PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
** TOP STORY October 30, 2014
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Crown of thorns
** Keep Our Christian Brethren in Your Prayers
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The news of late has been a relentless stream of crises involving
scandal, disease, corruption, and crime. But beneath the distracting
headlines, there is comparatively little attention being given to a
larger, ongoing tragedy: the plight of our Christian brothers and
sisters in the Middle East, and the life-or-death threat they continue
to face in their ancestral homelands.
The persecution of Christian communities in the Middle-East has been a
concern for several years now. Their stories of exile and suffering
are too unsettling to relate; but they are all too familiar to
Armenian Christians. Indeed, our own people have been affected-as the
evacuation of Armenians from Kessab last spring showed.
It is painful to think that the acts of persecution we still vividly
remember, a century after the Genocide, are being re-enacted today,
against the ancient Christian communities in the Middle East.
Let us not be the ones to forget them at this time. Rather, let us
remember our brothers and sisters, as individuals and as a
community. We can reach out to them, speak up for them-and above all
pray for them, for an end to their affliction, and for peace
throughout the region.
Our risen Lord knows all too well the sufferings of his children. To
him we pray: Ungal, getso, yev voghormya; Receive our prayers, save
your people, and have mercy.
** Scripture of the Week
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Is 22:15-24
Eph 1:1-14
Lk 8:17-21
** Prayer of the Week
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Heavenly King, grant me your kingdom which you promised to your
beloved, and strengthen my heart to hate sin and to love you only and
to do your will. Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, a great
sinner. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
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1 November: St. John Chrysostom
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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Bedevians at Vanadzor Youth Center
Sarkis Bedevian speaks with a child at the Vanadzor Youth
Center. (file photo)
** Nourishing the Arts in Vanadzor
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Earlier this month Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian, parishioners of St. Leon
Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, and longtime supporters of Holy Etchmiadzin,
visited Armenia where they toured one of their recent projects, the
Vanadzor Youth Center.
Children at the Youth Center welcomed the couple with a festive
cultural program. Wearing traditional Armenian costumes, they sang
folk songs, danced, and showcased their artwork. Mr. Bedevian said he
was pleased to see children expressing themselves through the arts,
and noted that such extracurricular programming helps bring joy not
only to young people, but also to their families and communities.
In 2005, the Bedevians built the St. Gregory of Narek Cathedral in
Vanadzor, Armenia’s third-largest city. The Youth Center was completed
four years later. It serves some 400 children and offers classes and
activities ranging from rug-weaving and needle-work to computers,
English language instruction, painting, and gymnastics. The Bedevians
said they make an effort to travel to Vanadzor twice a year to spend
time with local residents. Click here
()
to view a video about their latest visit.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
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Helen Paloian
Helen Paloian.
** In Memoriam: Helen Paloian (1906-2014)
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The Eastern Diocese mourns the passing of Helen Paloian, a survivor of
the Armenian Genocide who built a new life in Chicago, where she was a
longtime parishioner of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church. Mrs. Paloian passed away on Friday, October 24. She was 108.
`She was witness to the loss of parents and brothers; to wandering as
a rootless orphan; to the burning of Smyrna; to the expulsion of her
countrymen from Constantinople. But Helen was witness to more than
just the sorrows of her generation,’ Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Diocesan Primate, wrote in a letter of condolence.
`Helen exemplified witness in its Christian meaning: as a way of
living one’s life according to the example and teaching of our Lord
Jesus Christ. This was the form of witness that lent meaning to
everything else, and gave a beautiful, meaningful shape to her life in
its totality.’
Last year, the Chicago Tribune featured an article about
Mrs. Paloian’s life. Click here
()
to read the Tribune article.
Ararat Center
** Ararat Center’s Boston Harbor Cruise
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Against the magnificent backdrop of Boston Harbor, friends of the
Ararat Center boarded the majestic 200-foot vessel
Odyssey to take part in the center’s second annual Boston Harbor
cruise. Around 140 people came out to show their goodwill and
generosity towards the Eastern Diocese’s retreat, camp, and conference
facility, located in upstate New York.
Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian took part in the cruise,
enjoying the warm atmosphere of camaraderie among guests from the New
England region and elsewhere in the Diocese.
Also on hand were Diocesan Council members the Rev. Fr. Vasken
Kouzouian and the Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, and Nicholas Durgarian,
who chairs the Ararat Center committee, along with committee
members. Lorie Odabashian represented the Diocese’s Youth and Young
Adult Ministries department.
Between their enjoyment of the festivities and mingling to traditional
Armenian music, the attendees expressed their support of the Diocese’s
youth outreach effort, the Ararat Center, and St. Vartan Camp, which
is hosted at the center each summer.
`The cruise was part of a momentous weekend for our church, and the
Ararat Center folks greeted everyone with love and open arms,’ said
Diocesan Director of Administration Jacob H. Yahiayan, who along with
his wife Sylva took part in the gathering.
Click here
()
to view photos.
Book Club
** Join the Enlighteners Books Club
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`The Enlighteners Book Club’-an online group sponsored by the
Diocese’s Department of Christian Education-has announced the book for
its next session. Alexander Schmemann’s
Our Father is a nuanced commentary and reflection on the Lord’s
Prayer.
Book club members will meet online for live discussions and post
comments to share their reactions to various parts of the book. To
register, click here
()
to open a Goodreads account and then join the group named `The
Enlighteners Book Club.’
Once you join the group, you will have access to the online discussion
platform, as well as information regarding meeting times. The next
session is scheduled to run from November 15 to December 15. For more
information, contact Eric Vozzy at (212) 686-0710, ext. 165, or via
e-mail at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
.
FAR
A student performs during the opening day program at the Maestro Arsen
Sayan Music School.
** A New Music School for Argavand Village
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The Fund for Armenian Relief recently renovated a music school in
Armenia’s Argavand village. The school reopened on September 26 with a
cultural program prepared by the students.
Named after Maestro Arsen Sayan of Washington, DC, the facility was
renovated thanks to a generous donation by the musicologist, educator,
and longtime director of the legendary Knar choral group. Maestro
Sayan traveled to Argavand to take part in the opening-day
celebration.
Click here
()
to visit FAR’s blog and to read more.
Annual Appeal
** Support the Diocese’s 2014 Annual Appeal
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The Eastern Diocese has launched its 2014 Annual Appeal-the only
Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted each year to help the Diocese
undertake the many ministries, programs, and resources that enrich
life in our parishes.
Your thoughtful gift brings light to our local churches. It supports
Christian education, Armenian language instruction, summer camps,
youth programs, mission parish outreach, and the use of new
communication technologies.
To our past and prospective donors, we are deeply grateful for your
support of the creative, educational, and inspirational programs that
lift up Armenian communities throughout the Eastern Diocese.
Please accept this invitation to strengthen our efforts. Your generous
contribution to the 2014 Annual Appeal will help spread the good work
of the Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
generations.
Follow this link to donate now
()
to the 2014 Annual Appeal.
** PARISH NEWS
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Fr. Mampre and Fr. Vasken Kouzouian
Fr. Mampre Kouzouian (left) with his son Fr. Vasken at Sunday’s
banquet.
** Fr. Vasken Kouzouian Marks 20 Years
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Sunday, October 26, marked a milestone in the life of Holy Trinity
Church of Cambridge, MA, as its parishioners turned out to honor the
Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian on the 20th anniversary of his priestly
ordination.
The day began with the Divine Liturgy, during which Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordained five dedicated young men into the
sub-diaconate. The new sub-deacons-Oscar Derderian III, Stephen
Hollisian, Harry Lang, Gregory Torosian, and Mark Torosian-have all
grown up under Fr. Vasken’s tutelage in the Cambridge parish.
During the service, the Primate also bestowed Fr. Kouzouian with the
floral phelonion (cape), as a symbol of his rank and distinguished
service in the Armenian Church.
Diocesan Ecumenical Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Very
Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, and the
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Petoyan (from the Western Diocese), were among the
clergy present during the day. Leaders from the regional ecumenical
organizations also conveyed their congratulations.
At a celebratory banquet in the parish’s Talanian Hall, master of
ceremonies James Kalustian led the program through remarks and
reflections, culminating in a moving tribute from the honoree’s father
and former Cambridge pastor, the Rev. Fr. Mampre Kouzouian. Fr. Vasken
returned those words of admiration, and thanked his wife, Yn. Arpi,
and the all the parishioners for their warm generosity.
Click on the following links to view photos
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and a video
()
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Zarmine Boghosian
Zarmine Boghosian.
** Tribute to an Armenian Educator
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On a crisp fall evening, Zarmine Boghosian-longtime principal of Holy
Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) of Bayside, NY-received a special
honor for her years of service in the cause of Armenian education.
Some 200 guests attended the banquet at the North Hempstead Country
Club on October 24, to see the honoree receive the
`St. Sahag-St. Mesrob Medal,’ bestowed by His Holiness Karekin II, the
Catholicos of All Armenians, and presented by Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.
Admiring remarks were offered by Dr. Mary Papazian, Dr. Herand
Markarian, event co-chairs Nurhan Adarian and Arek Nisanyan, and the
Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, pastor of the Holy Martyrs Church of
Bayside, whose facilities HMADS has long called home.
A number of former students testified to the impact Mrs. Boghosian has
had on their lives. Also represented were members of Mrs. Boghosian’s
distinguished family-including her brother, the Rev. Fr. Vertanes
Kalayjian.
Click on the following links to view photos
()
and a video
()
.
St. James Church, Watertown, MA
Children decorate Halloween treat bags.
** Community Outreach at St. James Church
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On Sunday, October 26, Sunday School students at St. James Church of
Watertown, MA, participated in a community outreach project. They
began the day with an assembly, during which they discussed the Feast
of All Saints and heard a presentation on how faith in Christ can help
overcome fear.
Later that day, the younger grades decorated and prepared Halloween
treat bags for donation to a local food pantry, while the
upperclassmen made sandwiches for donation to a local shelter. The
Sunday School also organized a Halloween costume drive, collecting
over 60 costumes for underprivileged children.
Click here
()
to view photos.
St. David Church, Boca Raton, FL
Fr. Paren Galstyan and Yn. Anna Simonyan serve food at last Sunday’s
luncheon.
** Cultural Day in Boca Raton
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At St. David Church of Boca Raton, FL, families of the parish Armenian
and Sunday schools, under the direction of Yn. Anna Simonyan,
organized a Cultural Day program on Sunday, October 26.
Together with the students, who were dressed in Halloween costumes,
they prepared ghapama (stuffed pumpkins) and jingalov hatz-a
traditional flatbread stuffed with herbs. Following services, the
Rev. Fr. Paren Galstyan, parish pastor, and Yn. Anna served the food
to parishioners.
Click on the following links to read more
()
and to view photos
()
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St. Sahag and Mesrob Church, Wynnewood, PA
Children showcase their Halloween costumes in Wynnewood.
** Costumes and Crafts in Wynnewood
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On Saturday, October 25, Sunday School students at St. Sahag and
St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, took part in a fall festival and
Halloween party at the church.
Adults and children arrived dressed in costumes and enjoyed dinner and
activities, such as costume contests, games, crafts, and a `haunted
tunnel.’ Members of neighboring Armenian churches also took part in
the evening celebration.
St. Mary Church, Livingston, NJ
Women’s Guild members at the Fashion Show Luncheon in New Jersey.
** Milestone Event for Livingston Women’s Guild
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The Women’s Guild of St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, celebrated the
50th anniversary of its annual Fashion Show Luncheon on Wednesday,
October 22.
Women’s Guild members gathered at the Manor Restaurant in West Orange,
NJ. They enjoyed an exciting fashion show and organized raffles to
raise funds for St. Mary Church.
`Over the last 50 years, the Women’s Guild has created and shared
cherished memories together,’ said parish pastor, the Rev. Fr. Arakel
Vardazaryan. `The devotion and dedication of many members and friends
of St. Mary Women’s Guild is inspiring. They have been quietly doing
ordinary things in an extraordinary way, and helping to fulfill the
mission of the Armenian Church here in New Jersey.’
Click here
()
to view photos.
Sts. Vatanantz Church, Chelmsford, MA
A `Godparent Dedication’ service was held at Sts. Vartanantz Church.
** Chelmsford Honors Godparents
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On Sunday, October 19, Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, held
a special `Godparent Dedication’ service, during which godparents
re-affirmed their roles as spiritual guardians of their godchildren.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Rev. Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan, parish
pastor, asked the godparents to come forward with their
godchildren. As they held their godchildren by the hand, the
godparents proclaimed that their responsibility is “to see that my
godchild is nurtured to be a good Christian, and a faithful member of
the Armenian Church.”
St. Stepanos Church, Elberon, NJ
Armenian School students star in “The Foolish Man.”
** Echoes of the Translators
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On Sunday, October 19, St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, observed
the Feast of the Holy Translators with a cultural program.
The Women’s Guild sponsored a potluck luncheon. Dr. Asbed Vassilian
spoke about the importance of the Holy Translators, and their
contributions to the religious, intellectual, and cultural development
of the Armenian nation. Armenian School students presented “The
Foolish Man,” a play by Hovhannes Toumanian.
Armenian Mission Parish in Kansas City, MO
Fr. Tateos Abdalian baptizes adult parishioners in Kansas City.
** Two Baptized in Kansas City
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The Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, the Diocese’s director of Mission
Parishes, traveled to Kansas City, MO, last weekend where he
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and baptized two adult parishioners.
The baptisms were the first since the consecration of a new baptismal
font at the parish in August. Svetlana Usnunts and Nora Kostandova,
both in their 70s, immigrated to Kansas City in the wake of the
anti-Armenian pogroms in Baku, Azerbaijan. Like many Armenians who
endured Soviet rule, they could not be baptized earlier in life. With
the installation of the new baptismal font in Kansas City, they
welcomed the opportunity to receive this sacrament of the Armenian
Church.
Click here
()
to view photos.
Upcoming events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
On Saturday, November 1, St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host
`Taline and Friends Spooktacular Halloween’ for children. Two shows
will be held at 2 p.m. (preceded by lunch at 1 p.m.) and 4
p.m. (followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m.). For tickets and information,
contact the church office at (201) 567-5446, Martha at (201) 568-5315,
Maral at (845) 729-1888, Talar at (201) 240-8541, or via e-mail at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Holy Cross Church | Union City, NJ
Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ, will host its annual bazaar and
food festival on Saturday, November 1. The day will begin with a
Children’s Halloween Party at 5 p.m, followed by dinner service at 6
p.m. Enjoy khavourma, keshkeg soup, kufteh, luleh kebob, cheese boreg,
yalanchi dolma, and desserts. The day will also feature a raffle, a
performance by the Antranig Dance Ensemble, and music by DJ
BERJ. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information, or contact the church office at (201)
864-2480, or via e-mail at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
Sts. Vartanantz Church | Chelmsford, MA
On Friday, November 7, Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, will
host a lecture titled “What You Should Know About the Divine Liturgy”
by the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findkyan, professor of Liturgical Studies
at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and director of the Diocese’s Krikor
and Clara Zohrab Information Center. The evening begins with dinner at
6:30 p.m. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
On Sunday, November 9, Sts. Vartanantz Church will present an
Instructed Divine Liturgy-a unique educational opportunity for
parishioners to experience the badarak with a live, step-by-step
commentary. The service will begin at 10 a.m.
On Friday, November 14, Sts. Vartanantz Church will sponsor a Wine and
Beer Tasting, from 7 to 9 p.m. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Church at Hye Pointe | Haverhill, MA
The Church at Hye Pointe of Haverhill, MA, will host an Autumnfest on
November 7 and 8. Enjoy Armenian food, raffles, and a country
store. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, will host its 84th
annual Food Fair and Bazaar on November 8 and 9. The event will
feature traditional Armenian food, raffles, a silent auction, games
for kids, arts and crafts displays, and other activities. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Church of Southwest Florida | Naples, FL
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Mission Parish will begin its
2013-14 season of services and activities on Saturday, November 8.
The Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy,
beginning at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (3901 Davis
Blvd. in Naples). For more information about the mission parish,
contact Carole Meghreblian at (239) 348-3804, or via e-mail at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
Pianist Kariné Poghosyan will give a concert at St. Leon Church of
Fair Lawn, NJ, on Friday, November 14. Titled “Remembrance and
Rebirth: A Concert Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide,” the program will include works by Komitas, Khachaturian,
Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, and Liszt. Click here
()
to view a flyer for ticket information.
St. Mary Church | Hollywood, FL
St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, will host `Persian Night’ featuring
the singer Armin on Saturday, November 15. Traditional Persian cuisine
will be served. Click on the following links to view a flyer
()
and to purchase tickets
()
.
Soorp Haroutiun Church | Orlando, FL
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, FL, will host a Food Fest and
Bazaar on Saturday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy Armenian
food and music, displays by arts and crafts vendors, and more. Click
here
()
to view a flyer for information.
** YOUTH NEWS
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ACYOA
** Register for ACYOA Seniors Leadership Conference
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The ACYOA Central Council will sponsor a Leadership Conference the
weekend of November 14-16 at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony
Point, NY. The conference will give young people the opportunity to
strengthen their leadership skills while exploring the topic `Know
Thyself: Responding to Life’s Challenges.’ The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel
Findikyan will serve as conference chaplain.
Young people ages 18 and older are encouraged to participate. The
ACYOA Central Council will cover all costs related to lodging and
meals. Click on the following links to view a flyer
()
and to register online
()
.
For more information, contact Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s director
of Youth and Young Adults Ministries, at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) , or Lorie Odabashian, the
department’s coordinator, at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
** EVENTS
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Zohrab Center
** Book Talk at the Zohrab Center
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Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte will present her book,
Nowhere: A Story of Exile, at the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information
Center on Thursday, November 13, beginning at 7 p.m. The book tells of
her family’s experiences during the anti-Armenian pogroms in Baku,
Azerbaijan, in the late 1980s and early `90s.
The presentation will be held in Guild Hall of the Diocesan Center
(630 Second Avenue, New York City). It is free and open to the
public. Click here
()
to visit the Zohrab Center blog for information.
Richard Hovannisian
Richard Hovannisian.
** Richard Hovannisian to Speak in Fair Lawn
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St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host an illustrated
presentation by Professor Richard Hovannisian on Thursday, October 30,
beginning at 7:45 p.m. Professor Hovannisian will speak about the
historic Armenian city of Kesaria and the Armenian communities near
Constantinople prior to the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
The event is free and open to the public. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Rouben Mamoulian
A young Mamoulian at work in the studio.
** Mamoulian Weekend at the Museum of the Moving Image
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The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY, will host a `Rouben
Mamoulian Weekend’ in honor of the late Armenian-American film and
theater director, from November 7 to 9. Several Mamoulian films will
be screened, including
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Queen Christina, and Applause, which was
filmed in Astoria in the late 1920s.
The weekend celebration is presented in partnership with the
Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian
Cultural Resource Center at Queens College. Click here
()
for ticket information.
For an introduction to Mamoulian’s life and career on Broadway and in
Hollywood, see David Luhrssen’s biography, Mamoulian: Life on Stage
and Screen
()
.