Jacobson Center brings back 'Ruthless' for run at Guild Hall

Jacobson Center for the Performing Arts, Ltd. will offer seven performances of “Ruthless! The Musical Comedy,” with book and lyrics by Joel Paley and music by Marvin Laird, at Guild Hall in East Hampton starting on Friday, October 30, at 8 p.m.

Subsequent performances of the backstage farce and musical sendup—featuring Joan Lyons, Melissa Monterosso, Karen Hochstedler, Velaine Pfund and Sue Vinski, and directed by Eric Jacobson—will be offered at Guild Hall on Saturday, October 31, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, November 1, at 2 p.m.; and Wednesday, November 4, through Saturday, November 7, at 8 p.m. nightly.

“Ruthless!” tells the story of a third-grader (who would literally kill for a part in the school play), his split-personality mother (who transforms from Stepford Wife to Broadway Diva) and a conniving grandmother (who tries to live out her Broadway dreams through her grandchild). This merry melodrama of inherited theatrical talent and unchained ambition travels from school play to Broadway while poking fun at such movies as “All About Eve,” “Mommy Dearest,” “Village of the Damned,” “The Bad Seed,” “Stepford Wives” and “Gypsy.”

The Jacobson Center for the Performing Arts produced “Ruthless!” last winter at Bay Street Theatre to critical acclaim and audiences clamored for a revival. The board members decided to bring it back to life, but as a special benefit performance to help raise money for the classes that the JCPA offers.

The JCPA is a not-for-profit organization offering classes in acting, singing, ballet, jazz, tap, Fosse, hip-hop, belly dancing and sketch comedy for ages 8 through adult. All teachers are industry professionals from New York City.

Tickets for “Ruthless!” are $20, with group tickets for 10 or more available at $10 per person, by reservation only.

Some local restaurants in East Hampton will be providing a special prix fixe for theatergoers holding tickets to “Ruthless!” For tickets or more information on dinner and theater packages, call 516-236-6970, or visit www.jacobsoncenter.org.