Sandy Hackett to Bring MY BUDDY to Kravis Center, 1/16-19

Legendary Comedian Buddy Hackett is brought to life in this live musical, theatrical production, told by the person closest to him... his son, Sandy Hackett. "MY BUDDY" premieres at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts January 16-19.

Directed by Lisa Dawn Miller, the show takes the audience on a journey that explores the deep bond between a father and son.

Sharing personal anecdotes, Sandy brilliantly captures the nuance of his father's comedic style as he reminisces about a lifetime together, including the 10 years they spent touring on the road, sharing stories and memories from the beginning days of Buddy's career, to his skyrocketing success as a movie star and night club entertainer, to being the most sought after comedian of his day - to his rule breaking, fearless comedic truth, which broke barriers paving the way for today's comedians.

"My Buddy" reveals personal, never-before-heard stories about Buddy Hackett holding court with some of his friends: Johnny Carson, George Burns, Richard Pryor, Jerry Lewis, Bob Newhart, Phyllis Diller, Milton Berle, Danny Thomas, Sid Caesar, Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Alan King, Mickey Rooney, Harvey Korman and countless more.

With the success of "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show," produced by Hackett and Miller, Sandy shares what inspired him to honor his father and his pals, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Dean Martin and tells stories of the times they shared together when they ruled the Las Vegas strip and beyond.

Through original, distinctive, humorous and poignant Hackett storytelling, "My Buddy" is funny, witty and touching as Sandy recreates some of his father's comedic moments and for the first time uncovers some interesting family drama that transpired after Buddy passed away in 2003.

"My Buddy" makes its premiere at the Kravis Center Thursday, January 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, January 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $32 and be purchased on-line at the Official Kravis Center Website www.kravis.org; in person at the Box Office located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach; or by phone 561-832-7469. Group orders of 10 or more receive a discount and may be placed by calling 561-651-4438 or 561-651-4304.

"My Buddy" will also be coming to the Berger Performing Arts in Tuscon, AZ March 8-9 and the Starbright Theatre in Las Vegas March 15-16.

Miller, the daughter of legendary Motown songwriter Ron Miller ("For Once In My Life,") in preserving her father's legacy, is working on a variety of unique projects. She is currently finishing up her latest independent CD project, Wasn't I A Good Time?, which will feature 16 songs penned by her father-including some that were never previously exploited. The collection will include "Used To Be," originally recorded by Stevie Wonder and Charlene in the early '80s, and a duet with Miller and Hackett's son, 12-year old actor and singing sensation Oliver Richman, on "Place In The Sun."

Miller is also working on a documentary on the life and musical journey of her father, who was one of the original staff songwriters at Motown. The documentary will feature interviews of insiders commenting on Miller's personal life and most popular hits.

The longest running show of its kind with dozens of national and international appearances and multiple touring casts, Hackett and Miller's hit production "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show" (www.sandysratpackontour.com) recently wrapped yet another extraordinary year of touring including performances of their hit holiday show, "Someday at Christmas" which was featured on the cover of the December 2013 issue of The Guide Greater Palm Springs http://www.palmspringslife-digital.com/palmspringslife/201312?pg=177#pg175.

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