Written by LSTFI alumnus Alexis Chevalier, Defendant Maurice Chevalier is a period drama based on the true story of the famous French actor, singer, and entertainer, Maurice Chevalier. Originally produced at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in 2015, the play will now open for a run at NYC’s American Theatre of Actors. Directed by Chevalier’s fellow LSTFI alum Alex Notkin, the production stars additional alumni Ken Straus, Deanna Jelardy, Kian Kavousi, Matthew Serra, Sam Schall, Miah Kane, Ben Rademacher, Micah Stinson, Alexandra Kainoa, and Frans Dam.
About the Play
France, 1945. Condemned to death for collaboration with the Nazis, popular French singer Maurice Chevalier tells his side of the story to his accusers. Beginning with his departure from Hollywood to his return to the French stage until the end of World War II, he recalls ten years of his life. Between his relationship with his Jewish wife Nita whom he struggles to protect and his greatest successes in the darkest times, Chevalier is torn between the propaganda wars of the Nazis, the Collaborators and even the Resistance. But is he really a traitor?
Defendant Maurice Chevalier opens at American Theatre of Actors in the John Cullum Theatre (314 W. 54th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues) on Monday, February 8th. The production runs through Sunday, February 21st with performances held Monday – Friday at 7:00pm EST and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm and 7:00pm EST.
General Admission: $35
LSTFI Student Tickets: $25
Photography by Angie Kremer