Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: July 20, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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A TALK SHOW ERA DESERVES TO END

To every season . . . turn, turn, turn . . . So sang Peter Paul and Mary.

For more than 50 years the late night television talk shows brought information and laughter into the homes of people about to doze off.

There were only three television channels, and the internet wasn't a part of your life.

Late night television talk show hosts set the tenure for society. They became our go to informational specialists and purveyors of social norms. They opened the door permitting us to laugh at others and ourselves. Nothing was mean spirited.

Talk shows played a crucial role in shaping television culture and public discourse, providing a platform for both entertainment and serious discussions.

Those who created the format had their own style and interests. What they had in common was paying attention to and respecting their audiences. Even if they were king of the hill they acted self effacing, coy, even, in some cases, down right cute.

Each talk show host had their own style.

Jack Paar

Jack Paar's monologues were known for connecting on a personal level. Common monologue topics were about his wife, Miriam, and daughter, Randy. Stories often concluding with the catchphrase, "I kid you not". On-air disputes with figures such as gossip columnist Walter Winchell and host Ed Sullivan were discussed. Serious issues and political commentary were also addressed. The entertainment world was discussed, sometimes including views on media censorship.

David Letterman

David Letterman's monologues were known for a blend of humor, sometimes surreal and observational. He began as a smart mouth. After his heart surgery and birth of his son he mellowed.

His humor often came from highlighting the mundane things that happen to people, including himself. He wasn't afraid to poke fun at himself, his looks, or his show. Letterman's ability to observe and comment on the nuances of human behavior was a staple of his monologues. His signature bit, however, was the Top 10 List, which often served as a humorous highlight within the monologue structure or as a separate segment, featuring various themes and guest appearances.

Jay Leno

Jay Leno's monologues on The Tonight Show were known for their topical humor, often focusing on current events and public figures.

Political jokes were a staple of Leno's monologues. His most frequent targets included former presidents and presidential hopefuls. Leno frequently targeted Bill Clinton, dedicating roughly one out of every ten jokes to the former President during his tenure, according to "The Hollywood Reporter." George W. Bush was also a popular subject of Leno's humor. The former Vice President Al Gore also frequently appeared in Leno's monologues. Hillary Clinton was another prominent political figure targeted by Leno's jokes. Other political figures included O.J. Simpson, Dick Cheney, Michael Jackson, Monica Lewinsky, and Bob Dole.

However, Leno was intelligent not mean spirited.

Late-night wars between David Letterman and Jay Leno reshaped the landscape.

Johnny Carson

Johnny Carson, known as the "King of Late Night," touched on a wide range of topics. Carson regularly satirized current events, lampooning politicians, celebrities, and social trends. His monologues offered a unique, often comedic, perspective on the day's news. His humor also touched on relatable aspects of everyday life, like the weather (often leading to the audience's call-and-response of "How hot was it?").

While Carson didn't shy away from topical humor, he generally avoided explicitly sharing his personal political views during the show, believing it would detract from his role as an entertainer. He also typically refrained from inviting political figures onto the show, as he didn't want it to become a political forum.

He was cute and coy. He could be devastating with expressions. When tele-evangelist Jimmy Swaggart with tears streaming down his face confessed to have sinned -"I have sinned against you my Lord" and asked for forgiveness from his wife, his son and Jesus, Carson's expression spoke volumes.

In his professional life Carson never badgered anyone to lockstep into his opinions.

He followed NBC's corporate rules. One floor of the building was the legal floor, home to hundreds of legal eagles. To be admitted and work one's way up to the person or department you wanted had a format. In all of the years he was there only one time did Carson ever barge into the top lawyer's office. Carson was madder that he'd ever been in his entire life and with good reason. The top legal eagle agreed.

While Carson was respectful of the hierarchy rules in place, others were less respectful of him. I can think of two specific occurrences where employees sloughed off Carson at a time when he needed a support system.

Just because you're the king maker doesn't mean you can't be taken for granted.

Carson was NBC's cash cow.

The money Carson made for NBC was obscene. Money is the key word. More specifically - profit. What current talk show hosts seem to have forgotten is that they don't own the network, the network owns them. It is the host's responsibility to make the show profitable for the network. Show has "business" after it and the importance of that word shouldn't be forgotten.

Talk Show hosts themselves become filthy rich.
Today is a different era and it's time to say good-buy to that old talk show format. By the time a topic hits the evening's talk show it's be done to death. Topics on late night talk shows are old news.

Stephen Colbert

So Stephen Colbert got fired. The real question should be what took them so long. Originally Colbert had The Colbert Report in which he played an ultra conservative host. It was hilarious, timely and jabbed in a non threatening way. I was a serious fan.

Then Colbert moved to CBS and faulted in playing himself. He was awkward and the ratings were poor. Had not a man named Donald Trump come on the scene Colbert wouldn't have lasted a year.

Trump was the blood that Colbert needed to force him out of his shell. No doubt Colbert is a charming, quiet, polite gent; the type you'd like to have as a neighbor or friend. But on stage with Trump in his target Colbert turns into a barracuda. And it goes on and on and on. The same diatribe. It's like one long show. Gotten to the point where I don't watch the first part and then turn into the show to eye ball the guests.

If there are some who would prefer a conservative talk show host - one that everyone knows and loves - he's been hanging around for decades.

The Pat Sajak Show was an American late-night television talk show that aired on CBS from January 9, 1989, to April 13, 1990.

The show was hosted by Pat Sajak, best known as host of the game show Wheel of Fortune. Personally, Sajak is so ram rod conservative that you fear if you bent him, he'd snap.

Sajak who is better than bright, quick witted and naturally funny, was hired by Michael Brockman, them the CBS vice-president for daytime, children's and late-night programming, who wanted to have a late-night talk show established when Johnny Carson eventually announced his retirement from NBC's The Tonight Show. Pat Sajak would become the new Johnny Carson. You just read that correctly.

Today is a totally different era than 10, 30 or 50 years ago. Fifty years down the road what is popular now will be gone and probably forgotten. In the meantime, late night talk shows are desperately holding onto the past. Let go.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

THE GIANNI VERSACE RETROSPECTIVE

Gianni Versace Retrospective

is being celebrated in a new London exhibition featuring more than 450 rare and vintage Versace pieces, including items worn by celebrities such as Princess Diana, Elton John, and Kate Moss.' It will be at the Arches London Bridge until March 2026.

"With this retrospective, we celebrate the exceptional Italian designer Gianni Versace, a visionary far beyond being the founder of a fashion brand," explain the exhibition organizers. "He was both a reflection of the rapid developments of his time and a driving force who brought those changes to life, who also amplified their impact."

The exhibition, situation within the iconic brick arches underneath London bridge station, is the UK’s largest retrospective dedicated to Gianni Versace and features many items that have never been displayed in the UK before, as many of the pieces have been curated from private collectors around Europe, including Antonio Caravano, Rossella Catapano, Franco Jacassi, Salvatore Alderuccio, and Doris Brugger, who have been collecting his clothing for decades and preserving it for posterity.

Curator Karl von der Ahe from Dreamrealizer said in a statement: "Bringing this retrospective to London feels especially meaningful. Gianni Versace’s bold, unapologetic vision revolutionised fashion, and this city, so rich in creativity and cultural influence, provides the perfect stage to celebrate his legacy." The retrospective opens with a spotlight on Gianni Versace’s love of daring and colourful prints, featuring an array of silk shirts from the wardrobe of Elton John, in a homage to both the designer’s affection for ostentatious design and his signature Barocco print and his friendship with the British singer, who collected every silk shirt designed by Gianni Versace.

The exhibition then focuses on Gianni Versace’s Italian heritage, how motifs from Italian cultural history and Catholicism inspired his work, such as neo-barque patterns and religious artifacts, spotlighted by a beaded and embroidered crucifix leather jacket from autumn/winter 1991/92, before stepping into his workspace, highlighting his interactive collaborative design process with a studio filled with rolls of fabrics, samples, buttons, studs and pins, as well as sketches featuring handwritten notes from the designer and Kodak photo prints, showing the designer’s hands-on approach to his fashion.

As well as highlighting Gianni Versace’s design talent, the exhibition also spotlights how the Italian designer was a brand maker, elevating the House of Versace with his glamorous and provocative take through marketing, by tapping world-renowned photographers, such as Richard Avedon and booking models like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell for his campaigns and shows. It also shows how he expanded from apparel to accessories, homeware, and fragrances, as well as gold jewellery, which predominantly featured the Versace Medusa icon, highlighting his bold fusion of luxury and classic symbolism to create a full lifestyle brand.

A focal point of the London iteration is the collections from spring/summer 1988 through to autumn/winter 1997, which are curated in chronological order, sharing iconic visual moments from the designer’s 19 years with his label. From the sharp tailoring and bold colour and print combinations of the 1980s to the theatrical opulence of his early 1990s aesthetic, spotlighting his vision of power and glamour, and his final collection before his untimely death.

The statement room within the exhibition is dedicated to Gianni Versace’s relationship with Britain, spotlighting his relationships with stars such as Princess Diana, Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Naomi Campbell, and Kate Moss, indicating how his fashion crossed over into popular culture, music and art, as well as how he helped the rise of the supermodel. Key looks that each star wore are spotlighted alongside photographs, editorial coverage and original catwalk footage.

His love of British style was highlighted with the introduction of safety pins into his so-called ‘bondage collection,’ which drew inspiration from the British punk scene and became an iconic element of his work. The Versace safety pin look became part of popular culture in the 1990s when Liz Hurley wore a black evening dress precariously held together at the side with large kilt pins to the premiere of "Four Weddings and A Funeral", catapulting not only Versace into the mainstream but also the actress.

Liz Koravos, managing director of Arches London Bridge, said in a statement: "As a genius of his time, it’s fascinating to see these incredible collections assembled under the curved arches of the venue. Gianni Versace ties to so much in modern culture, and his legacy is enduring, a mark of a talented designer.

"Versace was a pioneer in collaborative art, something that is commonplace these days. The crossover between fashion, music, pop culture, fine art, antiquities, sculpture and the rise of the supermodel is all encapsulated in his work. The biggest collection of vintage Versace to ever visit the UK will give visitors a kaleidoscopic view of the 90’s."

AMAURY GUICHON

Guichon and his creation.

is a French-Swiss pastry chef and chocolatier known for his pastry designs and chocolate sculptures. Recently he was honored to be part of the FIFA World Club Cup 2025. For the special occasion he crafted a gigantic cleat and soccer ball made of nearly 90 pounds of chocolate and over 5-feet long.

This 'sweet; work of art is a one-of-a-kind creation, designed and crafted by Guichon as part of a collaboration with BEYOND Hospitality, especially for the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

This divine creation was a showstopper and added to the buzz and excitement of the highly anticipated Club World Cup Final which ended in a Chelsea victory over PSG.

Next year's FIFA World Club Cub takes place in Las Vegas.

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SPREADING THE WORD

SEAN HAYES brings his Tony Award-winning performance to the Barbican stage in Good Night, Oscar.

Performances Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Barbican in London.

It’s 1958, and Jack Paar hosts the hottest late-night talk-show on television. His favorite guest? Character actor, pianist, and wild card Oscar Levant. Famous for his witty one-liners, Oscar has a favorite: "There’s a fine line between genius and insanity; I have erased this line."

Oscar proved just that when he appeared live on national TV in an episode that Paar’s audience—and the rest of America—won’t soon forget.

Hayes' portrayal is also unforgettable. Terrific, startling, captivating - must be seen.

WAYNE ALLEN CELEBRATED THE 13th ANNIVERSARY OF OWNING AND OPERATING THE HISTORIC NORTH THEATRE IN DANVILLE, VA by waking up in a hospital room. He expauined: "I had rotator cuff surgery at the Sovah Health hospital here in Danville Virginia. When I woke up in the recovery room I was greeted by a friendly and pretty nurse named Samantha Stanfield. She said, "Wayne it’s good to see you. Do you remember me?" I responded that she looked familiar, but I really couldn't place her. She said, "I was your magician's assistant 10 years ago at the Historic North Theatre here in Danville. You sawed me in half numerous times." She even showed me the picture on her phone of her sawed in half. Once I recognized her we chatted and caught up with each other. I remember her bubbly personality and that she always had a good sense of humor. As she walked away I think I may have overheard her saying to the other nurses, "OK, let's take him back in the operating room and I want to saw him in half."

EPIC PLAYERS THEATRE New York's Premiere Neurodiverse Theater Company presents a concert presentation of "504: A New Musical" on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Joe’s Pub at The Public.

"504: The Musical", by Abbie Goldberg and Mason McDowell, is a fictionalized account of the 1977 San Francisco sit-in that led to civil rights for Disabled people. This ensemble piece focuses on the relationships between the protesters—including a protective mother and her Deaf son, loving but polarized brothers, a budding romance between a closeted protester and the lead community organizer, a Black Panther, and an aspiring artist. For 26 days the protestors fight through stigmatization, bomb threats, internalized ableism, and an unfair media, until they eventually triumph in D.C.—all set to a soulful score inspired by 1970s R&B and Pop.

The Neurodivergent and Disabled cast of artists includes Miranda Holliday, Meredith Aleigha Wells, Hunter Hollingsworth (Broadway: How to Dance in Ohio), Conor Tague (Broadway: How to Dance in Ohio), Alexander Reeves, Carly Hayes, Emy Ramos, Gianluca Cirafici, Jocelyn Elena Stout, Laisha Gonzalez, Nada Smith, Joel Chapman, and Sam Langshteyn. The show is directed by Travis Burbee and Music Directed by Mason McDowell, with Producing Director Aubrie Therrien and Operations Director, Talia Eapen. The performance is supported by EPIC Access Coordinator, Jamie Rose Hays.

This concert is made possible in part by the support of: The Brooklyn Arts Council, The New York State Council for the Arts, The Howard Gilman Foundation, The Butler Foundation, and The NYC Cultural Development Fund.

SONGBOOK SUNDAYS created and hosted by Deborah Grace Winer celebrating the American Songbook will continue at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club with Come Fly with Jimmy Van Heusen on Sunday, August 3rd.

Come Fly With Jimmy Van Heusen celebrates the hit songwriter who made Sinatra swing and put the croon in Crosby. This Songbook Sundays spins out Van Heusen hits from Swingin’ on a Star to Call Me Irresponsible, Darn that Dream to Here’s that Rainy Day, Come Fly with Me and more.

The set features Tony nominee Christine Andreas, acclaimed jazz singer Gabrielle Stravelli, with rising star David Marino and acclaimed singer-pianist Billy Stritch, as the evening’s Music Director.

The intergenerational band of all-stars features Mark McLean on drums, Caylen Bryant on bass, and Jarien Jaminila on saxophone.

With some breezy stories for a sizzling night, it’s a midsummer party.

Ms. Winer said: "With Dizzy’s Songbook Sundays, we wanted to make a community where we can come in from the wild world outside and revel in each other’s company—audience and performers together. We’re so grateful the series has become that destination to be part of that bi-monthly, uplifting jazz party."

A MILITARY MUSICAL SPECTACULAR - HEROES took place July 15-17th in London. With Anne, The Princess Royal in attendance the Military Musical Spectacular, "Heroes"! was presented with over 250 people involved in a world-class display of British military pageantry and artistic excellence.

The iconic Massed Bands of the Guards Division, resplendent in their bearskin caps and scarlet tunics join forces with The Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra, the mounted State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and Pipes and Drums of The London Scottish Regiment perform for their annual display of pomp and pageantry.

They were also excited to welcome the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace this year, in a rare and exclusive combined display of horse drawn state coaches and cars.

With guest appearances from Golden Globe and Emmy award nominated actor, Hugh Bonneville, and an extra special live performance from international award-winning singer-songwriter Matt Goss. Lead singer of the iconic UK band BROS, the youngest artist to sell out Wembley Stadium and holding the record for the longest Vegas residency by a UK artist, Matt Goss has sold more than 17 million records worldwide. Accompanied by the musicians of the Household Division, he performed his powerful and moving new charity single ‘Not Forgotten’ in support of the military and veteran community.

Princess Anne, 74, was a fashion show stopper seen wearing a flattering wrap dress in a silky midnight blue material featuring a subtle paisley print. The knee-skimming number also featured long sleeves and a ruffle across the skirt and showed off her great figure.

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THEATER HALL OF FAME has announced the eight member class of 2025. Listed alphabetically, they are: mentor-playwright Anne Bogart, producer Rocco Landesman, director Kenny Leon, actor Rebecca Luker, director-choreographer Kathleen Marshall, costume designer Paul Tazewell, actor Richard Thomas and theater servant Tom Viola.

Minimum requirements for consideration are at least five major American stage credits, including Broadway, off-Broadway and regional (but not including tours from abroad or screen credits), spread over a career of at least 25 years. The electorate is members of the Hall and of the American Theatre Critics/Journalists Association. Executive Producer is Terry Hodge Taylor. At an induction ceremony will be held this fall.

2025 Hall of Fame Members:

Mentor-playwright Anne Bogart could also be listed as a director, teacher and theorist. She is co-founder of the SITI Company which, along with her books, has developed the Viewpoints techniques, huge influences on recent generations of theater students and practitioners.

Producer Rocco Landesman mainly works at the other end of New York theater, as a vibrant creator on Broadway. He produced "Big River," "Into the Woods," "Angels in America, "The Producers" and, as co-owner of Jujamcyn Theatres, earned dozens of Tonys. He was also chair of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Director Kenny Leon (also performer, producer, writer) was Artistic Director of the Alliance Theater in Atlanta where he founded the True Colors Theatre. On Broadway, he directed three August Wilson plays along with a dozen more, including "A Raisin in the Sun" (Tony), "Othello" and "Purlie Victorious."

Actor Rebecca Luker (died in 2020) made her Broadway debut in "Phantom of the Opera," was Tony-nominated in "Music Man" (2000), "Mary Poppins" and "Show Boat" (1994), and also starred in "The Secret Garden" and "The Sound of Music," along with replacement leads and a many starring roles regionally.

Kathleen Marshall started as a Broadway choreographer and Artistic Director of Encores!, then won Tonys as director and/or choreographer of "Wonderful Town," "Pajama Game" and "Anything Goes" and was Tony-nominated for "Nice Work If You Can Get It," Grease" and "Kiss Me Kate," among more Broadway shows.

Paul Tazewell became widely known winning a Tony for "Hamilton," after winning nine Tony nominations, among them for "Bring in 'Da Noise," "Color Purple" and "In the Heights," while designing 18 more Broadway shows, including "Raisin in the Sun" and "Caroline, or Change."

Actor Richard Thomas made his Broadway debut in "Sunrise at Campobello" in 1958. A Broadway regular ("Front Page," "Democracy," "Our Town"), he won a Tony nomination in "Little Foxes" (2017). He has also been a star across the country ("Peer Gynt," "Richard II" and "III," "To Kill a Mockingbird").

Tom Viola retired in 2024 after 36 years as passionate leader of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, helping the theater survive the pandemics of AIDS and COVID-19. He raised more than $300 million, sending $142 million to The Actors Fund and $170 million to some 450 country-wide organizations. Among other awards, he won a 2010 Tony Honor for Excellence.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

QUEEN CAMILLA

Queen Camilla with Moley. Photo: Chris Jackson.

who turned a youthful 78 last Thursday. Several new photographs were released including one with her latest fur baby, Moley. That guy she married, King Charles, knows to never forget his wife's birthday and gifted the love of his life with a new royal title.

The monarch formally bestowed the coveted title of Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom to his wife Wednesday — the day before her natal day.

The move is an unprecedented one, as Her Majesty now becomes the first woman to hold the title, which can only be appointed by a sovereign.

Other celebrations included gun salutes fired at Tower Hill in London and The Royal Lancers celebrated Her Majesty Queen Camilla's birthday at Edinburgh Castle.



SCREWBALL COMEDY by Norm Foster.

Directed by Emily Oriold.

It's 1938 and Mary Hayes (Zoë O’Connor) has big dreams, sharp elbows, and absolutely no patience for being told “no.” Eager to crash the boys' club of big-city journalism, she storms into the office of crusty Editor-in-Chief Bosco Godfrey (Courtenay Stevens), interrupting a heated reprimand aimed at his top reporter, Jeff Kincaid (Tyler Rive). Jeff’s charm has worn thin, his deadlines are a disaster, and Bosco’s ready to give him the boot. Enter a golden opportunity: the society wedding of the year—starring none other than the son of newspaper owner, Delores Diddle (Claire Jullien). Bosco throws down the gauntlet. Jeff and Mary will both cover the event. If Jeff delivers a standout story, he gets to keep his job, but if Mary outshines him, the position is hers. And keep an eye out for Lucky, our Foster pup, who makes a welcome return to The Foster Festival stage!

The creatives are Kristen Alter is the Assistant Director. Beckie Morris, Set Designer. Alex Amini, Costume Designer. Alex Sykes, Lighting Designer.

This homage to the zany screwball comedies of the 1930s, is full of snappy dialogue, outrageous characters, and one of Foster's funniest!

Performances Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, St. Catharines.

DECEIVED by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson. Adapted from "Gaslight" by Patrick Hamilton.

Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg.

Bella Manningham’s new husband seems the doting partner, but when she sees the gaslights dim and he claims they have not, she begins to suspect the strange occurrences aren’t just in her head.

"Deceived is a psychological thriller that delivers suspense, melodrama, and a jolt of theatrical fun," said Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. "Based on the classic play "Gaslight", which inspired the famous film and placed a new word in our lexicon, "Deceived" is about the lies we tell each other, and ourselves, in the name of love. Stylish and stunning, it’s given a breathtaking production by the Globe’s dear friend Delicia Turner Sonnenberg and her team of first-rate collaborators. "Deceived" is a great night of theatre—an edge-of-your seat delight. I’m so happy to have it anchoring our summer season."

The cast includes Brittany Bellizeare as Bella, Maggie Carneyas Elizabeth, Kennedy Tolson as Nancy, and Travis Van Winkleas Jack.

Deceived understudies include Morgan Carberry (u/s Elizabeth) and Liliana Talwatte (u/s Bella and Nancy), and Justin Lang (u/s Jack).

Also joining Wright, Jamieson, and Sonnenberg as part of the creative team are Paige Hathaway (Scenic Design), Nicole Jescinth Smith (Costume Design), Bryan Ealey (Lighting Design), Fitz Patton (Sound Design and Original Music), Andrea Caban (Dialect Coach), Caparelliotis Casting (Casting), and Marie Jahelka (Production Stage Manager).

Performances begin August 9 and have been extended through September 7, 2025, with the opening on Thursday, August 14 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

Additional financial support for The Old Globe is provided by The City of San Diego. The Theodor and Audrey Geisel Fund provides leadership support for The Old Globe’s year-round activities.

THE WEIR By Conor McPherson.

Directed by Ciarán O’Reilly.

Starring Dan Butler, Sean Gormley, Johnny Hopkins, John Keating, and Sarah Street.

In a remote country pub in Ireland, newcomer Valerie finds herself drawn into an evening of ghost stories shared by the local bachelors who gather there to drink. With the wind howling outside and a hint of tension in the air, what begins as playful blarney soon drifts into the supernatural realm when Valerie shares her own haunting tale.

A longtime Irish Rep favorite, this marks the company’s fourth staging of "The Weir", following acclaimed runs in 2013 and 2015, and a 2020 digital adaptation.

Performances through August 31, 2025 on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage of the Irish Rep in New York City.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

FINAL OVATION

ALAN BERGMAN Oscar, Grammy and Emmy winning lyricist died July 17, 2025 at his Los Angeles home. He was 99.

Bergman's work was mostly a collaboration with his wife, Marilyn, who died in 2022. The pair were Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy winners, serving as some of the most popular and frequent lyricists in Hollywood for several decades. The two began working together in 1956 and married in 1958, and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980.

Though the bulk of their career was spent on film and TV projects, they made their Broadway debut with the lyrics to 1964's Something More!, with music by Sammy Fain. Their sole other Broadway credit was the lyrics to 1978's short-lived Ballroom, written with composer Billy Goldenberg. Directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett and originally starring Dorothy Loudon, the musical would last just 116 performances, but the Bergmans and Goldenberg's score produced "Fifty Percent," which has become a cabaret mainstay. Songs with lyrics by the Bergmans also were featured in 1984's "Haarlem Nocturne" and 1997's "Street Corner Symphony."

Their film compositions includedd "The Windmills of Your Mind," written with composer Michel Legrand for The Thomas Crown Affair; and "The Way We Were," written with Marvin Hamlisch for the film of the same name. The latter was sung by Barbra Streisand, a longtime friend and collaborator of the Bergmans. That relationship also led to the Bergmans teaming up again with Legrand in 1983 for Streisand's movie-musical "Yentl". "The Windmills of Your Mind," "The Way We Were," and Yentl each won the Bergmans Academy Awards.

Bergman was pre-deceased by wife Marilyn in 2022, is survived by daughter Julie Bergman and one granddaughter.

Next Column: July 27, 2025
Copyright: July 20, 2025 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
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Laura Deni