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Washington, DC - When asked who should be considered for the part of Florence Kennoff in the movie based on his latest book, "On Tuesdays, They Played Mah Jongg," Milton Stern answered without hesitation, "Liza Minnelli, of course."
(1888PressRelease) May 11, 2006 - Author Wants Liza Minnelli to Play Lead in “On Tuesdays, They Played Mah Jongg”
"On Tuesdays, They Played Mah Jongg" by Milton Stern
Washington, DC - When asked who should be considered for the part of Florence Kennoff in the movie based on his latest book, "On Tuesdays, They Played Mah Jongg," Milton Stern answered without hesitation, "Liza Minnelli, of course."
"On Tuesdays, They Played Mah Jongg" tells the story of Michael Bern, a gay television writer in Hollywood, who for two decades has stared at an unfinished screenplay sitting on his desk. After attending a friend’s funeral in his hometown of Newport News, Virginia, Michael returns to Hollywood and finds there is more than a screenplay that is unfinished in his life. He finally confronts what the screenplay represents - memories and stories of the sometimes sad, often hilarious, characters of his past, especially his mother and her four closest friends. They were friends for more than forty years and saw each other through life’s triumphs, tragedies and multiple spouses. Yet, there was only one constant in their lives. On Tuesdays, they played Mah Jongg.
"Florence Kennoff is a character based on my godmother, Flossie Kline," Stern said. "After reading the book, Aunt Flossie’s children called me and said that I captured the true essence of their mother’s character."
But why Liza Minnelli?
"I was watching her on ‘James Lipton’s Inside the Actors Studio,’ and within seconds, I saw her playing the role of Florence," Stern said. "She looks like her, has the same intonations, gestures and all around great personality … not to mention that she is also a great actress."
Asked who should play Hanna Shimmer, who is based on his mother, Stern answered, "Lucie Arnaz."
He explained that he interviewed Lucie Arnaz while working for an online entertainment publication in 1997 and always considered her for the part of Hannah. "I have stayed in touch with Lucie, and I know she would be perfect in this role," he said.
As for the rest of the cast, Stern has definite ideas.
"Renee Taylor should play Arlene Feld, as she is exactly like her. I picture Kim Catrall as Rona Sapperstein. And, the part of Doreen Weiner was originally written for Joan Rivers in 1985," Stern said. "She is still perfect for the part."
Reviews
"Funny, emotion filled Stern writes with a flair for the outlandish and keeps the reader feeling as if he is eavesdropping on the latest street gossip or country club news. I read this book … feeling as if I had just met five new friends. Characters are rich, lively and colorful. The author holds the reader’s interest and emotions in the palm of his hand."
- Shirley Roe, (AllBooks)
"Readers will easily identify with these characters. Well written work by an author with a sense of humor and an excellent understanding of the female psyche. An entertaining read!"
- Dan Whitman, (Great Books)
This book is intended for all audiences.
$15.95 U.S.
200 Pages
Available 6/1/2006
ISBN 1-891855-68-9
Milton Stern is a freelance writer and editor. Stern was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia, where he graduated from Christopher Newport University. An American presidential history buff, Stern is the author of the critically acclaimed "Harriet Lane, America’s First Lady." He currently resides with his dog, Serena Rose Elizabeth Montgomery, in Washington, D.C.
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