A major reappraisal of the life of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., Gonna Do Great Things is at once an intimate portrait and an exuberant celebration of a wholly American icon. Through his multifaceted talent and personality, Sammy became one of the most magnetic and contentious figures in modern entertainment history. His outstanding talents as a dancer, singer, actor, impressionist, and comedian, combined with his close association with megastars and his interracial marriage, made him a celebrity in the truest sense.
Born in Harlem in 1925, Sammy debuted onstage with Will Mastin's vaudeville troupe when he was only three years old. He was an instant hit, and his talent propelled him into one of the most luminous entertainment careers of his generation. No one could please a crowd like Sammy, whose overwhelming energy and infectious humor exhilarated audiences for sixty years. However, Sammy's life was not without hardship, and his high-spirited attitude often masked a fragile ego. From an impoverished, broken home, he lacked even a single day of formal education, and the rigors of his blossoming show business career denied him the traditional pleasures of childhood. Racism constantly affected his life, particularly when he joined the army in 1943. Because he refused to acknowledge any race-related restrictions, his very existence became a political statement. An active member of the Civil Rights movement and America's first African-American superstar, Sammy paved the way for other black entertainers.
As a charter member of the Rat Pack, Sammy spent the 1950s and 1960s basking in an image of "cool" and endearing himself to the public. But by the 1970s he was relying on cocaine and alcohol, flirting with Satanism, indulging in scandalous sexual behavior, and becoming the punchline of jokes on Saturday Night Live. Though his fans still adored him, his performances suffered. A four-pack-a-day smoker, Sammy succumbed to cancer when he was sixty-four, shortly after celebrating six decades in the spotlight.
Renowned biographer of Hollywood giants Jimmy Stewart, Burt Lancaster, and Gregory Peck, Gary Fishgall brings an actor's and director's understanding of the entertainment industry to Sammy's complicated existence. Meticulously researched and filled with insights gathered from interviews with those who knew Sammy best, Gonna Do Great Things reveals the fascinating and controversial life of this beloved entertainer.
'Discover the insights and experiences of Robert Viagas, as he engages in a captivating conversation at the Drama Book Shop. Gain valuable knowledge about the world of theater and its impact on Broadway.'
Jaime Lozano’s SONGS FROM AN IMMIGRANT Vol. 2, while leaning a bit to the long-ish side, bursts forth with energy and passion and is worth every minute.
Join chef & author James Haller as he reads from his book and shares his culinary expertise at Pontine Theatre in Portsmouth, NH on October 7 and 8 @ 2pm.
MCA/UMe is set to release both vinyl and CD editions of Dame Olivia Newton-John’s smash-hit, tenth studio album, 1978’s Totally Hot, a record that further reinforced her status as a surefire international superstar. In celebration of Newton-John’s first-ever platinum-certified album’s 45th anniversary, Totally Hot returns to vinyl.
The album contains songs that are performed by the actors from the film including Luke Evans, Jessie Buckley, Fra Fee, Trevor Dion Nicholas and more. Produced by Timeless Films in association with Axis Studios and directed by Stephen Donnelly, Charles Dickens’ ageless legend is reborn in this musical adaptation of the Christmas story.
Discover the journey of Kevin Davis' One in a Million Musical as it finds a publisher in Next Stage Press. With its lively and faith-full storyline, this musical has gained acclaim through workshops, showcases, and even a film documentary. Get the inside scoop and learn how this exciting new musical is making waves in the industry.
Ben Ward to release concept EP of new song cycle YOU AND I featuring HSMTMTS star Joe Serafini. Explore the paths of relationships through a contemporary pop-Broadway score.
Discover the captivating world of Hercules Mulligan in a new historical fiction novel. Uncover the thrilling adventures of the American Revolutionary War hero as he navigates the complexities of pre-Revolutionary society and becomes a crucial spy for the Sons of Liberty. I
Join Bernie Ardia at The Drama Bookshop on October 10 at 7:30 pm as he recounts the hilarious and outlandish escapades of friends Patrick Dennis, Walter Healy, and Robert Karr in Mexico. Get your tickets now!
Guillermo Marigliano, the renowned Argentine musician, educator, and composer, has announced the release of his latest masterpiece, the Tango Guitar Method. Published independently and available now, this book is set to revolutionize the way individuals learn to play the enchanting rhythms of Argentinian Tango music.
Implementing Success: Strategies for Effective Caregiving and Care Support is a groundbreaking textbook providing evidence-based strategies for caregivers. Discover key topics like caregiver needs assessment, self-care, and preventing burnout. Improve caregiving practices and support the well-being of caregivers.
Discover 'Sophocles - Three Plays', a collection of two tragic and one comedic play by Sophocles, translated and directed by Gary Beck. Immerse yourself in the world of classic theater with Antigone, Electra, and the hilarious 'Searching Satyrs'.
Join author Joe Sexton and actor/narrator Dion Graham at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn Heights on September 27 for a book event discussing 'The Lost Sons of Omaha.'
Join Vincenza Price on a transformative journey through the pages of Heal: A Poetry Collection. Experience the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of words.
Concord Theatricals Recordings has released Songs By An Immigrant Vol. 2, the highly anticipated sophomore album by Jaime Lozano & The Familia, on streaming and digital platforms worldwide.
More than half a century after the Public Theater opened its doors with Hair, Gail Merrifield Papp will speak for the first time about her vivid and fascinating behind-the scenes memoir, Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at The Public Theater. The event will be held on Monday, September 18 at 6pm at Joe’s Pub – the Public Theater venue named for Joseph Papp.
A COLLECTIVE CY is a gorgeous dream album of a recording that shows off Jeff Harnar's mad skills at cabaret storytelling and music making, both at the same time.
Author and artist Damien Kane Rigden has revealed his latest literary masterpiece, All Manner of Beast & Man. This gripping horror-thriller novel takes readers on a spine-chilling journey through the intricate corridors of the human mind and the eerie landscapes of friendship under extraordinary circumstances.
Discover the latest album release from JEFF HARNAR, 'CY COLEMAN.' Immerse yourself in the timeless melodies and unforgettable performances of this must-listen project. Get your copy today and experience the magic of CY COLEMAN's music brought to life by JEFF HARNAR and his extraordinary musical guests.
Discover the captivating melodies of the HARMONY cast recording. Stream or download the soundtrack today and experience the magic of this extraordinary musical. Don't miss out on this incredible musical experience!
Tomás Pérez-Zafón has announced the release of the enchanting children's book, Trotter and the Twins: The Magic of Imagination. This heartwarming tale takes young readers on an extraordinary journey where the ordinary seamlessly blends with the fantastical, inviting them to explore the boundless realm of imagination.