July 24, 2008

Ruta Lee Plans Visit to Lucille Ball's Birthday Celebration in Jamestown

Jamestown, NY - In 1955, a group of talented young Hollywood stars wanted to change the image that actors and entertainers just partied, married and divorced. Their mission became "to achieve better mental health for our community and the world at large," and they called themselves "The Thalians," after the Goddess of Comedy, Thalia. The Thalians have raised over $30,000,000, and they support treatment of those afflicted with mental and psychological illnesses and diseases through The Thalians Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

For many years Hollywood Walk of Fame actresses Ruta Lee and Debbie Reynolds have alternated the responsibilities of President and Chairman of the Board for The Thalians, with Ms. Lee the current Chairman. This year they will be honoring Clint Eastwood as "Mr. Wonderful."

In 1974 Lucille Ball was the first "Mrs. Wonderful" that they honored!

But it's not just Ruta Lee's long-time charitable connection with The Queen of Comedy that brings her to Jamestown, New York, for Lucille Ball's Birthday Celebration, August 1-3: it's her appearances on The Lucy Show and Lucy Moves to NBC.

Lee's extensive acting credentials include numerous movies (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Witness for the Prosecution, Anything Goes) and television appearances on series including The Andy Griffith Show, The Flying Nun, Mork & Mindy, Love Boat, Vega$, Murder She Wrote, and Roseanne.

On Saturday evening, August 2, in the Reg Lenna Civic Center in downtown Jamestown, the audience will hear Ruta Lee's memories of working with The Queen of Comedy, be able to pose questions to her, and enjoy a screening of her appearance in The Lucy Show episode, "Lucy's Substitute Secretary." The 8 pm event is sponsored by Advertising Advantage and Eagle Systems.

Immediately following "I Remember Lucy: An Evening with Ruta Lee," a limited admission gala reception will take place, giving fans an opportunity to meet Ms. Lee while enjoying live music and refreshments.

For more information and tickets to the theatre event and gala, call or visit the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop, 300 North Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 484-0800 (toll-free: 1-877-LUCY-FAN) or order online at www.lucy-desi.com. The Lucy-Desi Museum at 212 Pine Street, the Desilu Playhouse at 2 W. Third Street, and the Gift Shop are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

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