Ann Southern News

Ken Berry, a much-loved actor, and dancer died Saturday at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.

It was apparent on reviewer's night of 'Hello Dolly,' which is starting its national tour in Cleveland, that many of the audience, which was awash in red clothing, had heard of the 'wear David Merrick red' to productions of this script. David Merrick red?

On May 20, The Camelot Theatre in Palm Springs previewed an incredible new documentary, 'The Show Goes On', about the life and career of Broadway, Film and Television Icon Kaye Ballard to a 'more than full house'. In fact, two theatres were opened for the screening since demand far exceeded the number of seats in the main house. With her typically self-deprecating humor, Ms. Ballard proclaims herself 'The Greatest Star You Hardly Knew', and the beautifully constructed 90 minute film details her extraordinary accomplishments from Broadway's 'Carnival', 'The Golden Apple', 'Molly' and 'Pirates Of Penzance' to her stellar nightclub, film and television career including 'The Doris Day Show' and the beloved and  iconic 'Mother's In Law' with Eve Arden. It highlights the extraordinary talents of Ms. Ballard and doesn't shy away from the disappointments and challenges along the way, featuring interviews with Woody Allen, Carol Channing, Hal Prince, Carol Burnett, Michael Feinstein, Joy Behar and more. Hal Prince boldly states 'if Kaye Ballard had been cast as the mother in 'Gypsy,' 'she would have made history.' I had the chance to visit with Ms. Ballard at her home on 'Kaye Ballard Lane' in Rancho Mirage (the home formerly owned by her friend and TV director, Desi Arnaz) to talk about the film and more. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation:

Mame, starring stage icon Angela Lansbury opened on Broadway 50 years ago this year - and in celebration, members of the company, including Lansbury, will gather for a 50th Anniversary Celebration at Sardi's on May 26. Other cast appearances have yet to be confirmed.