Crimson Square Theatre Company, in residence at Beverly Hills Playhouse, is pleased to present “The How And The Why,” an intimate and keenly perceptive play by Sarah Treem, directed by Allen Barton running January 28 through February 20.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Evolution and emotion collide in Sarah Treem’s thought-provoking and sharp play about science, family, and survival of the fittest. On the eve of a prestigious conference, an up-and-coming evolutionary biologist wrestles for the truth with an established leader in the field. This intimate and keenly perceptive play explores the difficult choices faced by women of every generation.
THE CAST
Faye Viviana – “Rachel Hardeman”
Andrea Nittoli Kelly – “Zelda Kahn”
Faye Viviana – Rachel Hardeman, Executive Producer
Faye Viviana is an actress, producer, and award-winning filmmaker. Her professional ballet career with American Ballet Theatre cut short by injury in 2007, she pivoted to acting and filmmaking. She has appeared in numerous roles on TV, most notably for “LONGMIRE” (Netflix), “S.W.A.T.” (CBS), and “DEPUTY” (FOX) to name a few, and many Independent films. After working as an independent film producer for other companies for several years, she branched out on her own, founding V3 Productions in 2018. She is thrilled to be a founding member and executive producer of Crimson Square, and to work with such a talented group of artists. She has produced “I Am My Own Wife,” “Dinner With Friends,” “Cock,” and S”ex With Strangers” under the Crimson Square Banner. Faye is overjoyed to be on stage this time, as Rachel Hardeman in Sarah Treem’s “The How and The Why.” She is passionate about all facets of storytelling, exploring the human condition, and has a pretty serious book addiction.
Andrea Nittoli Kelly – Zelda Kahn
Andrea Nittoli Kelly is an actor, writer, producer, and stand-up comic. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in TV and film and landed on shows such as “THE PRACTICE” (ABC), “ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT” (Netflix), and “MARRIED WITH CHILDREN” (FOX) to name a few. She also played Michael Rapaport’s wife in a film by LIONSGATE entitled “ONCE UPON A TIME IN QUEENS” which she also produced. She has performed in many comedy clubs such as “The Laugh Factory” and “The Comedy Store,” and had her own show at The Hollywood Improv for many years called “Friends with Benefits” which supported many local charities. Andrea is very excited to be doing her first play in Los Angeles as Zelda Kahn in Sarah Treem’s “The How and The Why.” Of all her accomplishments, Andrea is most proud of her three beautiful children,Tom, Nick, and Alaina. When she’s not acting you can find Andrea spending time with her family and her two Shih-tzus, Riley Bleu and Rocco Blak.
Allen Barton – Director, Owner of Beverly Hills Playhouse
Allen Barton is a Los Angeles-based playwright/author, director, teacher and classical pianist. Plays include “CIRCLING” (2018), “DISCONNECTION” (2015), “YEARS TO THE DAY” (2013), and “ENGAGEMENT” (2010). “YEARS TO THE DAY” was named one of Los Angeles’ 10 Best New Plays by LA Weekly, and has since been performed in ten cities across three continents. Directing credits include “ENGAGEMENT,” “THE REAL THING,” “RABBIT HOLE,” “THE LAST FIVE YEARS,” “BURN THIS,” “THE HEIDI CHRONICLES,” “OLEANNA,” “SPEED-THE-PLOW,” “GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES” and “BRILLIANT TRACES.” Allen earned many years’ worth of L.A. stage, television and film credits as an actor, and he is also active as a classical pianist – he was a prizewinner in the 2002 Los Angeles Liszt Society Competition, has recorded five compact discs (available on Apple Music and other streaming services) and performs solo recitals regularly on both coasts. In 2010 he was made a Steinway Artist. A native of Boston, a graduate of Harvard University and longtime student of the late Milton Katselas, Allen is currently owner and principal teacher at the renowned Beverly Hills Playhouse acting school. His 2017 book “THE OASIS OF INSANITY” (available at Amazon) is a memoir of his apprenticeship with Katselas, as well as a guidebook to the study and pursuit of acting in the 21st century. Allen lives in Los Angeles with his wife, three children, and a black Labrador Retriever.
THE TEAM
Writer Sarah Treem
Director Allen Barton
Producer Crimson Square
Executive Producer Faye Viviana
Stage Manager Jeffery Sun
Lighting Designer from Crimson Square Theatre Company
Publicity by Sandra Kuker PR