Leslie Ayvazian
Born: c. 1947
Married:
Children:
Leslie Ayvazian is a daughter of Dr. Fred Ayvazian.
Tri-Lakes Today, October 7, 2006
Play dives into raising funds for ALS
High Dive performance takes place on Oct. 14
By Whitney Jackson
SARANAC LAKE — Audience members will have a chance to get into the act at a special fundraiser for ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
A one-time performance of the play High Dive, written and performed by Leslie Ayvazian, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Saranac Lake High School auditorium starring at 8 p.m. People wishing to be part of the cast are asked to come early.
The show, which was produced off-Broadway in 2001 and has been presented throughout the country, stars Ayvazian, a Saranac Lake High School graduate. The performance begins with an American woman about to turn 50 standing on a high dive at a pool in a hotel in Greece. As her son encourages her to jump off the board, she contemplates the risks and adventures of her life including her move to Saranac Lake as a 13-year-old.
This is a one-woman show that features audience participation as cast members. Ayvazian will do a "talk back" after the play to give guests an opportunity to ask questions.
The performance is being coordinated by Ayvazian's friend, Lorraine Kelley, whose husband Colin Kelley, was diagnosed with ALS in June 2000 and died in March 2003.
"Leslie and I were high school friends, and we have always stayed in touch although she has not been back here in almost 25 years. Because my husband died of ALS, she is doing this for me," said Kelley.
All proceeds from the evening's program will be donated to The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at John Hopkins in memory of Colin Kelley and David Benham, two Saranac Lake residents whose lives were cut short by this fatal disease. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes complete paralysis and loss of function including the ability to eat, speak and breathe while the person's mind remains sharp and alert. ALS progresses quickly and is not curable. Most patients die within five years of diagnosis.
ALS is classified by the National Institute of Health as an orphan disease or one that affects fewer than 200,000 people.
"As a result, it is not adopted by the pharmaceutical industry. There is very little financial incentive for them. Only 30,000 people have ALS at any given time. The Packard Center is the only one of its kind that focuses solely on ALS research," said Kelley.
Ayvazian moved to Saranac Lake at the age of 13 when her father accepted a job at Will Roger's Hospital. She graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1966, She has since become an award winning playwright and actress appearing in numerous plays including her own play, Nine Armenians, which won the Outer Critics; Award at the Manhattan Theatre Club.
In the fall of 2005, she appeared on Broadway in Richard Greenberg's play, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way. Her new play, Lovely Day, opened at the Play Company in January 2006. Her television credits include, Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
The cost is a donation of $20. Tickets are available in advance or they may be purchased at the door.
People can call Kelley for more information at 891-2241.
