FINDING ELIZABETH TAYLOR

Benefiting amfAR, Leo Rising Productions is pleased to present FINDING ELIZABETH TAYLOR, a multi-media homage to La Liz written and performed by Elizabeth Claire Taylor* as part of the 3^rd Annual Planet Connections Theatre Festivity.  The production will be held at The Gene Frankel Theater, 24 Bond Street, NYC, 10003 for six performances from June 15-25, 2011. Morgan Gould directs.AEA Approved Showcase. *Member, Actors’ Equity Association.

What does it feel like to be the most beautiful woman in the world? THIS Elizabeth Taylor certainly doesn't know. Between skinny blond roommates, monstrous treadmills and an infamous pair of ill-fitting Bongo jeans, it's a wonder she can make it to her Overeaters Anonymous meeting on time. Channeling her celebrity namesake while on a journey of self-acceptance, will Elizabeth Claire Taylor ever find her true self because of, and despite, a legendary name?

“I had always heard of Elizabeth Taylor's commitment to AIDS research and diligent activism, but this was in the present looking back – it was only when I read a ton of biographies did I grasp how bold it was for her to speak out in the 1980's – when celebrity activism was unheard of, particularly in regards to something as taboo and shrouded in stigma as AIDS. When I realized the through-line of my solo play, Finding Elizabeth Taylor, was a call to arms for young women to refute the corporate blitz on their bodies and minds, I saw the link. I want to look back on my life and believe I did the best I could with the gift I was given. And my gift is my name.”