Kiki Ebsen Presents “My Buddy: The Other Side of Oz” at El Portal Theatre

Kiki Ebsen Performs “My Buddy: The Other Side of Oz” Set for Father’s Day Weekend 2024

April 2, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) -- On this day 116 years ago, a young man named Christian Ludolf Ebsen, Jr. was born in Belleville, Illinois, as the only son in a family with four sisters. Christian would grow up to be a man who lived to sail, he served his country with pride in the U.S. Coast Guard, and he  loved music and dancing! His affable personality earned him the moniker “Buddy,” and he would come to create and sustain a career in entertainment that endured seven decades.

His legendary accomplishments spanned acting, dancing, singing, songwriting, staging theatre performances, feature motion pictures, and starring in two iconic television programs that were mainstays of the Nielsen Top 10 shows each week. Amazingly, those two programs are still showing around the world on multiple TV networks in syndication some 60+ years later since their original CBS debut. One man, so many accomplishments—the life and times of entertainer Buddy Ebsen.

For the past decade, Kiki Ebsen (his youngest of six daughters), has created and developed a multifaceted vehicle to tell the story of her father’s career. Her first entry debuted Father’s Day 2014 with her CD “Scarecrow Sessions,” a CD devoted to the music of Buddy's iconic career.

The stage show she created over the past decade is available for presentation in multiple formats (one-woman stage show to full evening intimate gatherings concerts).. For Father’s Day weekend 2024, there are two cabaret jazz performances at the Monroe Forum of the El Portal Theatre, featuring pianist Jeff Colella and his quartet. Colella also serves as Music Director.

Beyond just a cursory recounting of a rich litany of honors, awards, and achievements, “My Buddy, The Other Side of Oz” is a fun,. heartwarming opportunity to revisit the grand old days of Broadway stage, Hollywood feature film stages, television studio sets and concert halls. Come hear about “what really happened” in the life of an entertainment icon. "My Buddy" has received awards and accolades from critics and audiences alike. Father’s Day weekend is the first opportunity for fans to enjoy this performance this year.

Audiences will appreciate Kiki‘s beautiful voice and unique song styling and her tremendous skill as a natural storyteller, as she shares her father’s life — in stories and song in a fast-paced cabaret jazz show. Backed by a spectacular quartet, you can choose from Saturday, evening, June 15 from 7 – 8:30 pm or Sunday matinee, June 16 from 2 – 3pm to celebrate your dad. Bring all your friends with you for a family-friendly event that will make your dad feel special and appreciated.

Tickets are on sale now; General admission is $45 and VIP seating is $55. Call (818) 508-4200 for discounts on group sales. The Monroe Forum at the El Portal Theatre is located at 5269 Lankershim Blvd., in North Hollywood, CA 91601. For more information visit kikiebsen.com or for tickets, click here.

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"My father, Buddy Ebsen, had a remarkable run in theater, TV, and film. You probably know him as Jed Clampett or Barnaby Jones but he had a amazing career that spanned more than seven decades. Despite the complexities of our relationship, I will always treasure the moments we shared. He was a truly legendary actor who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Father's Day is a time for me to look back on the connection we had and to honor the influence he had on my life." ~~ Kiki Ebsen

“If you enjoy witty storytelling, celebrity insider nostalgia and exquisite musical arrangements, then Kiki Ebsen’s My Buddy: The Other Side of Oz was custom made for you.” ~~Cabaret Scenes