Kirk Douglas takes to the stage in his namesake theater
Just over seven years ago, Center Theatre Group announced it had received a $2.5-million donation from actor Kirk Douglas and his wife, Anne, that would help bring to fruition then-artistic director Gordon Davidson's long-held dream of a mid-size stage on the Westside. The Culver Theatre, a historic landmark in downtown Culver City, was renovated and reopened in the fall of 2004 as the Kirk Douglas Theatre.
Those who attend theater at CTG's three venues — the Ahmanson, the Mark Taper Forum and the Douglas — are used to seeing the actor and his wife at opening-night performances.
Now comes word that the 92-year-old actor will take the stage of his namesake theater next month for the first time, performing in a one-man show, “Before I Forget.” Directed by Jeff Kanew, the show will feature the star of such films as “Lust for Life,” “The Bad and the Beautiful” and, of course, “Spartacus,” sharing stories about his life and career.
The actor suffered a stroke in 1996 that left him unable to speak. In his memoir, "My Stroke of Luck," he wrote that he had considered suicide at the time. Today the actor is able to speak — and, evidently, perform on stage.
CTG artistic director Michael Ritchie told Culture Monster that the idea for the show came from Douglas. "He came to me six or eight months ago and said he not only had the idea but he had a script," Ritchie said. "He gave me the first version, and it was an easy read and easy yes for me.
" 'Before I Forget' — I love the title — is essentially the story of his life and his career," Ritchie said. "It’s anecdotes, but there’s also a philosophical thread throughout. It's about being an artist and an actor. It’s his life, told through some of his characters."
“Before I Forget” will run at 8 p.m. on March 6 and 13 and at 2 p.m. on March 8 and 15
at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, as part of part of CTG's new DouglasPlus program. Naturally, CTG donors will get first crack at tickets, but starting Feb. 24, any remaining spots in the 317-seat theater will be sold for $25.
For more information, call (213) 628-2772 or go to www.centertheatregroup.org.
— Lisa Fung
Photo: Kirk and Anne Douglas at a 2007 event in Beverly Hills. Credit: Todd Williamson / WireImage.com
Hoping someone will tape or film Kirk Douglas' performance for the rest of us who are unable to get to Culver City.
Please!
Posted by: Arye (Leslie) Michael Bender | February 18, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Thank you, Kirk!! You've given us all, so much entertainment, escapism, and I wish we could be there in 'COOL" Culver City!! So glad you made that contribution OUTSIDE of Hollywood and IN Culver City - a HIDDEN gem! We enjoyed SPARTACUS AGAIN, from, Netflix; you're TRULY one-of-a-kind!
Posted by: Robert Laughing | February 18, 2009 at 08:16 PM
hopefully they will tape the show so that the rest of the world can enjoy it.
Posted by: daniel langan | February 19, 2009 at 11:05 AM
I'd like to thank Mr. Douglas for allowing the paying public what we really want - Kirk Douglas doing or saying anything he damn well pleases - and on his own stage, to boot. Of course, I hope to attend - but, before I forget, I'd like to thank him for any number of evenings that his performances have truly entertained me - and for his fine novels as well.
I refer to him - even to friends - as "King Kirk."
Long live the King!
Posted by: Tony Romero | February 19, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I wish all major stars from the past would do something of the sort for I would go see them! We still have Elizabeth Taylor... and some others that should be inspired.
Bravo for the old Hollywood! and of course... thumbs down for the crapy films of the present
Posted by: Alejandra | February 19, 2009 at 02:34 PM
At least TMZ didn't bother to check on him there. It should be fun for him and the theatre itself.
Posted by: Kirk Shatner | February 19, 2009 at 02:51 PM
Would somebody please put this guy and his family on a plane, fly him to DC, and give him the Medal of Freedom at a grand ceremony at the Kennedy Center in DC?
This man has given so much to this country, it is the least we can do as a nation.
Posted by: Steven Moshlak | February 19, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Mr. Douglas deserves all of the acolades given to him. He is one of the last greats of the old Hollywood. They just don't make them like them anymore. The new breed just don't hold up to the title of movie stars. The craft has lost a lot of its luster. Real writers, real producers, real actors. Best of luck to you Mr. Douglas.
Posted by: giley1 | February 19, 2009 at 04:03 PM
Just want to say "Thank you, Kirk".
Posted by: PlasmaX | February 19, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Kirk Douglas, Wow! You're still the greatest. And even at 64 hearing your name and seeing you out there kicking and doing well, makes me feel happy and it makes me feel young again.
May God grant you his greatest blessings in this and every coming year.
If it can be said about any one, it certainly describes you! "You're The Man".
Thanks
Jim Cotten
Ubon Thailand
Posted by: Jim Cotten | February 19, 2009 at 10:52 PM
As an actor, I've always looked up to Kirk as an inspiration, both as and actor and a human being. I wish great success to the production! Break a leg, Kirk!
Posted by: Rob | February 20, 2009 at 08:20 AM