FST's SOPHIE TUCKER: LAST OF THE RED HOT MAMAS Opens this Week

FST's production of Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas opens this week at the Walnut Street Theatre. Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas was developed under the direction of FST Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, with assistance from Kathy Halenda and Jack Fournier. As one of the most successful music revues created and developed at FST, Sophie Tucker has previously been shown to audiences at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Art Station, Centre Stage, New Repertory Theatre, Invisible Theatre, The Irish Classical Theatre and many more. The show now travels to delight audiences at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director states, "I've been in discussion with Walnut Street Theatre's Artistic Director, Bernard Havard, for quite some time on this show. They became interested after the third production at Florida Studio Theatre in 2012, and it's a rewarding coincidence that 100 years ago, the real Sophie Tucker played at the Walnut Street Theatre. Starring Kathy Halenda, the production is sassy, fun and as big and bold as the real life Sophie Tucker. We're thrilled to be working together."

Known for her bawdy sense of humor and outspoken views on men and relationships, Sophie Tucker's legacy has influenced comediennes and singers alike for generations. Catapulted to fame after an arrest for lewd behavior on-stage, this gutsy vaudeville entertainer is identified by the songs "Fifty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong," "You've Gotta See Your Mama," "Give My Regards to Broadway," and, most especially, "Some of These Days," which became her signature song.

Kathy Halenda returns to take on the title role. Ms. Halenda has previously appeared in all three FST productions of Sophie Tucker, as well as No Way to Treat a Lady, Brassy Broads, Shakespeare's Greatest Hits, Inspired Lunacy, and The Robber Bridegroom. A professional actor and singer for over 25 years, Ms. Halenda has performed in over 180 productions, including 17 national tours in cities across the globe. Favorite roles include Nancy in Oliver, Mae West in Ziegfeld, Mama Rose in Gypsy, Miss Mona in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Miss Hannigan in Annie and the title roles in Mame, Hello, Dolly, Evita and Annie Get Your Gun. The New York Daily News called her "a red hot mama" and The Village Voice called her "an Ethel Merman style diva".

Sophie Tucker will run through December 29, at the Walnut Street Theatre. Single tickets range from $35-$45 and may be purchased online at www.walnutstreettheatre.org or by calling (215) 574-3550.