Earlene Hoople Returns to Next Act Theatre in A KODACHROME CHRISTMAS, Now thru 12/31

The self-proclaimed "Queen of Rural Media," Earlene Hoople, returns to Milwaukee, tonight, December 12-31, 2012 at Next Act Theatre. Enter the colorful world of the cable access TV hostess as she tapes her last Christmas special in A KODACHROME CHRISTMAS. John McGivern reprises his role as Earlene, a combination and a tribute to all of the heavily lipsticked, nylon wearing, cigarette smoking, kitten heel loving women who came into his isolated world on the east side of Milwaukee and gave him a glimpse into what he believed to be the world of fancy.

A KODACHROME CHRISTMAS is written and directed by Pat Hazell, the creator of THE WONDER BREAD YEARS, BUNK BED BROTHERS and THE GOOD HUMOR MEN. When John McGivern first saw the show he had asked Pat to change the character of Earlene Hoople to a man so he could perform the show in Milwaukee. Instead, Pat offered to direct John if he was willing to do it as a woman. "This is something we do not regret. John plays Earlene with such humor, heart and honesty that it does not take long for the audience to embrace him as their own kooky aunt or mother," says Pat.

A KODACHROME CHRISTMAS opens tonight, December 12. Tickets are $28 for Wednesday matinees and $38 for all other performances. Tickets may be purchased by calling 414-278-0765 or visiting online at www.nextact.org.

The production team includes Costume Designer Aria Thornton (IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Live Radio Show, VIGIL), Lighting Designer Mike Van Dreser (IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Live Radio Show, ONE TIME), Set Designer Kyle Moore and Lisa Sotille as stage manager.

The mission of Next Act Theatre is to engage the hearts and minds of our audience with compelling and intimate theatre productions intended to stimulate thought, foster the exchange of ideas and to promote the development of new perspectives and understanding. Next Act Theatre is celebrating 23 years of professional theatre.

John McGiverN (Earlene Hoople) is so happy to be collaborating with Pat Hazell in this production of A KODACHROME CHRISTMAS. He can be seen in the MPTV/PBS Weekly Series, AROUND THE CORNER WITH John McGiverN, which airs on Thursday nights at 7 pm on every PBS station in the state. John is a member of Milwaukee's #1 Morning Radio show with Dave and Carole on 96.5 WKLH. You may remember John from his Emmy award-winning, PBS Special, THE EARLY STORIES OF John McGiverN. John is proud to have been a part of WE'RE FUNNY THAT WAY on HBO and OUT THERE II on Comedy Central. He was seen sitting next to Sally Field on POLITICALLY INCORRECT and knighted by Julie Andrews in the hit film THE PRINCESS DIARIES.

PAT HAZELL (Writer/Director/Producer): A flaming idiot in a Roman candle factory couldn't set off the excitement that Pat feels about a return to Milwaukee. Pat is the creator of THE WONDER BREAD YEARS, BUNK BED BROTHERS and THE GOOD HUMOR MEN that have enjoyed success in previous seasons in surrounding theaters. He is absolutely delighted to be reunited with
uber-talent John McGivern. Pat has made seven appearances on THE TONIGHT SHOW and served as a special consultant on the original season of NBC's SEINFELD. He is the co-author and director of BUNK BED BROTHERS, GROUNDED FOR LIFE and MY LIFE IN 3D. He hangs his hat in Austin, Texas with his two super hero sons Tucker and Keaton.

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