Welcome to Heilman & Haver - Episode 57.  We hope you enjoy the show!

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EPISODE 57 SYNOPSIS

Well-known Los Angeles cardiologist and actor Dr. Rico Simonini.  Rico originated the role of Frank Sinatra in Willard Manus’ play “Frank & Ava” in 2014 and again in the 2018 film by the same name, which he adapted and co-produced.  Today’s interview took place on January 25th, the 32nd anniversary of Ava Gardner’s death, and in a few moments we’ll hear from Rico about his film and the woman who saved Sinatra, by first destroying him.

ARTS AROUND THE SOUND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CSTOCK presents "Matilda: The Musical"

Central Stage Theater presents Roald Dahl’s "Matilda: The Musical".  Check out Greg’s review of the show on our Facebook page and catch the show at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club in Bremerton, through Sunday January 30th.  Tickets, including dinner theater tickets, are available at cstock.org.

Shaw shorts "Love or Marriage" at WWCA

“Love or Marriage” is a collection of one-act plays by George Bernard Shaw and directed by our friend Kristi Ann Jacobson.  Best known for "Pygmalion" and "Candida", Shaw used his theatrical works to discuss social attitudes and criticize the English Stage.  “Love or Marriage” runs through Jan 30th.  Get tickets and more info at wwca.us.

"Death of a Salesman" opens at BCT

Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”, opens at Bremerton Community Theater next Friday, February 4th.  Info and tickets can be had at bctshows.org.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Rico Simonini

Dr. Rico Simonini is a leading Los Angeles cardiologist and accomplished actor, writer, and producer.  As an actor Rico has enjoyed the opportunity to play leading roles in dozens of plays on stages in New York, Los Angeles, and a few places in between, working the boards as Ricky Roma (Glengarry Glenn Ross), RP McMurphy (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), Daniel Kaffee (A Few Good Men), and Joe Pendleton (Heaven Can Wait) in addition to originating over a dozen roles in dramas by local playwrights - all while maintaining his cardiology practice.

Like Anton Chekhov, Somerset Maugham, and Arthur Conan Doyle before him, Rico remained married to medicine while pursuing his paramour, the theater, wherever his career would take him.  And after being recruited by one of Los Angeles' most prestigious medical centers, he found himself being recruited by his clients to indulge his fancy for film and theater. 

This led Rico to study the craft with various mentors including the Baron-Brown Meisner Studios as well as the Actors Studio.  In 2014, playwright Willard Manus chose Rico to originate the role of Frank Sinatra in "Frank and Ava" a two-person play developed at the Actors' Studio, and based on true events, portraying the stars’ iconic and tumultuous romance.

Inspired by the story of Sinatra's redemption and resurrection despite improbable odds, Rico undertook the screenplay adaptation and his first feature film “Frank & Ava” premiered in 2018, with a global release in early 2019.  It’s the story of Sinatra as never told before and Ava Gardner, the woman who saved him, by breaking him.  Rico joined us from his office in Beverly Hills.

Watch "Frank & Ava" - 

At the "Frank & Ava" Film Website

Stream "Frank & Ava" on iTunes

Stream "Frank & Ava" on Amazon (or purchase DVD)

Connect with Rico" -

At RicoSimonini.com

At Simonini Cardiology

On Facebook

On Twitter

On Instagram

On IMDb

On YouTube