This Sunday, June 9, at 2:30 PM, the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge will host an extraordinary one-woman show, “TEA FOR THREE: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty.” This unforgettable performance, written by Eric H. Weinberger and Elaine Bromka, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Elaine Bromka, who brings to life the stories of three former First Ladies: Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, and Betty Ford.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Iconic First Ladies. “TEA FOR THREE” offers a witty and intimate reimagining of these remarkable women who suddenly found themselves in the national spotlight. The play provides a behind-the-scenes look at their lives, revealing the personal costs of what Mrs. Nixon famously called the “hardest unpaid job in the world.”
Through Bromka’s masterful performance, audiences will gain insight into the personalities and private lives of these First Ladies. The show deftly weaves in the presidents they stood beside, the social changes, and the political landscape of their times, making it a captivating experience for both men and women.
Critical Acclaim and Bromka’s Impressive Career. Critically acclaimed for its blend of humor and passion, “TEA FOR THREE” has been praised for its ability to humanize these historical figures and provide a fresh perspective on their experiences. Elaine Bromka, with over thirty years of experience in film, television, Broadway, and off-Broadway, delivers a performance that is both compelling and poignant.
Bromka is known for her roles in “Uncle Buck,” “Days of Our Lives,” “The Blacklist,” “Girls,” “ER,” “The Sopranos,” and “Law and Order,” among others. Her extensive background and talent make her portrayal of these First Ladies particularly nuanced and engaging.
The Inspiration Behind the Play. The inspiration for “TEA FOR THREE” came when Bromka starred opposite Rich Little in “The Presidents,” which she performed nationwide and on PBS. Tasked with impersonating eight recent First Ladies, Bromka immersed herself in their lives, studying their body language and speech patterns. This deep dive into their personalities led her to want to tell their stories from their own perspectives.
“These were women of intelligence and grit who suddenly found themselves in a fishbowl,” Bromka observed. “I realized I wanted to tell the story from their point of view.”
Exploding Myths and Revealing Truths. One of Bromka’s goals with “TEA FOR THREE” is to explode myths about these women. For example, Pat Nixon was often called ‘Plastic Pat’ by the press because she always appeared smiling. However, Bromka notes, “Look more closely at her eyes. There’s nothing plastic about her. You see the eyes of a private, watchful survivor.”
Collaboration with Weinberger. Bromka’s collaborator, Eric H. Weinberger, is a Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award nominee and the author of several off-Broadway plays. Together, Bromka and Weinberger focused on these three women, linking their stories by revealing each one at the threshold moment of the end of her time in the White House.
An Unmissable Performance. “TEA FOR THREE” is a heartwarming and enlightening eighty-minute performance that delves into the lives of three remarkable women who held a unique and challenging role in American history. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Elaine Bromka’s incredible portrayal of Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, and Betty Ford.
Purchase your tickets today and join us for an afternoon of storytelling, history, and an intimate look at the lives of three iconic First Ladies.
TEA FOR THREE: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty
Sunday, June 9 @ 2:30 PM – Sieminski Theater, Basking Ridge
