News Summary
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will host the world premiere of ‘UnRavelled,’ a play exploring the lives of Dr. Anne Adams and composer Maurice Ravel intertwined with the impact of frontotemporal dementia. Under the direction of James Bonas, the production will be staged from October 17-19. The play features a talented cast and is complemented by outreach programs aimed at raising awareness about dementia through art exhibitions and discussions.
Beverly Hills, CA
The world premiere of “UnRavelled” is set to take place from October 17-19, 2025, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. This compelling new play, crafted by playwright Jake Broder, weaves together the true-life narratives of biologist Dr. Anne Adams and iconic composer Maurice Ravel, both of whom experienced the profound impacts of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
The production is under the direction of James Bonas, a respected figure in the performing arts with notable credentials from the Metropolitan Opera and BBC Proms. Starring in the play are Lucy Davenport as Dr. Anne Adams, Andrew Borba as her husband Robert Adams, Leo Marks as Maurice Ravel, Tracey A. Leigh as the Russian dancer Ida Rubinstein, and Larry Poindexter as Dr. Bruce Miller. The cast will also feature an array of musical artists, including violinist Rachel Iba, cellist Michelle Elliott Rearick, pianist Aron Kallay, wind player Nathaniel Edison, and percussionist Randy Gloss.
Thematic Exploration
“UnRavelled” delves deep into the journey of Dr. Adams, who was forced to leave her career as a biologist due to her diagnosis of FTD. Ironically, this cognitive decline subsequently led to a flourishing of her artistic expression as she became increasingly obsessed with Ravel’s masterpiece “Boléro.” The narrative poignantly examines the paradox of losing one’s cognitive faculties while simultaneously finding new avenues for artistic expression, posing a powerful question regarding the essence of identity.
FTD, the most prevalent form of dementia in individuals under 60 years, is characterized primarily by notable behavioral changes rather than memory loss. This condition has gained increased visibility, affecting not just everyday individuals but also well-known personalities, including actor Bruce Willis.
Outreach Initiatives
To complement the theatrical experience of “UnRavelled,” a series of outreach programs dubbed “UnRavelled Outreach” will take place. Spearheaded by Outreach Director Samantha Rose Williams, the initiative includes the “Brain Health Festival” at the Wallis, featuring a variety of events designed to foster awareness and dialogue around dementia. This festival will encompass art exhibitions showcasing Dr. Adams’s paintings, talk-backs, informative lectures, art therapy workshops, and interactive displays.
The festival aims to shift the narrative surrounding dementia to one of hope and creativity, providing participants with tools and support to navigate the challenges posed by this condition. The LA Caregiver Roadmap for FTD, developed by Cedars-Sinai in collaboration with UCSF and Emma Heming Willis, is an additional resource provided to assist local caregivers in managing the complexities of FTD.
Support and Accessibility
The production of “UnRavelled” and its associated outreach efforts receive backing from a host of organizations, including the Dana Foundation, Global Brain Health Institute, and the UCSF Memory and Aging Center. Performances will be held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, located at 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA. Ticket prices for the show range from $32 to $77, making this poignant exploration of art, identity, and memory accessible to a broad audience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Broadway World: Full Cast Set for UNRavelled
- Wikipedia: Frontotemporal dementia
- Broadway World: UnRavelled Production Details
- Google Search: Dr. Anne Adams
- Broadway World: Review of Unraveled
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alzheimer Disease
- CNN: Julianne Hough Broadway Show Interview
- Google News: Frontotemporal Dementia
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
