The Mayfly, an animated short film created, written, and narrated by Tony winner Betty Buckley, makes its world premiere at the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival in Palm Springs, California, March 24.
The short film was inspired by an event witnessed by Buckley at a Judy Collins concert at the Café Carlyle.
Buckley said in an earlier statement, “What I observed was so lovely—a mayfly, dancing as if part of the show itself. From this experience, the story of Megalyn emerged. It's a film that I hope encourages us to embrace our passions and break free from societal norms.”
READ: Why Betty Buckley Wanted to Make an Animated Film About a Mayfly
Animated traditionally in 2D, The Mayfly is
the story of Megalyn Mayfly, who goes against all expectations and
dedicates her short life to music and dance on a quest that takes her from
Central Park West to the Upper East Side's Carlyle Hotel.
The Mayfly is directed by Emmy nominee Sue Perrotto with music composed by Grammy nominee Christian Jacob. BluBlu Studios is the animation house. The creative team also includes character designer Eugene Salandra, production designer Meryl Rosner, and storyboard artist Viki Anderson.
Melissa Coolidge and Bradford Coolidge produced with Buckley and Perrotto serving as executive producers.
Buckley, who can be seen in the new horror film Imaginary, will also return to Joe's Pub May 16-18.
Photos: See Broadway Turn Out to Celebrate Tony Winner Betty Buckley
Texas native Buckley, who starred as Dolly Gallagher Levi in the national tour of the Tony-winning revival of Hello, Dolly!, won her Tony Award for her performance as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, later earning another nomination for her work in the musical Triumph of Love. She starred in both the London and New York productions of Sunset Boulevard, earning an Olivier nomination for her take on the ill-fated silent-screen star Norma Desmond. London audiences have also enjoyed Buckley's work in Promises, Promises and Dear World, and her other Broadway credits include Carrie, Song & Dance, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, 1776, and Promises, Promises.
A 2012 Theatre Hall of Fame inductee and the 2017 recipient of the Julie Harris Award from The Actors Fund for Artistic Achievement, Buckley's most recent screen credits include Split, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Cleaning Lady, Supergirl, The Film Crew, Preacher, Chicago Med, The Leftovers, Getting On, Pretty Little Liars, and The Happening. She has been awarded two honorary doctorates of fine arts for her contribution to the musical theatre by Marymount College and the Boston Conservatory of Music.
Tickets are available for the short film's premiere by clicking here.
Betty Buckley in Sunset Boulevard (Broadway, 1995)
Betty Buckley in Sunset Boulevard (Broadway, 1995)
Betty Buckley in Sunset Boulevard (London)
