Playhouse dreaming of April date with 'Jeannie'

Long ago, when the Laguna Playhouse mounted a production of "Voice of the Turtle," a 20th Century Fox producer spotted a young actress in the cast and signed her to a TV contract for the series "How to Marry a Millionaire."

That was the beginning of a long and lustrous career for Barbara Eden, who went on to become, literally, a bottle blond on the series "I Dream of Jeannie" and into a career as a movie, television and cabaret entertainer.

Next month, the playhouse will bring Eden back to her roots as the honored guest at its annual black-tie benefit show at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel. She'll share the spotlight with playhouse benefactors Larry and Sophie Hall Cripe and one of the theater's longtime staff members, Kat Hicklin.

The movie producer wasn't the only one impressed with Barbara Eden's performance. The Los Angeles Times critic remarked that, "Miss Eden gives a particularly fresh and innocent approach in her interpretation of the young actress who has not yet acquired the blase attitude of some of the older members of her profession ? She gives emotion and authenticity to her role."

Eden's co-star in "Voice of the Turtle" didn't fare badly either. James Drury went on to headline the TV series "The Virginian."

She and her co-star in "Jeannie," Larry Hagman ? now best known as the wily J.R. Ewing on "Dallas" ? have reunited on stage. They are comprising the two-character cast of "Love Letters," on tour through Florida.

Eden may be best known for "Jeannie" and the movie and television series "Harper Valley PTA," but she's equally at home in front of a live audience. She's headlined productions of "The Sound of Music," "Same Time, Next Year," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Last of the Red Hot Lovers," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," and, most recently, in the female version of Neil Simon's comedy "The Odd Couple."

She'll be back in the South County April 29 for the fund-raising tribute event, dubbed "Sentimental Journey," sharing the spotlight with Hicklin and the Cripes.

Tickets are priced at $500 each and underwriting opportunities start at $1,500. Those interested in sharing an evening with the multi-faceted Barbara Eden should call the playhouse at (949) 497-2787.

Playhouse promotions

The Laguna Playhouse has elevated two of its staff members: Greg Patterson has been promoted to director of development and marketing and Amy Larson now holds the title of director of individual giving.