Judy Ivey ‘coming home’ during October

Published 10:41 pm Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Two-time Tony Award- winner and Emmy-nominated actress Judith Ivey.

Two-time Tony Award- winner and Emmy-nominated actress Judith Ivey.

Dogwood Fine Arts Festival, Beckwith Theatre Company and Southwestern Michigan College are teaming up to welcome two-time Tony Award- winner and Emmy-nominated actress Judith Ivey.

Ivey’s appearances are part of a week-long collaboration of events sponsored by the family of Marion Weaver.

Ivey is a previous resident of Dowagiac and is most recently known for her portrayal as “B.J. Poteet” during the final season of the television sitcom “Designing Women.”

Ivey’s film credits include  “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “Harry and Son,” “The Devil’s Advocate” and “Flags of Our Fathers,” as well as the television remake of the 1950s movie, “The Long, Hot, Summer.”

This past year has seen her return to the stage in revivals of “The Glass Menagerie” in New York and Los Angeles.

Beckwith Theatre Company will host an invitation-only event geared toward community theater participants and supporters from the Michiana area on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the theater.

Ivey will also be participating as a guest instructor on campus with SMC theater students.

The week culminates with “An Evening with Judith Ivey,” an event open to the public, on Friday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. at the Dale A. Lyons Building on the SMC Dowagiac campus.

A reception will follow the event. Tickets cost $12 adults/$8 students.

Tickets can be reserved at 866-490-2847, (269) 782-1115 or online at www.dogwoodfinearts.org.