THE PLAY A nation polarized by racial tensions, wrenching shifts in economic and social structures. A charismatic young President offering change and hope… sound familiar? It’s 1960… How far have we come in 50 years? How far haven’t we? In 1960, John Steinbeck, one of America’s premier observers of the 20th Century, loaded his pick up truck with supplies and took a 10,000 mile road trip with his beloved dog, Charley. His colorful novel about that back road journey brings vivid echoes of a country and culture unaware of the sea changes ahead, but bearing the seeds of a transforming future still unfolding today. Steinbeck relished the diverse regional and local flavors, as distinct as the stripes in our flag, that gave way during the last half of the 20th Century to the homogenized, mass media-ized and corporatized sameness you find today at every interstate exit ramp. His seemingly random literary snapshots carry details only now coming into focus, like a long languishing cultural Polaroid. Born at the beginning of the American century (in 1902), a native Californian, John Steinbeck is widely recognized as a giant in the world of 20th Century literature. He published his first novel in 1929 after traveling the Depression ravaged country, collecting impressions and stories of the people. His 1960 trip was a bookend for Steinbeck, revisiting America, measuring her people. Steinbeck saw his role clearly; “...the writer is delegated to declare and to celebrate man's proven capacity for greatness of heart and spirit - for gallantry in defeat, for courage, compassion and love. In the endless war against weakness and despair, these are the bright rally flags of hope and of emulation. I hold that a writer who does not passionately believe in the perfectibility of man has no dedication nor any membership in literature." For those who remember the times chronicled in TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY: IN SEARCH OF AMERICA, this production will be a vivid and emotional reminder, for those who don’t remember, it will frame the achievements they take for granted through a thoroughly entertaining tour de force of the past that shaped their world. And for both, a charming, challenging and hope filled theatrical experience. John Steinbeck was awarded many accolades in his career, including a Pulitzer Prize for “The Grapes of Wrath” and culminating in the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 “...for his realistic as well as imaginative writings, distinguished by a sympathetic humor and a keen social perception.” Hollywood created classics from his stories: “Of Mice and Men”, “The Grapes of Wrath”, “Life Boat”, and “East of Eden.” Steinbeck’s chronicles of America resonate even more deeply today as our cultural diversity expands our national tapestry and as we face new challenges… or repeat old ones. The primary tools remains the same… the human heart and spirit. TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY: IN SEARCH OF AMERICA includes encounters with a New England farmer, a Vermont preacher, a town drunk, a traveling Shakespearian actor, a giant, and an old Southern gentleman. Broadway veteran, television and film actor, Mr. John Towey, performs all the characters, including Mr. Steinbeck. “John’s charm, delivery, and dramatic flair turn it into an extravaganza!” “An evening not to be missed.” “John Towey’s one-person performance is entertaining, educational, and inspirational… meaningful and enjoyable for all audiences.” “An enthralling measure of America, then and now…” "The best night of live theater I've seen in 30 years!" Produced by very special permission granted by the Elaine Steinbeck estate.
PRODUCTION STAFF
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As an actor John has performed in theatres across the country from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York and Boston on the east coast to Seattle, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Diego in the west coast and many cities in the heartland. He was a member of the acting companies for three seasons each at; The Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., The Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, and The Public Theatre in NYC. 
When Sydney Pollack hired Jerry straight out of college and brought him to LA to develop material, Jerry already had a production resume that included a PBS short, an educational series, an HBO short, and two features. In fact, Jerry has spent most of his adult life in the film business as a cinematographer,
editor, development executive, and an award-winning writer/director and producer... always in varying stages of blissful denial or semi-violent protest
of his attraction to the boards.
He even spent time studying with Lee Strasberg and claimed it was all
to be a better writer/director. As an actor, he first trod the Advent Theatre's boards as Bob Cratchett, opposite Bill Hayes' Scrooge, in our adaptation of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL in 1988, and more recently as Gerald Croft in J.B. Priestley's 