Arts & Entertainment

Ed Asner to Talk in Stratford

'A Conversation with Ed Asner' will take place on Jan. 8 in Stratford. Tickets are $25. Details below.

Ed Asner, noted TV, film and stage actor will talk about his acting career in an on-stage appearance to benefit two arts organizations in Stratford, Conn.

Mr. Asner, a television legend and winner of seven Emmy Awards and one of the most respected actors of his generation will talk about his life and career in "A Conversation with Ed Asner" on Jan. 8 at 7:30 pm at the Scottish Rite Theater in Stratford, Conn.

This is first in a series of American Shakespeare Theatre Alumni Talks scheduled to benefit The Stratford Arts Commission and the SCA, the Stratford Center for the Arts at the American Shakespeare Theatre.

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Joe Meyers, arts and entertainment feature writer and blogger for The Connecticut Post and Hearst Media News Group, will conduct the on-stage interview and Q and A with Mr. Asner about his 50-plus year TV, film, and stage career.

Mr. Asner will be coming to Stratford immediately following the close of his Broadway play, "Grace," for which he and his co-stars Paul Rudd and Michael Shannon received glowing reviews. Ben Brantley of the New York Times welcomed Mr. Asner’s return to the stage in his recent review of the play.

Find out what's happening in Stratfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mr. Asner is the recipient of The Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award and has been inducted into The Academy of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. In 2009, his distinctive voice created the memorable character of the Old Man in the hit Pixar animated film "Up." In 2003, he played Santa Claus in the hit holiday comedy, ELF with Will Farrell.

Ed Asner appeared at The American Shakespeare Theatre early in his career. He was part of the theatre's 1959 acting company, appearing in "Merry Wives of Windsor," "Romeo and Juliet" and "All's Well That Ends Well." Also in the company that year was long-time Stratford resident Nancy Marchand who would later co-star with Ed Asner in the popular television series, "Lou Grant."

Mr Asner received 5 Emmys for his portrayal of the lead character in the Lou Grant television series that was a dramatic spinoff centered around the beloved character he created on The Mary Tyler Moore series.

Ed Goodrich of The Stratford Arts Commission commented, "We are pleased to be able to have an actor of Mr. Asner's stature come to Stratford and donate his time to talk about his career and reminisce about working at the theatre in its glory days."

"We welcome Ed Asner's return to Stratford. He understands as we do what a boost a thriving theater on the banks of the Housatonic will be for our town, the region and the world," added Matt Catalano, Executive Director of the SCA.

Liz Davis, Managing Director of the SCA commented, "Mr. Asner's touring the theatre and the grounds and graciously agreeing to be interviewed will help our two Stratford arts organizations raise needed money as well as bring awareness of the history and the current and future potential of The American Shakespeare Theatre."

Joe Meyers who will interview Mr. Asner, writes and blogs about books, movies and theater for Hearst Media and is the recent recipient of The Ellery Queen Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

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A Conversation with Ed Asner moderated by Joe Meyers will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 pm at The Scottish Rite Theater (formerly The Stratford Movie Theater) on 2422 Main Street in Stratford, Conn. Seating is general admission at $25. VIP seating at $50 is limited and includes a pre-show reception with Mr. Asner. Tickets may be reserved by calling 203.572.8177. Tickets may also be purchased at the Devan News & Variety in Stratford Center and Hanna’s Kitchen in Paradise Green in Stratford, Conn.


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