Buckley to reprise New York role in Alley’s ‘Old Friends’

By Everett Evans, The Houston Chronicle

July 16, 2014

Tony winner Betty Buckley will reprise her pivotal role from the off-Broadway premiere of Horton Foote’s “The Old Friends” when the Alley Theatre gives the play’s Houston premiere Aug. 15-Sept. 7 at the University of Houston’s Wortham Theatre.

It will be the first show of the 2014-15 Alley@UH season, while the company’s downtown home is undergoing renovation.

Buckley won her Tony as Grizabella in the 1982 Broadway premiere of “Cats,” famously singing “Memory.” The Texas-born actress/singer’s other Broadway credits include “1776,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” “Triumph of Love” and “Sunset Boulevard.” Buckley starred in the TV series “Eight Is Enough” and more recently played a recurring role in “Oz.” Her films include “Carrie” and “Tender Mercies.” Texas storyteller Foote won an Oscar for his “Tender Mercies” screenplay.

As previously announced, Hallie Foote, the playwright’s daughter and a leading interpreter of his work, also will reprise her New York role in the Alley’s production. Newly announced for the Alley cast are Veanne Cox, another veteran of the play’s New York cast (and a Tony nominee for “Company”), and former Alley company member Annalee Jefferies, returning after a decade’s absence.

As in New York, “Old Friends” will be t will be the first show of the 2014-15 Alley@UH season, while the company’s downtown home is undergoing renovation.

Buckley won her Tony as Grizabella in the 1982 Broadway premiere of “Cats,” famously singing “Memory.” The Texas-born actress/singer’s other Broadway credits include “1776,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” “Triumph of Love” and “Sunset Boulevard.” Buckley starred in the TV series “Eight Is Enough” and more recently played a recurring role in “Oz.” Her films include “Carrie” and “Tender Mercies.” Texas storyteller Foote won an Oscar for his “Tender Mercies” screenplay.

As previously announced, Hallie Foote, the playwright’s daughter and a leading interpreter of his work, also will reprise her New York role in the Alley’s production. Newly announced for the Alley cast are Veanne Cox, another veteran of the play’s New York cast (and a Tony nominee for “Company”), and former Alley company member Annalee Jefferies, returning after a decade’s absence.

As in New York, “Old Friends” will be directed by former Alley associate artistic director Michael Wilson, pre-eminent director of Foote’s work.

Elizabeth Ashley, whom the Alley previously announced for the cast, will not be in the production; she’s taken a role in the Broadway revival of “You Can’t Take It With You” that begins previews in late August.

Tickets and season subscription information available at 713-220-5700 and alleytheatre.org