![Crazy Mama: A True Story of Love & Madness](png/image-1-9574935bce.png)
Crazy Mama: A True Story of Love & Madness
One-woman show with musical accompaniment
Crazy Mama: A True Story of Love & Madness
One-woman show with musical accompaniment
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DateApril 12 - 14, 2024
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VenueMuseum
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Doors OpenParking Lots & Doors: 7 PM (Fri & Sat)
2 PM (Sunday)
Please be aware this event will be held in the Theater of The Museum at Bethel Woods. Seating is general admission.
All tickets include a meet and greet with Lee Purcell, James Jackson, Anson Williams & Sharon Williams. -
Ticket Prices$35 (Member) | $40 (GA)
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On SaleOn Sale Now
Event Details
Laced with humor and pathos, Crazy Mama is a true story adapted from Sharon Scott Williams’ award-winning memoir. Her new one-woman show starring Lee Purcell, chronicles the soul-crushing grip of her mother’s mental illness, the steely resilience of the human heart, and how, by the grace of some invisible power, Sharon’s dream to get her real Mama back comes true.Her story begins when she rushes home after school a couple of days after her eighth birthday to get the last slice of cake. Instead, she witnesses her mother having a knife-wielding psychotic break. The sheriff’s deputy says, “Your mama’s not right in the head.” He could have said, “She’s bat shit crazy!” because she was, but Sharon loved her.
All through her childhood and beyond, Sharon, her father and teenage brother, Spikey, hope and pray for a cure. As Mama continues to be committed to mental institutions, convinced she’s working for the FBI, her father blurs his pain with Kentucky bourbon and her brother struggles with his faith. For 46 years, Sharon lives shackled to her Mama’s pain and her own suffering. A shocking suicide attempt almost succeeds. But, in a strange twist, the miracle Sharon has been praying for comes true. In the final two weeks of her life, her real Mama comes back with clear lucidity, giving them both just enough time to heal each other’s hearts. Crazy Mama is a gripping and entertaining theatrical experience that reaches out to each member of the audience on a deeply personal level, leaving them to think about mental illness—and their own mothers--as they never have before.
Ticket Disclaimer
All dates, acts, times, and ticket prices are subject to change at any time without notice. Tickets obtained from sources other than the official sites of Bethel Woods, Live Nation or Ticketmaster (our only authorized ticketing services) may be lost, stolen or counterfeit and will not be honored. We cannot refund tickets purchased from brokers or secondary sellers.
Starring Lee Purcell
Two time Primetime Emmy nominee, Lee Purcell, has recently completed filming the feature film THE PLIGHT, starring as twin sisters in this dystopian science fiction story set in the not too distant future. She was pleased to work opposite four young actors who are, in life, on the autism spectrum. Lee is the recipient of two Prime-Time Emmy nominations, the first being for LONG ROAD HOME starring opposite Mark Harmon, the second for SECRET SINS OF THE FATHERS starring opposite Beau Bridges. She was also seen in the film CAROL OF THE BELLS with RJ Mitte, JL RANCH with Jon Voight, KIDS VS. MONSTERS with Malcolm McDowell and LOVE AT FIRST GLANCE with Amy Smart. In her extensive career, this acclaimed actress has earned numerous film, television and stage credits, including her role as “Louise St. Laurent” on the international TV series favorite DUE SOUTH and as the sultry step-mom in the iconic film VALLEY GIRL with Nicholas Cage. Lee was also seen as “Eleanor Sullivan” in the NBC-TV Prime-Time series PERSONS UNKNOWN with Chadwick Boseman, created by Oscar winner Christopher McQuarrie. Fans around the world also frequently reach out to Lee for her role as "Peggy" in the cult favorite film BIG WEDNESDAY. As a young actress, Lee’s film career began when she was personally selected and mentored by legendary movie star Steve McQueen to star in McQueen’s Solar Productions’ film ADAM AT 6 A.M. opposite Michael Douglas. She will always be grateful to McQueen and cherishes the time spent with him. Lee also currently produces, directs and performs in Two Fat Dogs Entertainment’s (co-owned by Lee and her producing partner) anthology series of recreated classic radio plays starring today’s Hollywood Radio Players in these innovative virtual shows, Radio You Can See. At only three years old, Lee was chosen by the iconic Neiman Marcus flagship store in Dallas to be a child model and began modeling professionally. She later modeled in Los Angeles for the Nina Blanchard Agency and in London for Lumley’s Agency. As a dancer, Lee was performing in a traveling troupe by the age of 13, and later danced in such films as ALMOST SUMMER and television shows such as McGYVER. As a producer, Lee also co-owned a niche market video production company, which won the Silver Medal in the New York Film and TV Festival. After the sale of the video company, Lee focused on the production and financing of independent features, and the creation of film, TV and theatre projects. Lee has been active in directing and producing live theatre. She was co-producer, co-director and performer of a critically acclaimed troupe of well-known actors and musicians who performed Western Heritage literature and music from the 1800’s. Many noted guest artists, including the late Sam Shepard, performed with the Green River Players. Having the unique background of being an American who trained and lived in London, Lee has returned to Europe many times to direct, perform and teach. She has enjoyed directing and performing there in such plays as LOVE LETTERS, BLITHE SPIRIT, RICHARD III, MACBETH and others. Lee is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (OSCARS) and has served on various committees there. She is also a voting member of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (EMMYS) and currently serves on its Performers Peer Group Executive Committee. She is also a dedicated activist for SAG-AFTRA members, serving and chairing many committees at the union and has been elected to several leadership positions. Lee has been involved with many charitable organizations throughout her career, and some of her charity work includes the Motion Picture and Television Fund, Heart of a Horse, Veterans Entertainment Team, Big Brothers, Special Olympics, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Musical accompaniment by James Jackson
Directed by Anson Williams
Anson is best known for his role as Potsie Weber on Happy Days, and for directoring hundreds of hours of television, including Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Secret Life of an American Teenager, and many more. LEARN MORE.
Featuring remarks from...
On Friday, April 12, NAMI Sullivan's President of the Board of Directors, Agahuda Khanii and Peer Support Coordinator, Christopher O'Sullivan will be in attendance.
On Saturday, April 13, NAMI Sullivan's Secretary of the Board of Directors, David Rabinowitsch will be in attendance.
On Sunday, April 14, Co-Vice Presidents of the Board, Marie Buckstad and Mary Moore will be in attendance.
A Note from NAMI Sullivan County
This powerful performance of "Crazy Mama" presents the story of a family coming to terms with the diagnosis of a loved one with mental illness. Mental illness impacts one in four families and like any other chronic illness, affects not just the person with the diagnosis, but the entire family as well. If someone you love has been diagnosed with a mental illness, you are not alone. NAMI Sullivan County, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness can help.