Say Goodnight Gracie: The Love, Laughter and Life of George Burns” by Rupert Holmes Launches Ninth Season Of Act II Playhouse In Ambler, PA - One Of Philadelphia's Own Comic Geniuses, Tony Braithwaite, Stars As George Burns - Previews Begin September 23, 2007

“Say Goodnight Gracie: The Love, Laughter and Life of George Burns” by Rupert Holmes will launch the ninth season at Act II Playhouse. The run begins with previews on September 23 and continues until October 21.

The opening play is a one man tour de force that brings you the wit, the wisdom, and the unique comic timing of one of comedy's legendary geniuses. Burns will be portrayed by Tony Braithwaite, who channels Burns in an amazing performance. "Holmes' endearing play is a journey into the past you'll find irresistible," said The New York Daily News.

Prior to the previews, there will be a dress rehearsal on Sunday, September 23 at 5 PM open to the community and benefiting The Anne Frank Theater Project, a program of Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia.. Opening night is September 28, followed by a reception nearby at Agavé Grille in Ambler. Tickets are on sale at the box office, 56 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA, online at www.act2.org, or by calling 215-654-0200.

Tickets are priced at $30-to-$40 depending on the performances. Group discounts are available for parties as small as 10, and season-ticket discount packages remain available. For more information about group sales and season tickets, call the Act II Playhouse Box Office at 215-654-0200.

The star & director

Tony Braithwaite (George Burns) is a local actor, teacher, director and comic who has been playing George Bums since he was in grade school and made a home video of himself imitating George and 46 other people as a Christmas present for his family.

Tony has appeared in 3 shows for Act 2 Playhouse: Schrödinger’s Girlfriend, Good Evening, and The Big Bang for which he won the 2005 Barrymore Award for Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical.

Locally, Tony has performed in 6 holiday shows for 1812 Productions, including The Big Time, and Another Big Time in both of which he played George Bums. Last year here in Philly, Tony appeared in 1812's This is the Week That Is (which he will appear in again this December); wrote and performed his one man show Look Mom, I'm Swell! for the Arden Theatre (he will also reprise that show there this spring); and recently played Michael in Rounding Third at Montgomery Theater.

Tony has worked with Philadelphia Theatre Company, Arden Theatre Company (6 shows), Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festivals, People's Light and Theatre Company, Hedgerow Theatre, and others. Recent television work includes playing himself as a coach on MTV's reality show, "Made."

As a comic and M.C., Tony has hosted the Barrymore Awards 4 times; opened for Adam Sandler and David Spade; hosted Inaugural Galas for Governor Ed Rendell in both 2003 and 2007; and holds the distinction of being the youngest stand up ever to appear at The Improv in New York when he was 13.

This year, Tony will again direct the annual Mask and Wig show at The University of Pennsylvania; and will direct three shows Death of a Salesman, 12 Angry Men, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood at his beloved alma mater, St. Joe's Prep. In addition, Tony helms the Corporate Improv Division of his brother's firm, Braithwaite Communications and serves on the Faculty of The Curtis Institute.

Kevin Glaccum (Director) is Producing Artistic Director of Azuka Theatre, where he has directed productions of Sincerity Forever, Four, The Boys and Azuka One-Acts. He recently directed Iron Kisses for the Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival. He has previously assisted at the Arden on Exit Wounds, The Baker’s Wife, Babycase, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Also The Great Northeast and Batboy: The Musical at 1812 Productions. Kevin attended The Lincoln Center Directors Lab in June 2005.