Broadway To Vegas
SHOW REVIEWS CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS GOSSIP NEWS
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Copyright: March 25, 2001
By: Laura Deni
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FRANK GORSHIN BRINGS GEORGE
BURNS TO LIFE
FRANK GORSHIN
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Say Goodnight, Gracie a touching tribute by impressionist Frank Gorshin, to the life of
comedian George Burns that Gorshin hopes to bring to Broadway. The premise is that at age 100,
George must do one final audition by telling his life story to gain entrance into heaven to be with
his late beloved wife, Gracie
Performances begin April 26 for a run ending May 27 at the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Coconut
Grove, Florida.
DON RICKLES on stage in Las Vegas. His Run
Silent, Run Deep role was meant for Gorshin
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Gorshin has a track record both on Broadway and in Las Vegas. He was the first to "break
through" as a headliner in Las Vegas' main showrooms with an act that emphasized impressions.
His startling talent first manifested itself in 1949, when Gorshin was fifteen and working as an
usher at a movie house in Pittsburgh. He recalled that when the new Kirk Douglas movie,
Champion, was playing, he would enter the theater happy and relaxed, and leave it so intense, he
was gritting his teeth.
FRANK GORSHIN starring in Las
Vegas
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Then, at 17 Gorshin won a talent contest in his hometown of Pittsburgh, his prize being a one
week engagement at Jackie Heller's Carousel night club, where Alan King was headlining, It was
Gorshin's first paid job as an entertainer.
Two nights before Gorshin opened at the Carousel, his 15 year old brother was hit and killed by
a car. At the insistence of his family, Frank went through with the engagement, which launched
his show business career.
In 1957, while visiting his folks in Pittsburgh, Gorshin was phoned by his agent to rush back to
California to screen test for the Clark Gable film, Run Silent, Run Deep. Gorshin drove 39
consecutive hours, fell asleep at the wheel, crashed, suffered a fractured skull, and woke up in the
hospital four days later. He later discovered that the role went to Don Rickles - a part that
considerably boosted Rickles' career.
GEORGE BURNS at the Sahara Hotel, Las Vegas
flanked by Tommy Smothers, Carol Channing and Robert Goulet
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Gorshin also discovered that one of the Los Angeles newspapers had erroneously reported him
killed. Although fate prevented him from landing that role, Gorshin subsequently appeared in
the motion picture The Bells Are Ringing which starred the late Judy Holliday and Dean
Martin, in the part of a Brando-like method actor. This led to a role as a myopic bass player in
Where the Boys Are- which led to co-starring with David Janssen in Ring of Fire -
all for MGM. In 1958 Gorshin made his first Hollywood night club appearance at The Purple
Onion.
He was then signed for five appearances on The Steve Allen Show and subsequently, twelve
guestings on The Ed Sullivan Show. In turn, this led to his landing the recurring role of a shore
patrol sailor in the Jackie Cooper series, Hennessy.
Several years later, Gorshin was
signed for his first Las Vegas engagement, at The Flamingo, opening for Bobby Darin. It was
during the '60s that a major breakthrough in his career occurred. He was signed for the role of
The Riddler on the Batman television series, and received an Emmy nomination. "I could
feel the impact overnight," Gorshin recalled.
GEORGE BURNS and GRACIE
ALLEN
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As a result of the major impact of Gorshin on television, he was given headliner status in Las
Vegas at the MGM Grand, The Sahara, The International (now Las Vegas Hilton) and
the
Aladdin.
In 1970 Gorshin made his Broadway debut, as the star of Jimmy, based on the
life of New York's Mayor James J Walker.
He also starred in touring companies of What
Makes Sammy Run?, Promises, Promises, Peter Pan, Prisoner of Second Street, Death Trap,
Doubles, Ah Wilderness, On The 20th Century, Breaking Legs and Guys and
Dolls.
His staying power has been credited to his not just "doing" an impression, but literally seeming to
transform himself into the person - posture, stance, mannerisms, facial characteristics, voice -
subtly capturing the inner essence of his subject.
Gorshin always admired Burns and Allen and this show is something that has been on Gorshin's
mind for several years.
As for George Burns and Gracie Allen, they teamed up in vaudeville in 1923. Gracie played the
straight man, but she kept getting the laughs, while Burns couldn't pull in a giggle. Then George
made a decision that kept the team on top for the next 30 years - he reversed their roles.
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TUNING UP
Frank Sinatra insisted his piano was tuned every time it was moved. Some Las Vegas casino
bosses deemed that request eccentric. Sinatra brought in high roller so if Frank wanted his piano
tuned every day, his piano was tuned. Ol Blue Eyes wasn't eccentric - his thinking was on par
with the world's greatest classical pianists, who won't leave home without their personal piano
tuner.
Enter Franz Mohr
He's played more frequently in Carnegie Hall than any master pianist. For more than a quarter of
a century, the German native - who watched two brothers die in a World War II attack on his
hometown that killed 24,000 - has turned music into his own personal salvation. In doing so he's
tuned pianos for such classical music icons as Vladimir Horowitz, Arthur Rubinstein, Van
Cliburn, Glenn Gould and Andras Schiff.
For more than three decades Mohr was chief concert technician for piano maker Steinway &
Sons.
VLADIMIR HOROWITZ
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Horowitz, the famed Ukrainian pianist who died in the late 1980s, wouldn't give a concert
without
him. While on a 1986 European tour, Mohr went to New York during a weeklong hiatus between
concerts. He received a frantic call asking him to fly to Berlin, because Horowitz was
thinking about performing an unscheduled show.
Horowitz told the German press that if his tuner didn't make it from New York in time, there
wouldn't be a concert. Mohr showed up and the concert took place. Mohr also has accompanied
Rudolph Serkin on tour.
Mohr, who now resides in New York, is also a published author. His 1992 book, My Life
With the Great Pianists, recounts his travels and friendships with many musicians.
SWEET CHARITY
INVISIBLE THEATRE'S CELEBRATION CABARET Tucson on April 1 as Ann Hampton Callaway, Sandra Reaves Phillips and
Steve Ross join Tucson artists in a fundraising Celebration Cabaret in honor of the Invisible
Theatre's 30th Anniversary. The Invisible Theatre has a long history of producing cabaret in the
"old Pueblo" Celebration Cabaret at The Doubletree Hotel, Tucson, AZ.
CATHERINE ZETA-JONES AND HUBBY MICHAEL
DOUGLAS share a Women of Courage award March 27 at the
annual Cedars-Sinai Research for Women's Cancers and Saks Fifth Avenue dinner in Los
Angeles. This marks the first time a man has been honored. Douglas' mother Anne Douglas was
previously honored and this year the actor could be accused of hanging onto the coattails
of his wife. The truth is - he's been a hard working charity kind of guy for this
organization.
SIEGFRIED AND ROY have compiled
a collection of their family recipes as well as recipes from the cast and crew, past and present of
their show at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. Cooking In The Spotlight features more than
250 recipes from the talented artists who have made the Siegfried & Roy performances a legend
in the entertainment business. The cookbook also features color photographs of the show and the
magnificent animals. All proceed from the sale of Cooking in The Spotlight help support
Golden Rainbow which strives to improve the quality of life for persons living with
HIV/AIDS.
APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE
30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CABARET AMENDMENT
will be celebrated on March 31 at the Blue Note.
The cabaret laws were written right after prohibition to regulate an industry that had been
dominated by criminal figures. In the 1920s, lawmakers reasoned that the cabaret law would
protect patrons from the immoral influences of New York nightlife.
University law professor Paul Chevigny speculates that the law was written to zone jazz out of
existence.The cabaret law originally restricted both dancing and music: Specifically, it required a
cabaret license for bars where more than three musicians were playing, or where the instruments played included percussion or a horn.
Fourteen years ago, Chevigny successfully challenged the constitutionality of the portions of the
law that applied to music.
Thirty years ago singer Phyllis Lynd, took on City Hall and managed to get singers reclassified
as musicians and thus opened the doors, permitting them to perform in countless New York
clubs.
Those scheduled to perform at the Blue Note include Toby Altman, Fredrick Bush, Linda
Ciofalo, Mary Foster Conklin, Deborah Davis, Peter Eldridge, Dena DeRose, Giacomo Gates,
Miles Griffith, Leslie Gwin, Melissa Hamilton, Val Hawk, Diane Hubka, Pucci Amanda Jones,
Sheila Jordan, Laurie Krauz, Marya Lawrence, Amy London, Trudi Mann, Sue Maskaleris, Kate
McGarry, Mary Pearson, Cynthia Scott, Nanette Scott-Jones, Rich Siegel, Barbara Sfraga,
Kendra Shank, Joan Stiles, String Of Pearls, Sue Halloran, Jeanne O'Conno, Holli Ross,
Gabrielle Tranchina, Roseanna Vitro, Carla White, Andrea Wolper and guest of honor Phyllis
Lynd.
STONES IN HIS POCKETS
by
Arie Jones and directed by Ian McElhinney began performances at the John Golden Theatre, NYC
on Friday with the official opening on April 1st. Set in an Irish village in Country Kerry where a
Hollywood film is being shot, Stones in His Pockets stars Sedu Campion and Conleth Hill
who play 15 different characters on a film location including the extras, a spoiled American star,
the crew and various locals. The play is partly based on playwright Jones' acting experience in
films shot in Ireland. Design is by Jack Kirwan, lighting design by James C. McFetridge.
COPACABANA Civic Center,
Des Moines, IA. March 28-April 1.
FEET OF FLAMES starring the
multi award-winning Michael Flatley. The USA is the finale to Michael's highly successful world
tour, which has broken box office records in Japan, South Africa and Europe, and is reputed to
be his last tour. Flatley will demonstrate the depth of his talent as he performs an exquisite flute
solo and will lead his troupe of over 50 dancers performing on three different levels of the 86'
wide x 42' deep set. Tickets go on sale March 26 for the June 23 performance at the Jerome
Schottenstein Center Ohio State University Columbus, OH
DAME EDNA Shubert Theatre,
Chicago March 27-April 8
SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM
Vignettes from many of Sondheim's musicals such as West Side Story, A Funny Thing
Happened on the Way to the Forum, Follies, Gypsy and more. The production stars Karen
Mason, Florence Lacey, Kevin Gray and Cris Groenendaal. Performances through April 22.
Coconut Grove Playhouse, Coconut Grove, Florida
HELLO DOLLY! Lamb
Productions Theatre, Sioux City, IA through April 8.
SIDEMAN opened Friday at the
Civic Center's Stoner Theater, Des Moines, IA. Continues through April 1.
WIT at the Denver
Performing Arts Complex, through April 21.
BEE The world premiere of
Bee by Prince Gomolvilas tells the story of a young gay Korean American man, who is
invisible, and an older African American woman, who is the only person who can see him. In their
search for a cure for his invisibility, they explore contemporary views of race, class, gender,
and friendship. Part comedy, part drama, part parable that sees the world in more than black and
yellow. Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, San Francisco March 30 to April 15
THE SOUND OF MUSIC STARRING RICHARD
CHAMBERLAIN at the Orange County Performing Arts Center
through April 2. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, April 1 will be sign language
interpreted.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC STARRING BARRY
WILLIAMS of Brady Bunch fame. Warner Theatre,
Washington, D.C. April 3-8
SWING! The Shubert New Haven
Theatre will present Swing!, May 8-20. Last June, Shubert performing Arts Center
president and CEO Caroline Werth announced that the show will be part of the New Haven
theatre's 2000-2001 subscription series. By the time it plays New Haven, Swing! will have
run in Los Angeles, Seattle, East Lansing, Baltimore, Miami, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago,
Cleveland, and Las Vegas, where tonight Swing closes a five night gig at the Aladdin
Hotel.
THE GLORY OF EASTER
The largest and most spectacular passion play in America is brought to life through drama, song
and pageantry at the Crystal Cathedral in California. A cast of over 100 volunteer actors are
supported by professionals playing the lead roles of Jesus, Pilate, Mary Magdalene, Herod, and
Mary. Utilizing the latest in special effects, the Easter pageant is famous for its lifelike recreation
of earthquakes, thunder storms and lightening inside the all-glass building. Flying angels soar
overhead while live animals parade down the aisle March 30 through April 14 with sign language
interpreted on April 3 and 8.
INVENTING VAN GOGH by
Steven Dietzhas its the world premiere April 7-28 at the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson
before moving to Phoenix for performances May 3-20 at the Harberger Theatre Center.
WHO'S WHERE
ANDREA BOCELLI
ANDREA BOCELLI
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performed Saturday night in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay with Elizabeth Taylor in the audience.
Tonight the singer takes center stage in Philadelphia, PA at the First Union Center. On
Wednesday he's in the spotlight at the Schottenstein Center Ohio State University Columbus,
OH.
Since being discovered in 1992, Bocelli has quickly established himself as one of the worlds'
most exciting tenor voices able to interpret all forms of music, from ballads to
operatic arias,
with
ease.
Born in 1958 on the family farm in Lajatico in rural Tuscany where his father still produces
"Chianti Bocelli" from the family vineyard.
ROSEMARY CLOONEY & Big
Kahuna and the Copa Cat Pack at Feinsteins at the Regency NYC opening Mar 27th for an
engagement running through Apr 7th.
MARGARET WHITING and PAUL BERNHARDT
open March 27 at Arci's Place, NYC. Performances through April
7th.
JULIE WILSON March 27 through
April 21 at the Algonquin Hotel, NYC. A former beauty queen who made her mark in films, Julie
segued to the musical comedy stage with appearances on Broadway in Kismet, The Pajama
Game, Jimmy and Legs Diamond, for which she received a Tony nomination. She
toured in Kiss Me, Kate, originating the role of Bianca in the London production. In
London she also starred in Bells are Ringing and South Pacific.
CATRIN FINCH the Welch harpist
that Prince Charles appointed to the position of royal harpist - the first time there has been a royal
harpist in England in 130 years - will be plucking the notes in America this week. She's in concert
Thursday in the Libby Gardner Concert Hall at the University of Utah, Salt Lake. She first played
for Prince Charles on his 50th birthday and now plays for him whenever it suits his fancy, which is
perhaps eight times a year at various dinners. The rest of the time she is free to live her life on
her own terms with the deferment - she can't gossip about the Royal Family - lest she lose her
royal appointment, if not her head.
PAUL ANKA With album and
single sales collectively more than 42 million, Anka performs in a sold out engagement
tomorrow night at the Kravis Center in Miami, FL.
GEORGE STRAIT CHEVY TRUCK COUNTRY MUSIC
FESTIVAL starring Strait, Alan Jackson, Lonestar, Lee
Ann Womack, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans and Asleep At The Wheel April 1 at the Las Vegas Motor
Speedway. Tickets $49.50 and $59.50.
BERNADETTE PETERS March 29 at
Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady, NY.
DEBBIE REYNOLDS is keeping
busy. On March 31 she entertains at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncansville, CT. The unsinkable
one celebrates her birthday April 1 then performs April 4th at the Riverside in Laughlin, NV.
She'll also be on hand to open New Jersey's TheatreFest 2001 season with concerts on June 8, 9
and 10, Montclair State University's Memorial Auditorium Upper Montclair, NJ.
ROBERT GOULET on Larry King
Live CNN Television March 29.
JOHNNY MATHIS in Fort Wayne,
IN at the Allen Co. Mem. Coliseum March 29.
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN in Vero
Beach, FL at St. Edward's School March 28.
WYONNA closed a three night
engagement last night at the Las Vegas Hilton. Now she takes it on down the road for a one
night stand March 29 at the Flamingo in Laughlin, NV.
MATCHBOX TWENTY have a busy
week. On March 26 they're in Colorado Springs, CO at the World Arena. On Tuesday they can
be found on stage in Albuquerque, NM at the Tingley Coliseum. Thursday and Friday they star at
the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA, On Saturday they've found they're
way to San Jose, CA where they are in the spotlight at the Compaq Center.
LORETTA LYNN remains in a
Tennessee hospital battling pneumonia. Loretta was listed in good condition, the statement said.
Doctors say she's being treated for pneumonia in her right lung and she's responding well to
medication. At this point she is still slated to open April 12 at Boulder Station in Las
Vegas.
CAROLINE RHEA
CAROLINE RHEA
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who plays the feisty
Aunt Hilda on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch is the headliner for the opening of Catch A
Rising Star Comedy Club at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas.
Rhea is a Catch alumni, a regular on the new Hollywood Squares and recently worked
with Jim Carrey in a supporting role in Man on the Moon, the story of the late comedian
Andy Kaufman.
Rhea continues to play to sold out audience in top comedy clubs.
Ever since Kathie Lee Gifford insulted her, Rhea has used the comedy club stages as her podium
for verbal retorts towards the former Regis sidekick. Don't expect Rhea to hold back in Vegas.
March 28. Excalibur Hotel, Las Vegas.
THIS AND THAT
GEORGE CLOONEY has a keg of
Guinness draft beer in his Las Vegas Ocean's Eleven dressing room.
FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER in Vegas this week-end. On Thursday Carter and his wife, Rosalyn, went
to the Magical Empire at Caesars Palace where they and their Secret Service agents
became part of
the magic act.
Pick pocket artist Apollo Robbins managed not to get arrested after he picked the
pockets of the Secret Service agents. The Carters were also entertained by pianist David Osborne
who is on the regular invite list at the White House.
On Friday Carter did a book signing,
autographing copies of his latest tome An Hour Before Daylight. This is his 15th book and
chronicles his childhood in rural Georgia during the Depression. Hundreds of residents and visitors
stood in line to buy the book and get his autograph.
Mention BROADWAY TO VEGAS for Special Consideration
Call (800) 942-9027
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Next Column:April 1, 2001
Copyright: March 25, 2001. All Rights Reserved. Reviews,
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