Marilyn, Mom & Me
< All Events
Where |
Annenberg Theater
|
|---|---|
When |
February 28, 7:00pm
|
Where |
Annenberg Theater
|
|---|---|
When |
February 28, 7:00pm
|
For the third year, we are thrilled to host a performance by acclaimed playwright Luke Yankee. Marilyn, Mom & Me brings to the stage the captivating story of Yankee’s mother and her close friendship with Marilyn Monroe.
In 1956, when Broadway character actress Eileen Heckart was cast as Marilyn Monroe's best friend in the film, Bus Stop, Monroe, the ultimate "method actress", set out to make Heckart her best friend in real life. 40 years later, her son Luke tries to unravel his complex relationship with his mother by better understanding her intense friendship with one of the biggest movie stars of all time.
Cast and Crew:
Michael Learnard: Eileen Heckart
Alisha Sopher: Marilyn Monroe
Luke Yankee: As Himself
Amber Liekhus: Ella Fitzgerald/Rosetta Le Noire
Noah Wagner: Joshua Logan/Arthur Miller
Barbara Niles: Narrator
Don Hill: Director
Shay Garber: Production Stage Manager
Ticket Details:
February 28
VIP $150: Best seating and access to the post-show reception and a photo opportunity with an Oscar.
GA+ $125: Preferred seating
GA $75: Standard seating
Optional Add-On $40: GA and GA+ ticket holders may add the post-show reception and a photo opportunity with an Oscar.
March 1
GA $75: Standard seating.
Includes a talkback and audience Q&A after the performance
About Luke Yankee
For theatrical multi-hyphenate Luke Yankee (yes, it IS his real name), storytelling is a way of life.
Growing up in a theatrical household (with award-winning actress Eileen Heckart as a mother), telling a good story around the dining table or at a cocktail party was how you got attention. How could he not go into show business? Whether it was Ethel Merman teaching him how to make a martini at age ten, Paul Newman telling him how to upstage his co-stars in children’s theatre, Vivian Vance showing him how to give a proper curtain call, or Marilyn Monroe babysitting his brothers, Luke Yankee’s life is a veritable Who’s Who of Broadway and Hollywood.
About Michael Learned
Michael Learned is a four-time Emmy Award–winning actress and People’s Choice Award recipient, best known for her iconic role as Olivia Walton on The Waltons, which also earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Her extensive stage work includes Steel Magnolias, On Golden Pond, Slight Hitch, Elizabeth the Queen, and All Over. She has starred in acclaimed regional productions such as Woman in Mind, Hapgood, The Best Man, and The Sisters Rosensweig. Her film and TV credits span Gunsmoke, Police Story, Cold Case, Scrubs, and SVU.
We wish to express our gratitude to the Performers’ Unions:
ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS
AMERICAN GUILD OF VARIETY ARTISTS
SAG-AFTRA
through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the Artists to appear in this program.
More to See
Free Thursday Night: DJ Series with FEMME A
Palm Springs Art Museum
December 4, 2025
The Leslie's 37th Annual Toy Drive & Fundraiser
Palm Springs Art Museum
December 6, 2025
Walk of the Inns
Palm Springs Art Museum
December 11, 2025
Member Preview Day: The Powers of Ten
Palm Springs Art Museum
December 19, 2025
Art Party 2026
Palm Springs Art Museum
January 24, 2026
The Mixografia Process: A Studio Visit
Palm Springs Art Museum
March 14, 2026
