New Jewish Theatre Continues Season with THE LAST OF THE RED HOT MAMAS 12/1-26

Before Madonna, before Marlene, there was the legendary Sophie Tucker, the Queen of Vaudeville and the jazz age, whose career spanned a sensational 60 years in showbiz. The Last of the Red Hot Mamas, the Sophie Tucker Revusical, an original musical about the life of the Russian-born chanteuse features many of the songs she made famous including "My Yiddishe Momme" and her signature song "Some of These Days." Tucker, born Sonia Kalish, was known for her for her bawdy sense of humor and outspoken views on men and relationships. Her legacy has influenced comediennes and singers alike for generations. During her career, which spanned over seven decades, this gutsy vaudeville entertainer found popularity and fame with self-parody and suggestive songs like "I'm the Last of the Red Hot Mamas."

Along with the production which will run from December 1 - 26, there will be an exhibit of Sophie Tucker memorabilia from the personal collection of co-writer/director Tony Parise. It will be housed in the Arts & Education building of the JCC's Staenberg Family Complex and includes signed photos, books, original sheet music and other memorabilia and items of interest. It will also include items from St. Louis' Chase Club where Tucker was a regular fixture for over three decades and where many St. Louisans had the opportunity to see her in person. The Exhibit will be open beginning Sunday, November 21 and will continue through the run of the show. There is no charge for the exhibit. For information on exhibit hours, call 314-442-3283.

The play was co-written by Tony Parise and Karin Baker. Co-author Parise, a native St. Louisan, is well known as a director/choreographer of many musicals both in New York, on tour, internationally and even here at the Muny. He is most noted for his productions of 42nd Street, Anything Goes and Me and My Girl. He received a Lucille Lortel nomination for his off-Broadway production of Pirates of Penzance. Parise will direct and choreograph the production which is conceived as a vaudeville show featuring Tucker at age 50 looking back on her life and career. It will also feature other well known names of the time such as Irving Berlin, the Howard Brothers, Nora Bayes and many others.

The role of Sophie is played by three different women who portray the singer at various times of her life from her teen years through age 50. The three Sophies are Christy Simmons, Johanna Elkana-Hale and Phoebe Raileanu. Other members of the ensemble are Laura Ackermann, Marty Casey, John Flack, Elise LaBarge, Keith Parker and Troy Turnipseed. Music Director, Henry Palkes, has assembled a 3 piece band of well known St. Louis musicians with Henry Palkes at the piano, Scott Alberici (clarinet) and Jay Hungerford (bass).

The production will run for four weeks from December 1 - 26 with performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, including a performance at 8 PM on December 25. Tickets are $28 - $40 and can be purchased through the New Jewish Theatre box office at 314-442-3283 or online at www.newjewishtheatre.org.