Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: March 23, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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PHYLICIA RASHAD DIRECTS BRANDON JACOBS-JENKINS' PURPOSE

Family dramas are nothing new. Setting this one apart are a few factors - directing, writing and acting.

Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a two-time Pulitzer nominee who took home the Tony award last year when his Appropriate won for Best Revival of a Play. Now he has crafted this one.

That challenges him with a high bar. He succeeds in surpassing himself.

The world fell in love with Phylicia Rashad when she came into our television homes Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, earning Emmy nominations in 1985 and 1986.

With Purpose she makes her Broadway directing debut. That doesn't mean she's a novice. A long list of helming credits involve off-Broadway. Rashad has simply moved on up to a bigger venue in a more exclusive address. No matter the skill of a director, no director can make a bad show good. However, a director can destroy a good play. There are many reasons why Purpose could have been sabotaged by an amature.

Seemingly like all family dramas, there is a dining room tabled, groaning with food. The table balance, how the diners grab food and play with or consume it can impart much about the storyline which always has to do with secrets being exposed.

In Purpose an Illinois family of civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen—pillars of Black American politics—all have with secrets percolating just beneath the surface. After all it is a political family means there are controversies and scandals. The youngest son Nazareth "Naz" returns home with an uninvited friend that ultimately forces the family to reckon with itself, their faith, and the legacies of Black radicalism.

It's difficult enough for family members to live in the shadow of a more successful relative, but when that relative is an icon of a civil rights leader how do you save your own identity without drowning in somebody else's success or scandal?

On of Jacobs-Jenkins trademarks is knowing how to write - to coexist drama and comedy - hilarious laugh getters - into a believable scenario.

Thanks to the polished pacing and nuance directing Rashad makes that possible as well as bringing out the best from the seasoned cast.

Tony winner for Best Supporting Actress in a Play is Kara Young who appears as awe struck Aziza Houston, the outsider who is invited into the Jasper home and kicks off the hinges. Glenn Davis plays eldest son, Solomon, Jr. a state senator who was sent to the pokey for embezzling money. Now he is fresh out of prison. Alana Arenas as Junior’s wife Morgan is about to take her turn in the slammer convicted of conspiring with her husband, and Jon Michael Hill as youngest son Nazareth, is a gentle nature photographer who has returned home for a visit with his New York friend Aziz - bring their star status to the intriguing dinner table. An added oomph is that Jacobe-Jenkins scripted this piece precisely for those three who are reprising their performances from the Steppenwolf world premiere.

Also featured are Harry Lennix whose role is accustomed to controlling a room and Tony nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson who plays Solomon’s effervescent then steel hard wife Claudine.

The understudies are Sojourner Brown, Chris Myers, Petronia Paley and Esau Pritchett.

The creatives are: Scenic Design by Todd Rosenthal; Costume Design by Dede Ayite; Lighting Design by Amith Chandrashaker; Sound Design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen; Hair and Wig Design by Nikiya Mathis; Associate Scenic Design: Sotirios Livaditis; Associate Costume Design: Heather Stanley; Associate Lighting Design: Stoli Stolnack; Associate Sound Design: Megan Culley; Associate Hair and Wig Design: Chynah Joi and Natalia Castilla; Moving Lights Programmer.

Jeff Englander General Manager: 321 Theatrical Management; Company Manager: Mike McLinden; Assistant Co. Mgr: Michelle Yard Production Manager: Bethany Weinstein Stewert; Production Stage Manager: Tiffany N. Robinson; Stage Manager: Derric Nolte Fight direction by Michael Rossmy; Vocal Coach: Kate Wilson; Casting: Calleri Jensen Davis; Original casting by JC Clementz, CSA; Dramaturg: Jonathan L. Green; Press Representative: Polk & Co.; Fight Captain: Esau Pritchett; Photographer: Marc J. Franklin.

This wonderfully captivating show had a celebrated world premiere last year at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre. Currently performances run at the Hayes Theatre 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.

ART AND ABOUT

ED ATKINS AT TATE BRITAIN

Creation by Ed Atkins. Tate Britain

The artists' largest UK survey exhibition to date. For over a decade, Atkins has been making videos and animations that trace the dwindling gap between the digital world and human feeling.

Using his desires, experiences and body as a model, Atkins’s works repurpose contemporary technologies of representation to critically reflect what they have done to images and our sense of self.

This career-spanning exhibition will assemble paintings, writing, embroideries and drawings alongside Atkins’s moving-image works in a succession of large-scale installations, pitting a weightless digital life against a corporal world of heft, craft, and touch.

Press preview on April 1, 2025 at Tate Britain. On exhibition April 2 - August 25, 2025 in Millbank.

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SWEET CHARITY

ONE - VOICES FOR TANZANIA is a Pat Boone helmed multi-artist anthem release featuring music all-stars Vince Gill, Alabama, Lee Greenwood, Larry Gatlin, Pam Tillis, Deborah Allen, Billy Dean, Wendy Moten, and many others who have joined Pat Boone in the Philanthropic Effort to Bring Clean Water and Basic Necessities to Tanzania.

The powerful song is written to unite the world in a shared mission of hope and humanitarian aid.

Proceeds from the project will help fund clean water initiatives, as well as provide food resources, health services, and education for the people of Tanzania. The track is now available across all streaming platforms.

"ONE" debuted just ahead of World Water Day—a global United Nations observance held annually on March 22 since 1993.

"There are many tragedies in the world, and human costs never seem to end—including the recent devastating fires here in Los Angeles," says Boone. "But we still need to address centuries-old problems in Africa that will stretch well into the future unless we do something about them. A life without water is inconceivable, yet millions of people in 2025 still have limited or no access to clean water. Scary, isn’t it?"

In 2010, Boone and his late wife Shirley established the Pat Boone Family Life Center in Loiborsoit, Tanzania, in cooperation with GOD TV and WorldServe International, a non-profit organization committed to providing clean water, sanitation, education, and economic opportunities in Africa. Through Pat Boone World Missions, the couple provided foundational funding for a deep water well, a school, and The Shirley Boone Vegetable Garden, which continues to feed multiple villages. Their contributions have also helped develop a community center, offering critical health services to families in surrounding areas.

"Every year, over 100,000 lives are transformed through our large-scale, sustainable, solar-powered water projects. It's remarkable what happens when dedicated business leaders, professional athletes, government, and ministry leaders come together to make this happen," says WorldServe International president, John Bongiorno. "The impact of Pat and Shirley Boone's vision on everyday lives of the Maasai people is a testimony to their Christian faith and willingness to engage Pat's global audience for the good of others." Following in the footsteps of We Are the World, which remains a global force for change 40 years later and has raised over $100 million, Boone hopes "ONE" will inspire a similar movement.

HARMONY THE NYCGMC ANNUAL GALA takes place Monday, March 31st at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

Harmony, the annual Gala Benefit of The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, is celebrating its 45th Sapphire Anniversary Season and its 25th Silver Anniversary Gala.

George Takei will be Honored with the Gary Miller Award that is named after the first conductor of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. The Gary Miller Award is given to honor those whose work has created lasting, measurable, and sustainable change in the LGBTQ+ community over time. Also being honored are Seth Rudetsky & James Wesley Jackson and Kelsey Louie.

The Gala begins with an open bar, then a three-course dinner, and entertainment with performances from the New York City Gay Men's Chorus, Youth Pride Chorus, and from Broadway: Aaron J. Albano; Claybourne Elder and Tony nominated Daniel Reichard and Jenn Colella. Julie Halston will host the special event. There is also a live and silent auctions.

Tony-winning actress Lea Salonga will be on hand to present the Gary Miller Award to honoree George Takei for his decades of work and activism.

SPREADING THE WORD

KING CHARLES is noted for his sense of humor which he had on display during a recent visit to Northern Ireland with his wife, Queen Camilla.

The monarch was pictured smiling as he met individuals from the creative industries - including some of those involved in the Game of Thrones studio tour available nearby, as well as staff from the Southern Regional College and Total Hockey.

At one stop they were greeted by music from a sea shanty band and met dignitaries including Sinn Fein MP John Finucane.

Jim Ingram, manager of Friend of Hand Whiskey Shop, handed the King a celebratory bottle.

The Causeway Shantymen performed Drunken Sailor for their royal guests. Greeting the 20 performers Charles joked: "You are only here for the whiskey."

THE NEW YORK POPS honored concertmaster Cenovia Cummins who is retiring from the orchestra this season.

After over 20 years of performing with The New York Pops, our Concertmaster Cenovia Cummins will retire from the orchestra this season. Cenovia joined The New York Pops as a substitute violinist under our founder Skitch Henderson. She became the orchestra's Concertmaster in 2011, selected by Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke and has spent over 20 years of performing with the New York Pops.

At the Pops 100 Years of Epic Film Scores concert on March 14, following a performance of a suite of music from Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho that highlighted the string section, Steven paid tribute to Cenovia from the stage, describing her as "an incredible musician, incredible leader, and a great person to be around in this orchestra."

EPIC PLAYERS THEATRE New York's Premiere Neurodiverse Theater Company, presents Dream Roles Cabaret on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Joe’s Pub at The Public, New York, NY. Join us during National Autism Acceptance Month for an extraordinary evening of iconic Broadway songs, special Broadway Guests, and one unforgettable night.

"EPIC performers take the Joe's Pub stage to bring their dream roles to life. From Elphaba to Evan Hansen to Mimi to Seymour to The Phantom, each song is a show stopping glimpse into the iconic Broadway roles they’d LOVE to play in the near future. Expect dazzling vocals, electrifying medleys, and a celebration of ambition, desire, and pure theatrical magic. Don't miss this chance to see the stars of today step into the EPIC roles of their dreams."

Both shows will be ASL interpreted.

"EPIC Players (Empower, Perform, Include, Create), founded on August 25, 2016, is a nonprofit, neuro-diverse theatre company dedicated to creating professional performing arts opportunities and supportive social communities in the arts for Neurodivergent and Disabled artists. Via inclusive mainstage productions, musical cabarets, original showcases, skills-based classes and career resources, we hope to increase critical employment opportunities, pioneer increased inclusion in the arts, and break down social stigmas surrounding neuro-diverse communities."

APPLE TV+’s YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS: ADVANCE SCREENING WITH EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND STAR JON HAMM IN CONVERSATION takes place Sunday, April 6, at 92nd Street Y in New York City.

Join Emmy Award winner Jon Hamm for a special advance episode screening of his new Apple TV+ series, Your Friends & Neighbors, followed by a conversation. One of the buzziest new shows of the season, Your Friends & Neighbors follows Andrew "Coop" Cooper (Hamm), a hedge fund manager who was recently fired in disgrace and is still grappling with his recent divorce. He resorts to stealing from his neighbors’ homes in the exceedingly affluent Vestment Village, only to discover that the secrets and affairs hidden behind those wealthy facades might be more dangerous than he ever imagined. The series stars Hamm alongside Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Hoon Lee, Mark Tallman, Lena Hall, Aimee Carrero, Eunice Bae, Isabel Marie Gravitt and Donovan Colan. Following a special advance episode screening, don’t miss Hamm in a conversation about the making of the show — creating his magnetic new character with executive producer Jonathan Tropper, taking the helm of a new series for the first time since Mad Men, stories from behind the scenes, and more.

TANGO DARK Experience the passion and elegance of tango with world champions German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, alongside 10 talented dancers, as they perform to the mesmerizing music of Astor Piazzolla. This electrifying performance, featuring glamorous costumes and a live band, has captivated audiences worldwide.

This intimate and unforgettable performance at Dubai Opera, blending sensuality, style, and the magic of tango takes place April 26-27 2-25 at Dubai Opera in Dubai, UAE.

VANESSA WILLIAMS extends in The Devil Wears Prada. The iconic star of Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives, isn't handing over the stilettos just yet! She will continue to dazzle West End audiences as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada until October 18. 2025. The fashion-fuelled musical has also extended in London, and is now booking to January3, 2026.

BECKETT BRIEFS can now be enjoyed from anywhere in the world.

By popular demand and following a sold-out run, Beckett Briefs comes to the comfort of your home through a limited on-demand streams.

Beckett Briefs: From the Cradle to the Grave. Three short plays running the gamut of existence (Not I, Play, Krapp's Last Tape) from birth to the afterlife.

Written by Samuel Beckett. Directed by Ciarán O’Reilly. Starring Oscar Winner F. Murray Abraham as Krapp, and featuring Roger Dominic Casey, Kate Forbes, and Sarah Street.

Available through March – 30, 2025. 72-Hour Access: Watch on your own schedule.

LEFT NO RING PRODUCTIONS has been launched by Actress/Writer Raye Levine-Spielberg & Writer/Director JT Tsou. The new U.S. based independent production company. With a focus on stories that not only entertain, but inspire and bridge divergent worlds, their company looks to champion projects across film, television, and theater, highlighting underdogs and marginalized communities. In 2025, Left No Ring is set to begin production on several films, and debut three projects, starting with the Broadway production of Operation Mincemeat, which opened on March 20th. Since the start of previews, Operation Mincemeat has already been extended twice. Raye and JT serve as Co-Producers on the show.

"Operation Mincemeat, a six-time Olivier award-winning original musical (including Best New Musical) is the best reviewed show in London’s West End history, with book, music and lyrics by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts. Based on an actual British World War II secret mission, the musical combines high jinks and high stakes illuminating covert events that actually happened. Operation Mincemeat is a joyful, high-energy exploration of history with smart and unforgettable performances.

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LEGENDARY RADIO PERSONALITY DELILAH to Receive Insight Award from Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 NAB Show Welcome on April 7, in Las Vegas.

The fourth annual Insight Award from the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) recognizes Delilah’s trailblazing history of excellence in broadcasting and her profound impact on audiences nationwide.

Reflective of LABF’s purpose, the Insight Award recognizes an individual or organization for an outstanding artistic or journalistic work or body of work that enhances the public’s understanding of the role, operation, history or impact of media in our society. Past recipients have included actor, director and educator LeVar Burton, CBS News’ 60 Minutes and award-winning producer and journalist Soledad O’Brien.

Delilah who’s radio show is syndicated by Premiere Networks, is the most-listened-to woman on radio in the U.S. Her soothing voice, open heart and love of music have expanded her audience to more than eight million weekly listeners on approximately 160 radio stations nationwide. Delilah, who celebrated 50 years of radio broadcasting in 2024, has been hosting her current program format since 1984. Known as "radio’s Oprah," Delilah creates a sense of comfort and companionship for her audience, sharing inspiring stories, song dedications and heartfelt advice. Her authenticity, empathy and unwavering dedication to her listeners have made her a true icon in the industry.

For her success and contributions to the industry, Delilah has received radio’s highest accolades. She was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2016 and, in 2017, was honored with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Broadcast Hall of Fame induction, marking the first time in 35 years that a woman had received such a distinction. Additionally, NAB honored her with a prestigious Marconi Award for "Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year" in 2016. She is consistently recognized by Radio Ink as one of the "Most Influential Women in Radio" and took home the trophy for "Outstanding Host Entertainment/Information" at the Alliance of Women in Media’s 37th Annual Gracie Awards Gala in 2023.

Delilah will accept the award on stage at the NAB Show, joining a distinguished group of past honorees who have significantly contributed to the media industry.

THE AMERICAN THEATRE CRITICS AND JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION (ATCA) announced six finalists for the 2025 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award, recognizing the playwrights who produced the best scripts that premiered professionally outside of New York City in 2024.

The top award, which carries a $25,000 honorarium, and two citations valued at $7,500 each, will be presented on May 2 at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, Calif., as part of the annual Pacific Playwrights Festival. At $40,000, Steinberg/ATCA is the largest national new play award program of its kind.

“Our regional theaters remain the most vital incubators for new work,” said Cameron Kelsall, a theater critic based in Philadelphia and ATCA member who serves as chair of the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Committee. “ATCA relishes the chance to recognize these worthy plays that premiered outside of New York City last year, which demonstrate the exciting work taking place in every corner of the country.”

In 1977, ATCA began to honor new plays produced at regional theaters, as a way of balancing the existing awards landscape, which often focuses on works produced in New York. No play is eligible if it has gone on to a New York production within the award year. Since 2000, the award has been generously funded by the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust.

The 2025 finalists, listed alphabetically by title, are:

An Army of Lovers by R. Eric Thomas, produced by Azuka Theatre (Philadelphia, PA)

Galilee, 34 by Eleanor Burgess, produced by South Coast Repertory (Costa Mesa, CA)

The Janeid by Anna Ziegler, produced by Alley Theatre (Houston, TX)

Judgment Day by Rob Ulin, produced by Chicago Shakespeare Theater (Chicago, IL)

Little Bear Ridge Road by Samuel D. Hunter, produced by Steppenwolf Theatre Company (Chicago, IL)

Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, produced by Steppenwolf Theatre Company (Chicago, IL)

Past recipients of ATCA’s New Play Award include August Wilson, Lynn Nottage, Lanford Wilson, Lee Blessing, Michael Cristofer, Marsha Norman, Lauren Yee, Moises Kaufman, and Qui Nguyen. Last year’s honoree was The Heart Sellers by Lloyd Suh.

DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS the division of Disney Experiences that transforms beloved brands and franchises into products, including fashion, toys, apps, books and games, has appointed Bobby Kim, also known as Bobby Hundreds, as vice president of creative for the Americas.

GOODSPEED MUSICALS AWARDS ANDREW A. ISEN PRIZE TO MYJOYCIA CEZAR This award is funded through a generous gift given by DC-based entrepreneur and musical theatre devotee Andrew A. Isen and was created to give young people who are in the early stages of professional development financial assistance and encouragement to focus on artistic excellence in musical theatre.

Cezar, assistant production manager for Goodspeed Musicals, said this upon learning of the decision, "I am extremely thankful to accept this award! As an early career stage manager and production manager, it is an honor to be recognized for my aspirations and goals in musical theatre, and to receive the support from this award is an absolute game changer for me as I progress towards my short- and long-term career goals. I am so appreciative to the team at Goodspeed, to all that have influenced and shaped me thus far, and to the Andrew Isen Award committee. I am excited to use this award to further hone my skills as a theatre-maker and uplift others along the way!"

The Andrew A. Isen Prize at Goodspeed Musicals is the first-of-its-kind prize dedicated to supporting emerging musical theatre professionals across all disciplines. Given annually, this prize recognizes a young person between the ages of 20 and 29 who has demonstrated excellence in their work during the previous Goodspeed Musicals’ season. Chosen by a committee of theatrical professionals, the honoree is awarded $5,000 to aid in their pursuit of a career in musical theatre. The establishment of this award with Goodspeed Musicals also serves to enhance Goodspeed’s efforts to recruit exceptional technicians, designers and other theatre professionals.



SMASH score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book by Bob Martin and Rick Elice.

Directed by Susan Stroman.

Choreography by Joshua Bergasse.

inspired by the TV series, is a hilarious behind-the-scenes rollercoaster ride about the making of a Marilyn Monroe musical called Bombshell, with all the iconic songs, kick-ass choreography, and backstage pandemonium that make Broadway the beloved institution it is today.

The Broadway cast includes Robyn Hurder as "Ivy Lynn," Brooks Ashmanskas as "Nigel," Krysta Rodriguez as "Tracy," John Behlmann as "Jerry," Kristine Nielsen as "Susan Proctor," Caroline Bowman as "Karen," Jacqueline B. Arnold as "Anita," Bella Coppola as "Chloe," Casey Garvin as "Charlie" and Nicholas Matos as "Scott."

The company includes Wendi Bergamini, Sarah Bowden, Jacob Burns, Deanna Cudjoe, Chelle Denton, Daniel Gaymon, Merritt David Janes, Ndaya Dream Hoskins, Megan Kane, David Paul Kidder, Ian Liberto, Libby Lloyd, McGee Maddox, Connor McRory, J Savage, Jake Trammel and Katie Webber.

The creatives are: scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Alejo Vietti, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Brian Ronan, projection design by S Katy Tucker, orchestrations by Doug Besterman, dance and incidental music arrangements by Sam Davis, and music supervision by Stephen Oremus.

On Broadway at the Imperial Theatre, officially opening on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

HUMPTY DUMPTY written by Eric Bogosian.

Directed by Ella Jane New.

When the lights go out, the truth is easy to see…

Starring Marie Dinolan takes on the role of Spoon, the free-spirited actress navigating the unsettling world of an isolated retreat. Brandon Hughes plays Nat, the rugged caretaker whose local knowledge proves invaluable as tensions rise. Kirk Gostkowski as Max, a novelist caught between intellectualism and the primal need to survive. Christina Elisa Perry a high-powered book editor struggling to maintain control as the world around her begins to unravel and Gabriel Rysdah steps into the role of Troy, a screenwriter whose sharp wit and survival instincts are put to the test.

Set in the year 2000, Humpty Dumpty is a play that explores themes of isolation, survival, and societal breakdown through the lens of a group of friends retreating to a vacation home in upstate New York. It is a powerful metaphor for how easily civilization can fracture under pressure and how individuals react when faced with the unknown. ?

When four friends decide to take a vacation in Upstate New York’s rural ski country, no sooner do they get to their cozy cabin, than the lights go out, their phones stop working, and their comfortable world is turned upside down. What begins as a pleasant break from their urban lives morphs into a trying and ultimately fatal journey down the rabbit hole of survival.

Humpty Dumpty will play a five-week limited engagement at Off-Broadway’s Chain Theatre Main Stage New York, NY. Performances begin Thursday, April 3, and continue through Saturday, May 3. Opening Night is Saturday, April 5.

MY MASTER BUILDER Directed by Olivier & Tony Award-winner Michael Grandage.

Ewan McGregor returns to the stage for the first time in 17 years in this captivating new drama, joined by Hollywood star Elizabeth Debicki, and stage and screen award-winner Kate Fleetwood.

, Be the first to see the theatrical event of the season. April 17 - Jul 12, 2025 at theWyndham's Theatre, London.

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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

GEORGE FOREMAN Championship Boxer and the face of the George foreman Grill died Friday, March 21, 2025. He was 76.

Foreman was also a minister and an author but he rose to fame as a boxer.

He was a two-time world heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist.

He retired in 1997 at the age of 48, with a final record of 76 wins (68 knockouts) and 5 losses, one of the famous losses coming at the hands of Muhammad Ali who hit him with a lightning fast 1-2 combination which was "the fastest punch" Foreman had ever seen. Foreman was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and International Boxing Hall of Fame. The International Boxing Research Organization rates Foreman as the eighth-greatest heavyweight of all time. In 2002, he was named one of the 25 greatest fighters of the past 80 years by The Ring.

Foreman was married to Mary Joan Martelly from 1985 until his death. He had four previous marriages: to Adrienne Calhoun from 1971 to 1974, Cynthia Lewis from 1977 to 1979, Sharon Goodson from 1981 to 1982, and Andrea Skeete from 1982 to 1985.

Foreman had 12 children: five sons and seven daughters. His five sons are George Jr., George III ("Monk"), George IV ("Big Wheel"), George V ("Red"), and George VI ("Little Joey"). On his website, Foreman explains, "I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common.

SANDRA DE BRUIN an actress who died January 30, 2025 at at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California. She died following a brief struggle from contracting the flu. She was 86.

Sandra went to Bard College in upstate New York, majoring in acting. Moving to New York she studied with Stanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. Within two years, she was landing acting jobs in Hollywood. A versatile character actress, Sandra's career spanned 50 years, beginning in 1970. Sandra appeared in more than 100 television shows and several movies, including the 1971 science fiction classic The Andromeda Strain. other credits include numerous cult TV shows as "The Rockford Files," "Three's Company," and "Growing Pains." Sandra was also a featured member of The Mighty Carson Art Players, an informal group of actors that performed irreverent skits on the long-running "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Her resume included numerous television commercials, plus extensive voiceover and looping work.

She joined the Melrose Theatre in the early 1970s and frequently acted there and in other theatres in Los Angeles. She joined the L.A./Actor's Lab founded by actor/director/playwright Frederick Combs, with whom she formed a close friendship. Sandra also involved herself politically in Hollywood. She was among the high-profile and lesser-known actors who formed the group Actors Working for an Actors Guild (AWAG), which was headed by Charlton Heston.

MICHAEL PREECE Script supervisior and director died February 27, 2025. He was 89.

Michael's career began during the summer of his freshman year at Santa Monica City College, on television's Waterfront. (1955). He served as script supervision on shows such as: I Spy (1965-68), and Mannix 1968), which led to work on films like Spirit of St. Louis (1957), Mutiny on the Bountty (1962), True Grit (1969) and The Getaway (1972.)

In 1975, Michael's passion and professionalism ultimately led him to directing, and, in a career spanning decades, he directed over 300 episodes of television, most notably for Dallas (62 episodes), Hunter (19 episodes), and Walker, Taxas Ranger. (70 episodes, more than any other single director.

In 1953 Michael married Paula Preece (née Kendall) with whom he had four children: Don, Jon-Michael, Gary & Gretchen. Michael and Paula divorced in 1968. Michael then became married to Evelyn Preece (née Thomas) in 1969 and remained so until her death in 2017.

Michael was preceded in death by his sons, Don and Jon-Michael, and his second wife Evelyn. He is survived by son Gary; daughter-in-law Beth; daughter Gretchen, son-in-law Randy Newman; grandchildren Jason, Ariana, Molly, Patrick, Alice and Adrian; great-grandchildren Jason, Emma, Jon and Stella; and great-great-grandson Julian.

RON SOSSI Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles founding director died on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. He was 85.

Born on November 22, 1939 in Detroit, Ron graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in writing for theater and television before moving to L.A. to attend UCLA film school, earning his M.F.A. In addition to writing, Ron was an actor and a singer. He traveled to Korea, Japan and Guam, courtesy of the USO, with a college production of Carousel, where he met fellow student and co-star Bonnie Franklin, and the two were briefly married, from 1967 until 1970. After winning the Samuel Goldwyn Award for screenwriting at UCLA, Ron was hired as a program executive at ABC, where he oversaw productions of shows including Bewitched, The Flying Nun and Love American Style, among others.

In 1969, frustrated and bored by his work in the television industry, Ron founded the Odyssey Theatre in a former storefront church on the seedy end of Hollywood Boulevard.

In 1973, he moved the Odyssey to a larger venue in West Los Angeles on the corner of Bundy and Ohio where, starting out with one 99-seat performance space, he gradually expanded it into a three-theater complex. During the company’s 16-year tenure in that space, Ron produced and directed two thirds of the Bertolt Brecht canon, including Baal (in which he also starred in the title role), The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Mother Courage and Brechtfest 1 and 2. When the building was sold in 1989, Ron moved the Odyssey to its current home on Sepulveda Boulevard, a city-owned warehouse formerly used to manufacture gas tanks. The new Odyssey opened its doors in 1990 with his production of Faith Healer.

At the helm of the Odyssey for 56 continuous years, Ron was the recipient of numerous awards, including the LA Weekly Career Achievement Award. He was twice honored with the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle prestigious Margaret Harford Award for "demonstrating a continual willingness to experiment provocatively in the process of theater," as well as with the circle’s Ron Link Award for "consistent quality of direction."

Ron is survived by his wife, Séverine Larue, and by his sister, Nancy Foley.

Next Column: March 30, 2025
Copyright: March 23, 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