Ted Lange of The Love Boat reveals secrets of the Lady Patriot show
Ted Lange Unveils “Lady Patriot” Off‑Broadway Debut
Former “Love Boat” star Ted Lange is back in New York, this time directing a gripping drama titled “Lady Patriot”. The play, slated for September, graces the Theatre Row stage and explores a Confederate secret bubble.
Description & Historical Context
- Premise: Confederate White House leaks vital intel via an unseen spy. Only Jefferson Davis’s inner circle knows the truth.
- Base: The narrative is rooted in a real Civil War-era story.
- Focus: Three wartime women – Varina Davis (First Lady), Elizabeth Van Lew (Union spy), Mary Bowser (black slave spy).
- Style: Lange blends his signature comedy with hard drama, challenging Southern stereotypes of the Confederacy.
How “Lady Patriot” Came to Life
Lange credits a poker buddy, writer Jack Kaplan, who introduced him to Elizabeth Varon’s “Southern Lady, Yankee Spy.”
He zeroed in on Mary Bowser – a literate black slave brought to the Confederate White House, ultimately spying for the Union.
His play dramatizes how these three women embodied patriotism in a divided nation.
Reuniting with Jill Whelan & Fred Grandy
- Collaboration: Lange, Fred, and Jill – long‑time friends – reunited to stage “I’m Not Rappaport.”
- Jill played Fred’s daughter, adding colorful dynamics.
- Lange invited them to join the “Lady Patriot” NYC production, noting they fit the roles perfectly.
Personal Growth Through the Play
Lange reflected that “Lady Patriot” taught him about the hidden Civil War history and the bravery of all American citizens.
He genuinely struggled with representing Confederate ideals, as his own beliefs diverged from that era. Yet, he embraced the challenge, learning to portray the perspective of Varina Davis without succumbing to propaganda.
Reflecting on “The Love Boat” Era
“The Love Boat” offered “the best experience” of his acting career, giving him a platform to direct and write show episodes. It sparked his ambition to become a TV director and playwright.
Future Plans & Upcoming Projects
- He has authored 27 plays across varied themes – from black comedy to European history.
- Three completed musical scores and a fourth in progress.
- Planning a Shakespeare-themed play, “Shakespeare Over My Shoulder,” slated for production in San Francisco (Spring 2026) by the San Francisco African‑American Shakespeare Company.
Advice for Emerging Actors & Filmmakers
Actors: “Never wait for discovery; step onto any stage to learn.”
Filmmakers: “Start with shorts—two‑minute films, then five, gradually up to half‑hour projects.”
What Success Means to Lange
“Success is waking each day free from a straight‑line job, engrossed in the creative arts—acting, directing, or writing—living within means to preserve that freedom.”
Key Takeaway for Audiences
Lange emphasizes the depth of research: “I delved into 27 books and biographies to ensure historical accuracy. History can be exhilarating and entertaining.”
Readers are encouraged to explore the official “Lady Patriot” homepage to learn more about the upcoming New York theatre experience.
