(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Step back in time to the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood as actress and playwright Jessica Sherr channels one of the greatest stars of our time with her one-woman show, Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies, at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Directed by Drama Desk Award winner Karen Carpenter, this captivating production takes audiences through Davis’ life and career, trapped in a male-dominated studio system while fighting against the injustices of low pay, meager roles, misogyny and ageism.
“I'm excited to perform at the brand new Bell Theater,” said Sherr. “Bette Davis Ain't For Sissies is a gem of a show that is unlike any other you've seen. You will leave inspired to stand up and fight for what you believe in. So fasten your seat belts and grab your ticket!”
Sherr powerfully channels Davis as she fought her way through the studio system to reach the top of her profession. She opens a window into Davis’ four failed marriages and tumultuous relationships with acclaimed film director William Wyler and eccentric millionaire Howard Hughes and takes us through the night Davis walked out of the 1939 Academy Awards ceremony after losing the Best Actress honor to Vivien Leigh, who portrayed Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind.
Through conversations with Davis’ mother and with her close friend, actress Olivia De Havilland, we see Sherr capture the legend’s essence with raw emotion and authenticity. Davis’ story remains a timeless testament to the power of resilience and determination.
Jessica Sherr (Blue Bloods, Claws, Cloak and Dagger) debuted this show at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It later had an acclaimed run at the St. James Theater in London, followed by eight weeks in Chicago and over 400 performances across 25 states and three countries. With her infectious and vibrant personality, Sherr brings a bright comedic energy to her performance that leaves audiences entertained and craving more.
Tickets range from $50-$60 and are available for purchase online or by calling 732-531-9106, ext. 14. Bell Theater is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel, New Jersey on the ground level.
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) is a leading cultural institution on the Jersey Shore, committed to producing and presenting a diverse range of artistic performances. As a multi-disciplinary arts organization, APAC collaborates with Broadway directors, choreographers and designers to produce professionally staged musicals, ballets and cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual and creative soul of our community. Our productions showcase the talents of professional actors, dancers and singers, delivering world-class entertainment to audiences.
In addition to their main venue, APAC proudly operates Bell Theater, a new cultural hub located at the historic Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. Opened in the spring of 2024, Bell Theater is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing exceptional cultural programming to the community. Bell Theater offers a platform for emerging artists while showcasing established acts, all within a space designed to create an immersive and accessible experience for all guests.
APAC is also home to the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy (APAA), which offers unique and comprehensive training in dance and theater arts. APAA emphasizes the importance of performance as an essential part of education, ensuring that students gain both practical experience and a deep understanding of the arts. At APAA, we nurture the next generation of performers, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed on stage and beyond.
