can be purchased by phone Monday through Thursday from 10am until 1pm at (909) 859-4878, or online 24/7 at www.ivrt.org.

About Inland Valley Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1990 by Frank Minano and his wife Donna Marie, IVRT made its home at the Candlelight Pavilion in 2008. IVRT’s unique mid-week arrangement incorporates a feature known as “set modification”, that is, upcycling the sets that the Candlelight Pavilion uses for its dinner theatre on the weekends. A critically acclaimed, nonprofit, regional theatre company, garnering widespread honors for its theatrical works, IVRT receives funding from the California Arts Council, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the city of Claremont, and the Claremont Educational Foundation, as well as from corporate and individual donors. More information may be found on the website at www.ivrt.org or by calling (909) 859-4878.

Inland Valley Repertory Theatre, Inc

• Donna Marie Minano Executive Director
• April 26, 2021
• (909) 859-4878
• Send Email

This press release was produced by the La Verne Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed are the author's own.