Michael Learned and Nicholas Rodriguez Take the Stage in 'Mothers and Sons'

Michael Learned

Michael Learned, best known for her role as the mother Olivia Walton in The Waltons is continuing her success in Philly to Austin for the Zach Theatre's production of "Mothers and Sons" opposite, Nicholas Rodriguez (One Life to Live's Nick Chavez). Learned played General Hospital's Shirley Smith in 2010 and filled in for the late Jeanne Cooper as Katherine Chancellor on The Young and the Restless in 2011. She also had guest roles as Judge Turner on sister soaps All My Children and One Life to Live in 2005.

Learned's first television audtion rewarded her with the role that would become TV's most respected mom, Olivia Walton. Since then, Michael has become a four-time Emmy award-winning actress (three for The Waltons and one for Nurse). She has received a People's Choice Award and has been a three-time Golden Globe nominee. On stage, she starred in "Steel Magnolias" at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, in the national tour of "On Golden Pond" and in Lewis Black's "One Slight Hitch." Other theatre credits include "Elizabeth the Queen" at the Folger Shakespeare Library, Edward Albee's "All Over" at the Gramercy and McCarter Theatres. She starred in the West Coast premieres of "Woman in Mind" and "Hapgood," both for the American Conservatory Theatre Co, for whom she was the leading lady for three years. Her Broadway appearances include Gore Vidal's "The Best Man" and Wendy Wasserstein's "The Sisters Rosenweig" and the critically acclaimed Broadway production of "The Out Going Tide."

Performances of "Mothers and Sons" will run from May 27 through June 21 and follows Katharine Gerard (Learned) who surprises her late son's partner only to find him married and with a child. Tickets can be purchased at the Zach Theatre, located at 1510 Toomey Road in Austin, Texas.

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