Rita McKenzie News

Broadway's biggest luminaries both current and classic, including Ethel Merman, Frank Loesser and Zero Mostel were the featured subjects in more than 2 dozen performances and presentations aboard Crystal Cruises' 'Film and Theatre' themed voyage from San Francisco and Tinseltown to New York City from August 25 to September 13, 2011.

Reservations for the memorial performance celebrating the life of former Theatre By The Sea producer Tommy Brent, are now being accepted. The general admission seating passes can be reserved online at www.theatrebythesea.com, on the phone by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587) or in person during normal box office hours. Each individual patron will be limited to four passes.

Actress/singer Rita McKenzie accomplishes something quite rare: she channels the charisma and voice of Broadway legend Ethel Merman. This is more than just capturing the essence of a character; in McKenzie's case, it is really becoming that person. She looks like Merman, sounds like her, sings like her and has all the body movements down pat. In this latest version of Ethel Merman's Broadway, that she has been doing for some 20 years, there are some delightful additions, including a 7 piece onstage orchestra, a huge video screen and several colorful costume changes. There's also more dialogue about the 4 marriages, Merman's daughter, who died under questionable circumstances, and a more casual and realistic look at the woman, whom many feared and despised, as well as adored. Dynamic McKenzie lets it all hang out and makes us feel like we are in the presence of a star and a lady.

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.

Actress/singer Rita McKenzie accomplishes something quite rare: she channels the charisma and voice of Broadway legend Ethel Merman. This is more than just capturing the essence of a character; in McKenzie's case, it is really becoming that person. She looks like Merman, sounds like her, sings like her and has all the body movements down pat. In this latest version of Ethel Merman's Broadway, that she has been doing for some 20 years, there are some delightful additions, including a 7 piece onstage orchestra, a huge video screen and several colorful costume changes. There's also more dialogue about the 4 marriages, Merman's daughter, who died under questionable circumstances, and a more casual and realistic look at the woman, whom many feared and despised, as well as adored. Dynamic McKenzie lets it all hang out and makes us feel like we are in the presence of a star and a lady.

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!

'Ballroom With A Twist' at the El Portal Theatre drew, quite possibly, the most eclectic audience in the history of the landmark venue.

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.

There is no mistaking what Ethel Merman brought to Broadway. A gifted comedienne, an accomplished actress, and a hurricane of a personality, Merman commanded attention from every stage she stood on with pure gumption and that incredibly booming voice. You may say the same thing about Rita McKenzie, the woman who bravely steps into Merman's persona for a one-woman tribute show titled (appropriately enough) 'ETHEL MERMAN'S BROADWAY,' her hit off-Broadway musical tribute now playing at the Laguna Playhouse through September 19.

Two legendary ladies of stage and screen are headed to Laguna Beach this September for exclusive limited engagements at The Laguna Playhouse. First to arrive is ETHEL MERMAN'S BROADWAY September 8 - 19. Then it's time for Cloris Leachman in CLORIS: A ONE WOMAN SHOW September 23 - 27.

Two legendary ladies of stage and screen are headed to Laguna Beach this September for exclusive limited engagements at The Laguna Playhouse. First to arrive is ETHEL MERMAN'S BROADWAY September 8 - 19. Then it's time for Cloris Leachman in CLORIS: A ONE WOMAN SHOW September 23 - 27.

The theatrical definition of a triple threat is someone who can act, sing and dance, but Lee Roy Reams takes this definition to even greater heights by not only being a great performer, but director and choreographer as well.

BroadwayWorld's 2010 Valentine's Day gift to you, the 5th Annual 'What's the Most Romantic Broadway Love Song Ever?' brings you over 500 stars, industry professionals, and personalities from across the globe, and this year Barbra Streisand, Susan Boyle, Bernadette Peters, Cameron Mackintosh, HAIR, GLEE and many, many more!

In the Golden Age of Broadway, Ethel Merman was the Queen of Broadway. She sang all the great songs, played all the great plays and knew all the great personalities! Ethel Merman's Broadway recreates a theatrical era filled with charm, wit, personality, and most of all, wonderful music.

In the Golden Age of Broadway, Ethel Merman was the Queen of Broadway. She sang all the great songs, played all the great plays and knew all the great personalities! Ethel Merman's Broadway recreates a theatrical era filled with charm, wit, personality, and most of all, wonderful music.

ETHEL MERMAN'S BROADWAY, conceived and directed by Christopher Powich and starring Rita McKenzie, will play Detroit's Gem Theatre Beginning September 9th. The show will run through November 21.

The following is Broadway in Detroit's 2009/10 season.

It's going to be a 'Season of Firsts!' Nederlander Detroit today announced its 2009-2010 Broadway in Detroit Subscription Season along with several special shows -- and nearly every production will be making its Detroit debut!