Steve Vernon bought the script for the one-woman show Becoming Dr. Ruth for Big Dawg Productions, but it turned out it wouldn't fit into the season. The script was so compelling, Vernon really wanted to get it on-stage, so he partnered with Panache Theatre to make it happen. The show opens tonight (Thursday, 8/11) at the Cape Fear Playhouse, starring HolliSaperstein in the title role. Listen to our interview with Vernon and Saperstein above.
If you go to the show, don't expect a caricature of Dr. Ruth; this is not Saturday Night Live, but an exploration of Ruth Westheimer's complex past. Still, Vernon says there is a lot of comedy, partly because most of us can't help but giggle in the face of frank sex advice. While that's what we expect from a show about Dr. Ruth, be prepared for much, much more.
"Becoming Dr. Ruth," by Mark St. Germain. Starring Holli Saperstein, directed by Steve Vernon. August 11-28. Thursdays-Saturdays @ 8:00pm; Sundays @ 3:00 at The Cape Fear Playhouse on Castle Street.