FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Seanna Hore, Ginsberg/Libby
seanna.hore@ginsberglibby.com

Gladys Santos, Ginsberg/Libby
gladys.santos@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2023) — Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and Film Independent Presents – the year-round program offering screenings, conversations and other unique cinematic experiences – has partnered with The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts to present An Evening With… Molly Shannon, to be moderated by I Love That for You cast mate and fellow Saturday Night Live alum Vanessa Bayer. On the heels of the announcement that Shannon will host SNL on April 8, the organizations are thrilled to welcome her on stage to celebrate her illustrious career.

“What a joy to be back on stage with my friends at Film Independent and the wonderful Vanessa Bayer. It’s an honor to be recognized by an organization that embodies innovation, curiosity and that true independent spirit – I’m so excited!” said Molly Shannon.

“Everyone remembers when they first fell in love with Molly Shannon – whether it was Mary Katherine Gallagher on SNL, Joanne in the Spirit Award-winning Other People, Pat Dubek on The Other Two, Jackie in I Love That for You, or maybe even the unforgettable Kitty Patton on The White Lotus,” added Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent. “While her incredible comedic ability is undeniable, Molly has also consistently worked with bold independent filmmakers, including Todd Solondz (Happiness), Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), Madeleine Olnek (Wild Nights with Emily) and Mike White (Year of the Dog), bringing so much heart and humanity to all she does. We’re thrilled to have Molly taking the stage at the Wallis, as part of Film Independent Presents, to talk about her life and career, and I hope you’ll join us.”

The night will feature an overview of her life and career, from her Emmy-nominated six-year run on Saturday Night Live to her current performances as Jackie Stilton on I Love That for You, and her highly anticipated return as Pat Dubek in the HBO series The Other Two.

Molly Shannon has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents on television and the silver screen. Shannon spent six seasons as a member of the repertory company on Saturday Night Live, primarily known for the eclectic characters she created, such as Mary Katherine Gallagher and Sally O’Malley. She is also praised for her parodies of Courtney Love, Liza Minnelli, Helen Madden and Terry Rialto. In 2000, she received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. Prior to joining SNL, Shannon appeared at The Up Front Comedy Theater in Los Angeles in “The Rob and Molly Show,” an improvisational show she co-wrote with Rob Muir. Additionally, Molly was awarded the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the highly acclaimed drama Other People, written and directed by SNL writer Chris Kelly. Shannon received rave reviews for her portrayal of Joanne, a mother who is struggling with terminal cancer whose son moves home to take care of her. In 2010, Shannon made her Broadway debut, replacing Tony Award winner Katie Finneran in the hit musical Promises, Promises alongside Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth. Shannon’s critically acclaimed memoir, Hello, Molly! was released by HarperCollins in April 2022 and garnered respect from both critics and readers alike. The memoir received numerous accolades, in addition to becoming a New York Times bestseller. Shannon can be seen in Zach Braff’s A Good Person opposite Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman, and will appear in season 3 of The Other Two, premiering May 4 on HBO Max. Born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Molly earned a BFA in drama from New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. She currently lives in California with her husband and two children.

Vanessa Bayer currently stars in the Showtime series I Love That for You, which she co-created, writes and executive produces. Also known for her seven seasons on Saturday Night Live, Vanessa’s other notable projects include voicing the role of PB the pig in the animated film DC League of Super-Pets, appearing on NBC’s Will and Grace, FOX’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, ViacomCBS’s Drunk History, HBO’s Crashing, and ABC’s Modern Family and Single Parents. Her film appearances include Trainwreck and Ibiza, among many others. Vanessa’s children’s book, How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear, teaches readers how to support friends experiencing long-term illness and was inspired by her own story of overcoming childhood leukemia. Bayer also co-hosts the interview podcast How Did We Get Weird? with her brother, Jonah.

Previous An Evening With… events have featured Maggie Gyllenhaal, Andrew Garfield, The Russo Brothers, Damien Chazelle, Rian Johnson, Darren Aronofsky, Denis Villeneuve, Sam Esmail, Clint Mansell, Ludwig Göransson and Willem Dafoe, among others, as well as project-based evenings celebrating Malcolm & Marie, Queen Sugar, a Deadwood reunion and many more.

Tickets are on sale now, and are discounted for Film Independent Members and Wallis subscribers. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. To purchase tickets and for more information, please call 310-746-4000 or visit thewallis.org/an-evening-with-molly-shannon.

Film Independent Presents is supported year-round by Lead Sponsor HFPA.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For over 40 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization’s core mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling and support a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision.

In addition to producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs. Signature mentorship program Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Weekly Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. Global Media Makers, a cultural exchange program produced in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, provides career-building opportunities for international film professionals. And year-round screening series Film Independent Presents delivers monthly, unique cinematic experiences to Members in Los Angeles and beyond.

For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.
 

ABOUT WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is a dynamic cultural hub and community resource where local, national and international artists share their artistry with ever-expanding audiences. The campus, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA, is committed to robust and distinctive presentations and education programs curated with both creativity and social impact in mind. Distinguished by its eclectic programming that mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles and its location in the entertainment capital of the world, the Wallis has produced and presented more than 350 theater, dance, music, film, cabaret, conversation, and family entertainment programs since its doors opened in October 2013. Hailed as “au courant” (LaLa Magazine), the Wallis was lauded by Culture Vulture, which proclaims, “if you love expecting the unexpected in the performing arts, you have to love the Wallis.” Its programming has been nominated for 79 Ovation Awards and nine L.A. Drama Critic’s Circle Awards. The campus itself, a breathtaking 70,000-square-foot facility, celebrating the classic and the modern, has garnered six architectural awards. Designed by acclaimed architect Zoltan E. Pali (SPF:architects), the restored building features the original 1933 Beverly Hills Post Office (on the National Register of Historic Places), which serves as the theater’s dramatic yet welcoming lobby, and includes the contemporary 500-seat, state-of-the-art Bram Goldsmith Theater; the 150-seat Lovelace Studio Theater; an inviting open-air plaza for family, community and other performances; and GRoW @ the Wallis: A Space for Arts Education, where learning opportunities for all ages and backgrounds abound. Together, these elements embrace the city’s history and its future, creating a performing arts destination for L.A.-area visitors and residents alike. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is led by Chairman of the Board Michael Nemeroff and Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Robert van Leer.