'Lansky' set to make U.S. debut
Bologna to direct Burstyn in one-man show
The U.S. preem of "Lansky" is gunning its way to Los Angeles.Joseph Bologna will direct the production, based on the life of gangster Meyer Lansky and his rejected efforts to become an Israeli citizen in the 1970s. The one-man show starring Mike Burstyn (Broadway's "Barnum") will begin perfs at the Odyssey Theater June 14.
Bologna and Richard Krevolin penned the play, which was inspired by the book "But He Was Good to His Mother," by Robert Rockaway. Play uses Meyer's life to explore Jewish identity and the choices first-generation Jewish-Americans made to achieve success.
Burstyn was recently seen in the L.A. production of "On Second Avenue," for which he received a Drama Desk nomination.
Bologna wrote and starred in stage productions "Made for Each Other" and "Lovers and Other Strangers," both of which he wrote with wife Renee Taylor. Krevolin penned comedy "King Levine."
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