Elizabeth Ashley will star in Jonathan Tolin's If Memory Serves, directed by Leonard Foglia, at the Promenade Theater, 2162 Broadway, beginning November 26. If Memory Serves will be designed by Michael McGarty (sets) and Russell Champa (lights). Charles H. Duggan and Jennifer Manocherian are producers, in association with Richard Frankel and Marc Routh. Opening night is scheduled for December 8.

In this dark comedy about show business, the media and celebrity scandal, an aging television star - once America's favorite TV Mom - is desperate to revive her sagging career. Things take an unexpected turn when her son publicly reveals disturbing memories of his childhood, which causes a media frenzy that puts her back in the spotlight.

Elizabeth Ashley recently appeared in Toronto in Terrence McNally's Master Class, directed by Leonard Foglia. Ashley's numberous credits include the Broadway productions of Take Her, She's Mine with Art Carney (Tony Award), Barefoot in the Park with Robert Redford (Tony nomination), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Tony nomination), The Skin of Our Teeth, Caesar and Cleopatra with Rex Harrison and Agnes of God. Off-Broadway she has appeared in The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore, The Red Devil Battery and When She Danced.

If Memory Serves will play Tuesday - Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; with matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $49.50 and $47.50 and are available by calling Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.

Tidbits:

• Ragtime will close in January much to the surprise of all. The large cast and huge production was not meeting the weekly nut, thus losing money. There was talk of a scaled down production, Ragtime Lite, but obviously that route will not be taken. Everyone agrees that this musical should have played for years!

• The Scarlet Pimpernel cast was told of a possible closing in January. The cast has been offered the tour. Box office is around 70% capacity but a lot of that is coming from discounted offers. After its second reincarnation, SP3 will begin a tour in February.

• Word has it that Dame Edna: The Royal Tour will indeed tour after her Broadway run. The show is developing a cult following with fans, many coming back repeatedly. It's at the Booth and the only plants in the audience are gladiolus.

• Arthur Miller's The Price opens in previews tonight at the Royale Theatre. Directed my James Naughton this classic drama will star Bob Dishy, Jeffrey DeMunn, Lizbeth Mackay and Harris Yulin. It's one of my favorites. When I become 90 I want to play the antique dealer.

• On Halloween the Phantom up Canada way will take off his mask permanently. The Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera closes after a 10 year run. Trick or treat?

• We've published an interview with Randy Slovacek in our Spotlight On section. If you've ever wondered what it's like to begin in the business and make it on Broadway, you'll enjoy reading Randy's story. He's currently in the cast of Chicago out Mandalay Bay way in Las Vegas.

See you Monday!

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