Sharon Lawrence, Tim Matheson and Mika Boorem to Star in LIFETIME Original Movie 'Augusta, Gone,' Based on True Story of a Mother Who Struggles to Save Her Teenage Daughter From Self-Destruction

- Based on Martha Tod Dudman's New York Times Best-Selling Book -

- Matheson Also Directs and Executive Produces -

- Lifetime Partners with the National Runaway Switchboard to Help Advise Parents and Keep Teens Safe -

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 30 -- LIFETIME is adapting the New York Times Best Seller(R), Augusta, Gone, to air as a LIFETIME Original Movie starring Emmy(R) nominee Sharon Lawrence ("NYPD Blue," "Little Black Book"), Emmy(R) nominee Tim Matheson ("Judas," "The West Wing") and Mika Boorem ("Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights," "Blue Crush"), it was announced today by Trevor Walton, Senior Vice President, Original Movies. "Augusta, Gone" is the heart-wrenching true story of a devoted single mother whose teenage daughter's self-destructive and hostile behavior becomes more than either or them can handle. "Augusta, Gone" will premiere in March 2006 on LIFETIME Television.

"Martha Tod Dudman's struggle with her volatile daughter Augusta is at once terrifying and inspiring," said Walton. "The estrangement between the two is a magnified version of what many families experience. As heartbroken parents torn between the unconditional love they have for their child and the tough love required to put their daughter back on the right path, Sharon Lawrence and Tim Matheson will bring real emotional depth to this film. And the talented, young actress Mika Boorem will bring her unique intensity to the fiery, troubled Augusta."

Martha (Lawrence) is a successful businesswoman and divorced mother who prides herself on the close relationship she maintains with her two children, Augusta (Boorem) and Jack (Sage Testini). But when the once-sweet Augusta enters her teen years, she is overwhelmed by feelings of anger and self- loathing, and her personality undergoes a radical and frightening transformation. Seeking escape from the pain, Augusta starts down a dark road of drugs, drinking and complete disregard for authority that eventually leads the 15-year-old to a life on the streets. Distraught, Martha and her ex- husband, Ben (Matheson), seek the help of an educational consultant who advises them to send their daughter to a strict wilderness camp for troubled teens. But even the institution's experienced and tough-as-nails administrators find Augusta difficult to control, and Martha sadly realizes there is no quick answer to her daughter's behavior.

Every day, between 1.3 and 2.8 million runaway and homeless youth live on the streets of America. One out of every seven children will run away before the age of 18. In conjunction with the movie, LIFETIME is partnering with the National Runaway Switchboard to create an original public service announcement (PSA) to air immediately following the premiere and online content that will offer both parents and teens additional information and resources. Lawrence is best known for her role as the compassionate and headstrong District Attorney Sylvia Costas on the ABC drama "NYPD Blue," for which she received a Screen Actors Guild(R) Award and three Emmy(R) nominations. The actress most recently starred in the acclaimed British play "Under the Blue Sky" and made a splash last season on the ABC dramas "Desperate Housewives" and "Boston Legal." Her upcoming feature film releases include "Nearing Grace," with David Morse, and "The Alibi," with Selma Blair and James Brolin. Lawrence's other feature film credits include "Little Black Book," with Holly Hunter and Brittany Murphy; "The Only Thrill," with Diane Keaton and Sam Shepard; "Nearing Grace," with Jordana Brewster; and "Gossip," with Kate Hudson. Her extensive list of television credits include "Word of Honor," "Wolf Lake," "Fired Up," "Ladies Man," "Atomic Twister" and "Aftershock: Earthquake in New York." The actress has left lasting impressions as a guest star on several hit shows, including "Law & Order: SVU" and "Judging Amy."

Matheson has wide-ranging credits in television and feature films as an actor, producer and director. He received immediate attention for his first television role on the series "Window on Main Street." This appearance resulted in leading roles on many popular series, including "The Twilight Zone," "Leave it to Beaver" and "My Three Sons." Matheson's feature film credits include the hit comedy "Animal House," Steven Spielberg's "1941," "The Story of Us," "Van Wilder," "She's All That," "Black Sheep," "Yours, Mine and Ours" and "A Very Brady Sequel." Most recently, Matheson guest starred on the critically acclaimed NBC drama "The West Wing," for which he received two Emmy(R) nominations. His extensive television credits include "Judas," "Martha, Inc: The Story of Martha Stewart," LIFETIME Television's "Navigating the Heart," "Forever Love" and "Rescuers: Stories of Courage: Two Families." As a producer, Matheson was responsible for bringing "Breach of Conduct" and "Cold Case" to television and "Blind Fury" to the big screen. He has worked behind the camera, directing episodes of popular television shows such as "Without a Trace," "Numb3rs," "Cold Case," "St. Elsewhere," "Ed," "Third Watch" and "The Twilight Zone."

Boorem began her career in 1996 with a guest appearance on the popular CBS series "Touched by an Angel." Since then, the young actress has starred in the feature films "Sleepover," "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights," "Carolina," "Blue Crush" and "Riding in Cars with Boys." In addition, Boorem has made guest appearances on episodes of "Dawson's Creek," "Providence," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Ally McBeal," "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch" and "The Drew Carey Show." She was recently seen in the independent film "Smile," which was released in August.

"Augusta, Gone" is produced by Nightstar Productions in association with Robert Greenwald Productions for LIFETIME Television. Laurie Goldstein ("Disappearance," "Sharing the Secret") is the executive producer. Tim Matheson ("Hell Swarm," "In the Company of Spies") will executive produce, act and direct. The teleplay is by Haden Yelin ("See You in My Dreams," "Little John").

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Launched in 1984, LIFETIME serves more than 89 million households nationwide. In 1998, LIFETIME launched Lifetime Movie Network, now in 49 million homes, and in 2001, Lifetime Real Women. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment, Lifetime Radio for Women and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

SOURCE LIFETIME
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