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Marisa Tomei and Rosanna Arquette will headline the West Coast debut of “This Is Crazy.”
The one-night-only performance of the V (formerly Eve Ensler) play benefits the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and
is performed in memory of Chris Huvane, the beloved Hollywood talent manager who died by suicide in 2022.
The cast also includes Lois Smith, Rudy Pankow, Rob Morrow, Rachel Hilson, Colette Hayes, Luke Ferrari and Olivia Oguma with additional participants still to be announced.
Tickets are now on sale for the Oct. 13 event and after-party at The Wallis Annenberg Performing Arts Center in Beverly Hills.
Developed as an idea by CAA’s Community & Impact (formerly the CAA Foundation), the philanthropic arm of the talent agency, “This Is Crazy” is produced by mental health advocate and NAMI National Board member Ruth-Ann Huvane and Tony Montenieri, executive producer of Lotus Productions.
“Chris was adored by all who had the honor of knowing him. He was outspoken about living with and battling depression for years before he died by suicide,” said Ruth-Ann Huvane. “His experience taught us the importance of providing help and support for people and families affected by mental illness. To honor the life and legacy of Chris, my family and I are committed to supporting NAMI’s mission to provide advocacy, education, support and public awareness about mental illness. We are eternally grateful to NAMI, V and CAA Community & Impact for embarking on this journey to help pay tribute to our brother Chris.”
The evening follows the play’s New York benefit performance, which raised $500,000 and featured Jane Fonda, Edie Falco, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Hilson, Sanaa Lathan and Smith.
NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. said, “We’re thrilled to see this powerful play come to Los Angeles and reach a new audience. We’re deeply grateful to V, Ruth-Ann and everyone who has made this performance possible. We’ve seen how storytelling can open conversations, challenge stigma and help people feel less alone. The support from this performance will help NAMI continue connecting people and families with the resources, support and community they need.”
“Mental health conditions touch nearly every family in some way,” said NAMI Westside Los Angeles, CEO Erin Raftery Ryan. “These challenges affect people of every age, background and community. NAMI Westside Los Angeles offers free education programs along with support, guidance and hope for the growing number of Angelenos affected by mental health conditions. Our office works every day to ensure that no one feels alone in their journey — and that individuals and families have access to the support and community they deserve. We respond personally to thousands of requests each year, providing free referral, information and support — a much-needed lifeline for many.”
