Susan Claassen in A Conversation with Edith Head

Susan Claassen stars in her internationally acclaimed solo portrayal of legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. Written by Paddy Calistro and Susan Claassen, with Stuart Moulton as host, the production uses humor, glamour, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes to bring Hollywood’s golden age to life.

The performance explores Head’s six-decade career, during which she designed costumes for more than 1,100 films, dressed many of Hollywood’s greatest stars, received 35 Academy Award nominations, and won a record eight Oscars. The evening celebrates the production’s 25th anniversary; since premiering in 2002, it has played more than 1,000 performances across the United States and internationally, including London’s West End, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Republic of Georgia International Theatre Festival.

When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Schedule: The reception begins at 6:00 p.m. The performance starts at 7:00 p.m., followed by desserts and photo opportunities with Edith.

Tickets: Members pay $55, charged to their account after RSVP. Non-members pay $65. The event is open to the public, and guests must be registered.

Ticket policy: Tickets are nonrefundable. A credit may be issued for cancellations made at least 48 hours before the event.

Included: Admission includes a reception with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, followed by the performance, desserts, and photos with Edith.

Performer: Susan Claassen portrays Edith Head. Claassen is a longtime professional actor and former managing artistic director of Tucson’s Invisible Theatre, where she led the organization for 50 years and produced or directed more than 700 productions. Her career has included work in theatre, arts education, directing, producing, and disability-awareness programming.

Production history: Claassen’s portrayal of Edith Head has received critical recognition, including a Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Best Actress nomination, a Phoenix New Times Best Actress honor, and a Best Solo Performance nomination from the San Francisco Bay Area Critics Association. The production has been presented at venues including the National Arts Club in New York, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, London’s West End, and theatres throughout the United States.

Venue: Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006.

Dress code: Festive and fabulous.

Note: The production is supported in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.