Valarie Pettiford News

In response to the devastating events in Japan, producers Patty Onagan and Ronn Goswick have announced Rebuild Japan: A Benefit Concert at The Pasadena Playhouse, a one-night-only event on Monday, April 4 at 7:30pm.

The 27th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event-S.T.A.G.E.-will be dedicated to the memory of musical-comedy star and long-time Event Co-Chair Betty Garrett who died Saturday at the age of 91. ORIGINAL CAST 2, a musical celebration showcasing artists from theatre, television and cabaret performing songs they originated in musical productions, will take place for one-night-only on Saturday, April 2. Garrett, who appeared in 22 previous S.T.A.G.E events, was preparing to perform a number in this year's show from 'Something for the Boys,' in which she appeared on Broadway in 1943 with Ethel Merman. A musical retrospective honoring Garrett is now being planned as part of this year's show.

In response to the devastating events in Japan, producers Patty Onagan and Ronn Goswick have announced Rebuild Japan: A Benefit Concert at The Pasadena Playhouse, a one-night-only event on Monday, April 4 at 7:30pm.

The 27th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event-S.T.A.G.E.-has added Tony winner Tyne Daly to the lineup for this year's show entitled ORIGINAL CAST 2.

Show at Barre invites you to experience the soundtrack of a modern motion picture master. FOR THE RECORD: Baz Luhrmann celebrates the music from The Red Curtain Trilogy- Luhrmann's homage to the major theatrical conventions of Dance, Poetry and Song -STRICTLY BALLROOM, ROMEO + JULIET and MOULIN ROUGE. Playlist includes hit songs such as Lovefool, Kissing You, When Doves Cry, Love Is In The Air, Time After Time, Come What May, Your Song, Roxanne, Children Of The Revolution, Rhythm Of The Night and many more. Tracie Thoms joins the cast this Saturday, March 5th.

'Jazz & Cocktails' - the only weekly column in the SF Bay Area devoted to cabaret & nightlife - announced its Top 2010 Artists in a variety of categories. Found in the GLBT weekly paper San Francisco Bay Times, 'Jazz & Cocktails - the Lush Cabaret Life' is written by Mike Ward, a Bay Area director/choreographer and arts feature writer. A Facebook presence exists for the column, as does Twitter: LushCabaretLife.

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 27th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event-S.T.A.G.E.-will be dedicated to the memory of musical-comedy star and long-time Event Co-Chair Betty Garrett who died Saturday at the age of 91. ORIGINAL CAST 2, a musical celebration showcasing artists from theatre, television and cabaret performing songs they originated in musical productions, will take place for one-night-only on Saturday, April 2. Garrett, who appeared in 22 previous S.T.A.G.E events, was preparing to perform a number in this year's show from 'Something for the Boys,' in which she appeared on Broadway in 1943 with Ethel Merman. A musical retrospective honoring Garrett is now being planned as part of this year's show.

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.

'Jazz & Cocktails' - the only weekly column in the SF Bay Area devoted to cabaret & nightlife - announced its Top 2010 Artists in a variety of categories. Found in the GLBT weekly paper San Francisco Bay Times, 'Jazz & Cocktails - the Lush Cabaret Life' is written by Mike Ward, a Bay Area director/choreographer and arts feature writer. A Facebook presence exists for the column, as does Twitter: LushCabaretLife.

Theo Bikel and the Los Angeles theatrical community joined Tony Award Winner John Lloyd Young along with Musical Director Michael Orland as they took center stage for the Actors Fund concert series entitled MUSICAL MONDAYS, a series of Cabaret events in the lobby of the historic Pantages Theatre on December 13th.

Stage and screen legend, Theodore Bikel, was on hand to introduce his colleague, friend and Tony Award Winner John Lloyd Young to the Los Angeles theatrical community for the Actors Fund concert series entitled MUSICAL MONDAYS, held in the lobby of the historic Pantages Theatre, where WESTSIDE STORY is currently playing.

Join host, Theo Bikel and the Los Angeles theatrical community as Tony Award Winner John Lloyd Young along with Musical Director Michael Orland take center stage for the Actors Fund 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 Actors Fund's comprehensive programs and services.

A winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a national treasure, Chita Rivera made her annual pilgrimage to Birdland for four very special concerts this past weekend. Of course, the theatrical community showed up to celebrate the ultimate singer/dancer, including Cherry Jones, Stephanie J. Block, Phyllis Newman, Tommy Tune, John McDaniel, David Cromer, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Billy Stritch, Rob Bowman, Louis St. Louis, Gerald McCullouch, Valarie Pettiford, Erich Bergen, Eric Ulloa, and Women on the Verge cast members Laura Benanti, Nikka Lanzarone, Justin Guarini, and Mary Beth Peil. The concerts were part of the Broadway at Birdland series, which celebrate performers and composers from the Great White Way.

"Who The F*#! Are These Guys," The Songs of Ron Abel & Chuck Steffan With Special Guests Lucie Arnaz & Valarie Pettiford plays BIRDLAND Monday, November 22 at 7pm

Join host, Theo Bikel and the Los Angeles theatrical community as Tony Award Winner John Lloyd Young along with Musical Director Michael Orland take center stage for the Actors Fund 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 Actors Fund's comprehensive programs and services.

One of the most beloved and enduring characters in the history of American popular culture is aiming to finally make her way to the Broadway stage. Hazel - the saucy maid whose wry attitude, infallible wisdom and heart of gold has captured the hearts of millions for more than 60 years - will be in the spotlight again in an exciting new Broadway musical with music by composer Ron Abel and lyrics by Chuck Steffan. The veteran duo has acquired the rights to Hazel from the estate of creator Ted Key and are hoping to bring the show to the Great White Way in 2011.

"Who The F*#! Are These Guys," The Songs of Ron Abel & Chuck Steffan With Special Guests Lucie Arnaz & Valarie Pettiford plays BIRDLAND Monday, November 22 at 7pm

In celebration of its tenth anniversary, weSPARK, the cancer support center founded by actress Wendie Jo Sperber and serving the greater Los Angeles area with free services for cancer patients and their families, presents 'Broadway Tonight!' at the historic 2200-seat Alex Theatre Performing Arts and Entertainment Center in Glendale on October 4.

Last week the Adrienne Arsht Center was honored to host the Miami premiere of BABALU, Lucie Arnaz's loving tribute to the music of her father, Desi Arnaz.