James Dean naked and 'lots of pretty ladies' at Nottingham theatre

Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean will be performed at the Lace Market Theatre in Nottingham during May and actress Kareena Sims, who plays Mona, says it includes a naked James Dean, lots of pretty ladies and... herself.

So this play you're starring in, who wrote it?

It was written by Ed Graczyk and first produced by the Players Theatre of Columbus, Ohio in 1976. Mr. Graczyk also directed it. Clever man.

So, in a nutshell, what is the play about?

Well, it all takes place in a Dime store in West Texas in 1975 (and sometimes 1955) where the "Disciples of James Dean" are gathering for their twentieth reunion. My character, was once an extra in the Dean film Giant which was filmed in nearby Marfa. She claims that her child was conceived by the James Dean. Cue lots of flashbacks to the 50s and even more confrontations, delusions and bitter disappointments.

Cool, so aside from the play, wasn't it also a film?

It was indeed! Came out in 1982, directed by Robert Altman and starring Sandy Dennis (playing Mona, my character), Karen Black and Kathy Bates no less. Cher was also in it would you know! Mark Patton of Nightmare on Elm Street 2 Fame plays Joe in the play and film and has wished us well personally with our production! Impressive huh?!

Awesome! It must really be a brill production then?

Of course! We've got the cream of the crop at The Lace Market Theatre involved and just the best creative team ever!

Sounds brill. So tell us a little more about the production itself. Any music?

Well, it's not a Musical but there are references to certain songs. Namely 'Sincerely' by The McGuire Sisters which three of the Disciples of James Dean reminisce about performing in their youth. This song actually became a no 1 hit at the time (1955) and later a Gold Record. So only the good stuff for us! At one point we also get together and sing ' The Eyes of James Dean ' which should actually be 'The Eyes of Texas' (a school spirit song of the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at El Paso). However, the Disciples of James Dean found it appropriate to change all the lyrics in tribute to their idol! We also use the overture from the film 'Giant' and some other 1950s and 1970s appropriate tunes.

Back to the sole subject of the play, James Dean himself. Are you a fan?

In all honesty? Erm, not really. He was very pretty and so I'm told was a brilliant actor but I must confess as yet I've not seen a single film of his in it's entirety! Oops! I have watched clips of Giant for research purposes for the play but I'm more of an Elvis fan myself. Maybe this play will change my mind… who knows?!

I'm guessing you must be a Lace Market Theatre fan though; you've done a fair few roles there?

Yeah, I'm an old timer now! Been a member on and off for about a decade. Maybe longer. But what can I say? It's a gem of a theatre. Nottingham's best kept theatrical secret! I'd urge anyone to pop along and see what goes on behind those gorgeous doors. Hardly anybody knows we exist! Time to change all that methinks. It's a wonderful theatre with so much history.

Give me 3 reasons why I should come and see Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean?

1) I'm in it.

2) There's a naked picture of James Dean in it.

3) There are lots of pretty ladies (and one pretty chap!) in it!

Ok. That was all light-hearted but in all seriousness, there is a nude picture of James Dean in it! Or at least, we believe it's James Dean! And my cast mates are all stunners. And our director and crew are the tops! But before this all sounds like an Oscar speech I'll just say that the play will stir you, entertain you, surprise you, make you laugh and cry and leave you wondering. And on top of this, you get to see just how sublime the hidden gem of the Lace Market Theatre is!