The Lombardo Organization and Roger Alan Gindi
present
Kate Mulgrew 
in
Tea at Five
A play by 
 Matthew Lombardo
Directed by
 John Tillinger
January 18-23, 2005
The Hippodrome Theatre 
at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Question: Where did Katharine Hepburn make her professional acting debut? 

Answer: Baltimore

It's true. On September 12, 1928 at the tender age of 21, after moving to Baltimore to join Edwin Knopf's acting company, Hepburn made her professional stage debut as a lady-in-waiting--with no lines--in Edward Sheldon's adaptation of The Czarina. And didn't stay long, however, making her Broadway debut later that same year. But it would be four years before she made her first film--igniting a career that lasted seven decades and brought the world a new and singular vision of the American Woman.

This indomitable legend--and her wide-ranging career--are now showcased once again on Baltimore's stages as Matthew Lombardo's critically acclaimed play, Tea at Five, opens at the historic Hippodrome Theatre. Hailed by critics during its Off Broadway run, Tea at Five is more than a theatrical love letter to an American movie icon; Kate Mulgrew's uncanny performance makes you feel as if you've been invited into the reclusive star's home for a frank conversation with Katharine Hepburn herself. 

Set in 1938 (Act 1) and 1983 (Act 2), the play offers snapshots of distinct and compelling moments in Hepburn's life: first as a 31-year-old rising star recovering from a string of unpardonable movie "flops," then in the twilight of her career as she recovers from a broken ankle received after crashing her own car into a tree at age 76. These two disparate moments in Hepburn's life are made even more striking by the remarkable transformation Mulgrew undergoes during the play's brief 15-minute intermission. It's a moment of theatrical and artistic "magic" that has inspired gasps and cheers from audiences at every performance. 

Mulgrew hopes audiences will embrace Tea at Five "with an open heart and as a great tribute to a great woman. I did this to honor her."


View video ad for 'Tea at Five' at the Hippodrome in Baltimore.
Video file size 3.6 MB - will be a slow download if you do not have a high speed internet connection.


 
Kate's previous costume from 'Tea at Five' was on display at Harbor Place (2nd floor of the Pratt Street Pavilion) in Baltimore during the month of Jan. 2005.

Click photo for larger view
Photos
Opening Night 
January 18, 2005

Photo by Carol LaPlante
 Alzheimer's Benefit
January 19, 2005

 
Articles/Reviews

Photo by Carol LaPlante
Kate Mulgrew Brings Katharine Hepburn to Life on Stage in Tea at Five at the Hippodrome
Baltimore Gay Life Online
January 7, 2005
What Becomes a Legend 
Washington Blade Online
January 7, 2005
Guess who's coming to 'Tea at Five' as Katharine Hepburn?
The Baltimore Sun
LIVE!
January 13, 2005
Howard County Times
Fated To Be Kate
January 13, 2005
The Washington Post
Backstage
January 18, 2005
The Washington Times
Mulgrew is Kate for 'Tea at Five'
January 19, 2005
The Baltimore Sun
Mulgrew brings Hepburn to life
January 20, 2005
Television Interviews
 Fox 45 Morning News 
Tuesday, Jan. 11th, 2005 
Transcript
Screen Captures
MPT Art Works This Week
Wednesday, Jan. 12th, 2005 
Transcript
Screen Captures
Coffee with: Kate Mulgrew
WJZ13 Baltimore Morning News
January 13th, 2005
Transcript
Screen Captures

Previous Production Information & Tour Schedule
Visit the Official Tea at Five Website!
teaat5.com
Order 'Tea at Five' on CD!

 
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