For Immediate Release
For More Information
Contact: Karen Baker
At:312.563.0495
kbaker@imintl.com

THE DRAGON AND THE PEARL
STARRING
VALERIE HARPER

CHICAGO, IL--On November 3rd, 1996, producers Tony Cacciotti and Michael Butler will present "The Dragon and the Pearl", a one woman play about the life of Pearl S. Buck. Based on a newly released and critically acclaimed biography by Peter Conn, "The Dragon and the Pearl" was written specifically for Harper by award winning playwright Marty Martin. Martin is also the author of the hit one woman play "Gertrude Stein Gertrude Stein" which starred Pat Carroll.

"The Dragon and the Pearl" premiered this summer at the American Stage Festival in Milford, New Hampshire to rave reviews. Pearl S. Buck was the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Known worldwide as the Pulitzer Prize winning author of "The Good Earth", Pearl Buck was also a champion of children's rights. In 1949 she established Welcome House to find homes for thousands of mixed-race children who were fathered by American servicemen in Asia. Beloved throughout the world as "Rhoda", four time Emmy Award winner Valerie Harper portrays Pearl's early years in China right through to her dinners at the White House with great charm, dignity, and wit. Pearl S. Buck has been a lifelong heroine for Harper, herself a devoted supporter of such programs as the Hunger Project and the United Nations World Summit For Children. Harper claims, "Pearl S. Buck was a great lady - I think she needs to be known, loved, and heralded."

The Dragon and The Pearl will open for previews at The Organic Theater on October 29th - November 2nd. Opening Night is November 3rd. Tickets are $22.50 to $35. Please phone 312.327.5588 for tickets and 312.563.0495 for group sales.

OPENING NIGHT PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE UNICEF CHINA PROJECT THROUGH THE AUDREY HEPBURN MEMORIAL FUND.