Play pays tribute to Lucille Ball

Friday, March 6, 2009 | 1:46 p.m.

The nationwide tour of "An Evening with Lucille Ball" kicks off at the historic Boulder City Theater April 10 and 11 with brassy impersonator Suzanne LaRusch portraying the redhead comedic star.

Fittingly, the show is directed and hosted by Ball's children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr.

Desi Arnaz Jr. lives in Boulder City and owns the Boulder City Theater, 1225 Arizona St.

Lucie Arnaz directs LaRusch in the two-hour play, which is at 7 p.m. April 10 and 4 p.m. April 11.

LaRusch has impersonated the star of the 1950s "I Love Lucy" sitcom for about 15 years and is longtime friends of the Arnaz family.

"When (Lucie Arnaz) first saw me, her mother had not been gone too long," LaRusch said from her home in Burbank, Calif. "She reacted like she was shocked. It took her breath away."

During the performances, Desi Arnaz Jr. will be working the spotlight. At one point, he will act as the "spotlight character" for LaRusch, who does a pantomime with the spotlight.

Another highlight of the play, she said, is a question-and-answer segment. The pre-recorded questions were voiced by Arnaz family members and those who were close to the star, such as a former writer for the sitcom.

LaRusch, portraying the famed actress, reminisces about her career, including her years as Lucy Ricardo.

"It will all start in Boulder City and will travel for as long as I can keep it going," she said.

Amy Arnaz, wife of Desi Arnaz Jr., said the show is a sentimental comedy.

Sale of the $30 show tickets benefits the Boulder City Ballet Co., a nonprofit organization that receives funding through shows staged at the theater. Amy Arnaz is ballet director.

For more information, call 293-1161 or go online to www.missamys.com.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or becky.bosshart@hbcpub.com.