An Evening with Linda Purl

An Evening with Linda Purl with Billy Stritch at the Piano

LINDA PURL is perhaps best known for her television work on The Office (US version, Helene Beesly), Matlock (Charlene Matlock), and Happy Days (Ashley Pfister / Fonzie’s fiancée). She has starred in over 45 US Made-for-TV movies. She also played recurring roles on Hacks (Kathy Vance), The Oath (Gwenn), Homeland (Elizabeth Gaines), and The Bold and the Beautiful (Lucy). On Broadway she appeared in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Getting and Spending.

Born in Connecticut, Purl grew up in Japan, becoming the only foreigner to have trained at the Toho Geino Academy. Her studies continued at the Neighborhood Playhouse and Lee Strasberg Institute. She was Co-Founder of the Colorado Festival of World Theatre and Executive Director from 2004-2008. She was Founder of the California International Theatre Festival and served as Artistic Director from 2008- 2014. In 2022 along with her partner Patrick Duffy, she founded Duffy’s Dough. All net proceeds are given to food scarcity programs. Purl's latest album is This Could Be the Start. Past concert venue appearances include 54 Below, Dizzy’s and Rose Hall at Lincoln Center Jazz, Birdland, Naples Philharmonic, Colorado Springs Symphony, Crazy Coqs (London), Club Raye (Paris) and Satin Doll (Tokyo).

In Moore County, Linda appeared in Judson Theatre Company's productions of Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking, Mrs. Mannerly, and Love Letters with Patrick Duffy.

BILLY STRITCH is an award-winning composer, arranger, vocalist, and jazz pianist celebrated for his extraordinary range, sophisticated style, and deep connection to the Great American Songbook. With a career spanning more than four decades, he has established himself as one of the premier musical talents of his generation—equally at home performing in concert halls, jazz clubs, or Broadway theaters.

Stritch’s artistry has been in demand by some of the most legendary performers of our time. He was the longtime pianist and musical director for Liza Minnelli, touring with her internationally and helping craft many of her acclaimed concerts. He has also collaborated with Tony Bennett, Christine Ebersole, Linda Lavin, Marilyn Maye, and Linda Eder, among many others, both on stage and in the recording studio. Billy is also the pianist and bandleader for Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, New York’s longest-running open-mic/variety show, held every Monday night at the iconic Birdland Jazz Club in midtown Manhattan. Billy and Jim performed at BPAC in January 2025.

Billy's discography includes Billy Stritch Sings Mel Tormé, a heartfelt tribute to one of his greatest influences, Waters of March: The Brazilian Album, Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael with Klea Blackhurst, Sunday In New York with Christine Ebersole, and the holiday favorite Christmas at Birdland.

Beyond performing, Stritch is an accomplished arranger and composer, and was co-writer of the 1994 Grammy award winning sing “Does He Love You," recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis. Lightning struck again in 2022 when the song was recorded again by McEntire, this time with the legendary Dolly Parton. Whether playing solo, collaborating with legendary singers, or dazzling audiences in intimate cabaret rooms, Billy Stritch continues to keep the legacy of American popular song vibrantly alive—while adding his own indelible voice to its timeless story.