Theater prof to direct 'Lombardi' at Le Petit Theatre
Theater professor Ron Gural says the play portrays the human side of legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano)
According to Gural, who teaches acting, directing and video production in the Department of Theatre and Dance, the play portrays “the human side of Vince Lombardi, the relationships he had with his family and his players. There was a soft, human side to him. If all you know is Lombardi as a mythological figure, you might be surprised.”
The play about the legendary Green Bay Packers' coach by playwright Eric Simonson is based on the book, When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi, by David Maraniss.
Le Petit Theatre opened in July under the leadership of Tulane alumna Cassie Steck Worley for a “lagniappe” production prior to the season in a newly refurbished space on St. Peter Street in the French Quarter. The theater had been dark for two and one-half years.
“New Orleanians showed their appreciation for community theater by coming out in full force,” says Worley, executive director. “Our 'lagniappe' production was just what we needed to acclimate to our new surroundings and allowed us to work out a few kinks before our regular season opens with Lombardi. We are in fantastic shape for the upcoming season of five plays.”
A nonprofit performing arts organization, Le Petit's mission is to provide a wide range of quality theatrical productions and programming to entertain, enrich and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of New Orleans, Worley says.
Tickets are available for 11 performances of Lombardi Sept. 6 â“ 21. Ticket prices range from $30-$50 with a discount performance on Wednesday, Sept. 18 ($10â“$20).
