Barbara Van Orden and Patty Farmer Collaborate on Book PLAYBOY ON STAGE

The recent nationwide appearances, from New York to Los Angeles, by singer and actress Barbara Van Orden and author Patty Farmer, on behalf of her critically acclaimed book "The Persian Room Presents" has spawned a collaboration on a new book, currently under the Working Title of "Playboy On Stage."

Following the familiar format that made "The Persian Room Presents" a success, "Playboy On Stage" will be a collaborative oral memoir and history of the iconic venues, known as The Playboy Clubs.

Farmer and Van Orden are currently researching the infamous nightspots list of performers to compile a first hand history from the view of the entertainers who have performed in the Playboy Club Showrooms, with hopes to reach such noted artists as Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Steve Martin, Ann-Margret and Cher, among others. Veteran performer, Van Orden, who has appeared as a headliner in Las Vegas with legendary figures like Milton Berle, Don Rickles, Red Buttons, Shecky Green and Frank Sinatra, was herself a regular in almost all of the Playboy Clubs. The book will include many of her own fond memories of sharing the Playboy stage with names such as Buddy Hackett, Morey Amsterdam and Soupy Sales.

"We are writing this book because, while numerous books have been written with tremendous public response on the subject of Hugh Hefner and The Playboy Empire, none have focused on the fabulous entertainers who have performed in those great showrooms," says Farmer.

While "Playboy On Stage" will be Ms. Farmer's second publication, it will mark the first book for the famous former leading cover model, Barbara Van Orden, who appeared for products such as Leggs, Ford, American Express, Clairol, Breck, Ivory Snow, London Fog, Donna Karan, Maybelline, Maidenform, Calvin Klein, Wells Fargo, Christian Dior, Neutrogena, to name only a few. Many will remember her career at the top came to a crash after a devastating accident in Beverly Hills that resulted in 18 surgeries and years of rehabilitation. While crossing the street in Beverly Hills, she was hit by a car that resulted in 12 breaks in her right leg, five breaks in the left, internal bleeding, crushed back, broken ribs, a fractured disc in her neck and a three inch gash in her skull. After years of therapy, she had to learn to walk all over again.

Both Farmer and Van Orden, who found such pleasure in sharing the glamorous history of The Persian Room with fans and colleagues, are optimistic about the potentially even larger audience, nostalgic for the carefree image and lifestyle of The Playboy Clubs.

Pictured (top): Barbara Van Orden and Patty Farmer stand center, flanked by other author supporters, Lainie Kazan (left), Connie Stevens and Michelle Lee (right). Photo Credit: Bill Dow. Pictured (side): Barbara Van Orden with Soupy Sales at the Playboy Club in New York (circa 1974). Photo credit: Van Orden archives.