Happy Birthday Mr President or Who Killed Norma Jeane

by Nick Bird

Happy Birthday Mr President or Who Killed Norma Jeane had 2 performances about 19 years ago (between the 11th of October 2005 and the 18th of October 2005) at The Magna Carta Theatre

What is it about Marilyn Monroe that continues to generate such emotions, even today?

Many Hollywood stars since 1962 have tried to emulate her, none have succeeded. She made few great films, was infamous for her drug and alcohol dependencies, her late arrival for everyone and everything and her one night stands. Yet she is still loved by men and women alike, her vulnerability pervades nearly every photograph, every film. We want to be both lover and parent to her. This play is based on other people's research. The author has sifted through many books, Interviews, and articles and virtually all the facts presented are authenticated not once but many times and in many ways. But, having said all that, it is a play and not a documentary and should be considered in that light.

The play is a two-hander of immense strength and requires a dedicated approach to a contrasting but demanding script. It is also backed by a Chorus of 4-6 people to cover the poetry/verse within the play.

The play concentrates on a Prosecutor (Jackie Kennedy's mind) and Jackie Kennedy herself, plus chorus. It requires strong and careful lighting and sound including slides and music.