The Great White Way seems to be buzzing lately with rumors about potential recreations of iconic characters that include that of Streisand mounting Merman's GYPSY, LuPone channeling Channing's DOLLY, and the as yet to be announced contender for Lansbury's MAME. While other's are talking the talk about these legendary characters, Rita McKenzie is walking the walk as her highly promoted 'Pre-Broadway Engagement' of ETHEL MERMAN's BROADWAY opened this weekend in Los Angeles at the historic El Portal Theatre.
On January 16, 1964 theatergoers at the St. James Theatre first experienced what was to become perhaps the most memorable scene in musical comedy, when the curtains part atop the stairs of the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant and Dolly Levi appears in her red Freddy Wittop gown to begin her descent to 'rejoin the human race.' Forty-seven years (not to mention over 5,000 performances) later and 3,000 miles away, patrons of the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles were able to revisit a little bit of theatrical history as Jerry Herman's first Dolly, Ms. Carol Channing, again entered through parting red curtains and took the stage wearing her original 1964 gown in celebration of her 90th birthday.
Join Emcee Bruce Vilanch, Davis Gaines and former HELLO DOLLY!, DOLLY's Carole Cook, JoAnne Worley and evening's host Phyllis Diller and others as they come together to honor Broadway's original DOLLY with memories, humorous storytelling and, of course, several of her signature tunes. An unplugged evening that follows a simple format, as the Los Angeles theatrical community features three time TONY Award-winner CAROL CHANNING on center stage to celebrate her 90th birthday with one of their highly acclaimed concert series entitled MUSICAL MONDAYS - A series of Cabaret events in the lobby of the historic Pantages Theatre. Produced by John Bowab and Martin Wiviott, the intimate concerts has featured some of theatre's finest performers including Brian Stokes Mitchell, Melissa Manchester, Peter Gallagher, Valarie Pettiford, Alice Ripley, Emily Skinner, Sam Harris and Stephen Schwartz. Proceeds from this evenings benefit will go towards The Dr. Channing/ Kullijian Foundation for the Arts and The Actors Fund's comprehensive programs and services.
Rita McKenzie, one of Broadway, Hollywood and television's most versatile actresses, returns to Southern California in her internationally acclaimed tour de force show, ETHEL MERMAN'S BROADWAY, which re-creates the life and times of Ethel Merman, the Queen of Broadway's Golden Age.
Rita McKenzie, one of Broadway, Hollywood and television's most versatile actresses, returns to Southern California in her internationally acclaimed tour de force show, ETHEL MERMAN'S BROADWAY, which re-creates the life and times of Ethel Merman, the Queen of Broadway's Golden Age.
From the Cast of ANYTHING GOES and SPIDER-MAN, to the Ladies of THE VIEW, Raul Esparza, Barbra Streisand, Alan Menken, Bernadette Peters, Susan Boyle, Kelsey Grammer, GLEE and everyone in between...it's the BroadwayWorld.com 2011 Valentine's Day Special! Its Biggest Ever!
The year 1921 was a busy one. Albert Einstein was lecturing in New York about his new Theory of Relativity, Charlie Chaplin's movie The Kid was released, Babe Ruth became the all time HR champ with #120, New York's Walter Kerr Theater opened, Turkey made peace with Armenia, President Harding dedicated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery, Eugene O'Neill's Anna Christie received its premiere on the Great White Way and on January 31st in California, Broadway legend Carol Channing was born. That's right. This inimical Broadway personality is celebrating her 90th birthday these days!
The Kennedy Center production of Barrio Grrrl! begins a national tour on Saturday, January 22, 2011 as part of the Center's 18th Theater for Young Audiences on Tour series for young people and their families. The three-month tour of school and public performances will travel to 17 cities in 13 states from January 22, 2011 to April 16, 2011.
Join Emcee Bruce Vilanch, Davis Gaines and former HELLO DOLLY!, DOLLY's Carole Cook, JoAnne Worley and evening's host Phyllis Diller and others as they come together to honor Broadway's original DOLLY with memories, humorous storytelling and, of course, several of her signature tunes. An unplugged evening that follows a simple format, as the Los Angeles theatrical community features three time TONY Award-winner CAROL CHANNING on center stage to celebrate her 90th birthday with one of their highly acclaimed concert series entitled MUSICAL MONDAYS - A series of Cabaret events in the lobby of the historic Pantages Theatre. Produced by John Bowab and Martin Wiviott, the intimate concerts has featured some of theatre's finest performers including Brian Stokes Mitchell, Melissa Manchester, Peter Gallagher, Valarie Pettiford, Alice Ripley, Emily Skinner, Sam Harris and Stephen Schwartz. Proceeds from this evenings benefit will go towards The Dr. Channing/ Kullijian Foundation for the Arts and The Actors Fund's comprehensive programs and services.
The Kennedy Center production of Barrio Grrrl! begins a national tour on Saturday, January 22, 2011 as part of the Center's 18th Theater for Young Audiences on Tour series for young people and their families. The three-month tour of school and public performances will travel to 17 cities in 13 states from January 22, 2011 to April 16, 2011.
On Thursday, January 6th, the Broadway Smash Hit HAIR celebrated its Los Angeles Premiere! Celebrities from the worlds of Broadway, film and television 'Let The Sunshine In' on the red carpet at the Pantages Theatre.
Rita McKenzie, one of Broadway, Hollywood and television's most versatile actresses, returns to Southern California in her internationally acclaimed tour de force show, ETHEL MERMAN'S BROADWAY, which re-creates the life and times of Ethel Merman, the Queen of Broadway's Golden Age.
Host JIM CARUSO and musical director/pianist BILLY STRITCH are delighted to announce their return to THE MAGIC CASTLE for TWO nights, Wednesday and Thursday, December 8 and 9.
Peter Mayer, Billboard charting composer and guitarist from Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer, Spiritus vocal ensemble and Voices in Unity, the 85 member choir of Unity of New York, will present their 10th anniversary concert of Stars and Promises - The Story of Christmas at Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street on Thursday, December 9th at 7:30 PM. Peter Mayer whose music has topped the charts created, 'Stars and Promises' with his brother Jim Mayer 10 years ago. This is a celebration of that anniversary and introduces into it Spiritus, the close harmony vocal ensemble whose self titled album was recently released and Voices in Unity the Unity of New York choir whose musical diversity includes selections ranging from Gospel to Broadway and Pop to Jazz.
Songwriter Peter Mayer, lead guitarist of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, with musical guests Spiritus vocal ensemble and Voices in Unity, the 80 member choir of Unity of New York, will present the tenth anniversary presentation of Stars and Promises - The Story of Christmas at The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, on Thursday, December 9th at 7:30 PM.
Host JIM CARUSO and musical director/pianist BILLY STRITCH are delighted to announce their return to THE MAGIC CASTLE for TWO nights, Wednesday and Thursday, December 8 and 9.
Cabaret at the Castle has proven there is indeed a market for cabaret in Los Angeles over the last month, with crowds flocking to performances by Sharon McNight in 'RED HOT MAMA,' Jake Broder in 'HIS HIPNESS LORD BUCKLEY,' and Edward Sayegh's 'A NIGHT OF RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 2.'
Host JIM CARUSO and musical director/pianist BILLY STRITCH are delighted to announce their return to THE MAGIC CASTLE for TWO nights, Wednesday and Thursday, December 8 and 9.
Election Day Special Event Premieres THE SARAH PALIN ELECTION DAY MUSICAL SPECTACULAR! Tuesday, November 2 at The Laurie Beechman Theatre also featuring Levi Johnston & Christine O'Donnell
