Matthew Perry Commits To T-150 Benefit

John and Matthew Perry will participate in the June 28 program

By Bret Bradigan
One of Ojai’s first families of the performing arts will put their talents to the test on stage at Matilija Auditorium on June 28 at 7 p.m., with a variety show informally titled “Perry Home Companion.”
The event stars iconic actor Matthew Perry, of “Friends” and “Studio 60” fame, along with his stage-actor sister Maria Perry, singer-actor-comic father John and John’s jazz musician brother Tony Perry.
The Perrys are lending their support to Theater 150, which moved into its much-expanded location at 316 E. Matilija Street last year.
Fresh off a month of sold-out success for “Fractured Fables,” John’s wife, Debbie Perry, will help produce the event. The Perrys’ have a long association with Theater 150 — Debbie helped produce Theater 150 co-director Deb Norton in “The Whole Banana,” in Ojai and in Los Angeles. John Perry, aside from a distinguished acting career, is well known for his Ojai lonesome stylings with the country crooners, Ojai Valley Boys. He has also honed his comic talents through Theater 150 workshops and showcases.
The centerpiece of the evening will be a one-act play, “Intelligent Life,” written by David Babcock. Other performances include Tony Perry’s jazz trio and Matthew Perry’s monologue about a bored baseball announcer — which he performed at a recent ESPY awards ceremony. Maria Perry and friend Jessica Chanos will also be performing a song — the title of which is being withheld to protect the punchline.
Debbie Perry said, “It’s mostly comedy! Make sure people get that!”
“‘Intelligent Life,’” said John Perry, “should be lots of fun. Nobody knows what in the heck is going on — so it’s a great idea for the Perrys.”
Matthew Perry, one of the country’s best known, and, for 11 seasons as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” beloved actors, said he was happy to help out Theater 150. ‘I have always liked this community feeling in Ojai. I don’t get up here as much as I would like. And, of course, my father is really into horses, which is not something I happen to be into.”
John, looking over at his son with a rueful glance, interjected, ‘Yet. There’s still plenty of time.”
Tickets for the June 28 event are $50. Tickets for the after-party are $50 for Theater 150 members and $75 for non-members. Reservations can be made through theater150.org or by calling 646-4300. Theater 150 is located at 316 E. Matilija St. in Ojai.