Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: November 9, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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COMMEMORATE VETERANS' DAY

In a heartfelt tribute to Veterans Day, MeTV, recognized an American classic television network, will air its annual special event titled MeTV Remembers the MASH Finale on Tuesday, November 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time and Pacific Time. This three-hour programming block centers on the uncut presentation of the iconic final episode of the beloved series MASH, complemented by exclusive interviews with the show’s cast members and creators.

The episode in focus, known as Goodbye, Farewell and Amen, stands as a monumental achievement in television history. Directed by Alan Alda, who also starred in the series, it originally broadcast on February 28, 1983, and drew an astonishing audience of over 105 million viewers across the United States. This figure remains the highest for any scripted television event in the nation’s history, underscoring the profound cultural impact of the program. The storyline follows the personnel of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital as they navigate the conclusion of their service during the Korean War, blending humor, drama, and poignant reflections on war’s human toll. Rarely broadcast in its entirety on over-the-air television in recent years, this airing offers viewers a rare opportunity to experience the episode without interruptions or edits.

Enhancing the broadcast, the special includes newly curated interviews where surviving cast members and the show’s creators recount their experiences during the production of this landmark finale. These segments provide behind-the-scenes insights into the emotional challenges of wrapping up an eleven-season run that had become a staple of American entertainment, exploring themes of camaraderie, loss, and resilience that resonated deeply with audiences, many of whom had connections to military service.

Beyond the Veterans Day special, MeTV continues to celebrate MASH as part of its regular lineup, appealing to fans of classic television. The series airs in a block of four consecutive episodes weeknights from Monday through Friday, between 5 and 7 p.m. Eastern Time and Pacific Time. On Sundays, viewers can catch two episodes starting at 6 p.m. Eastern Time and Pacific Time. Following MASH on Sunday evenings, the network transitions to four back-to-back episodes of All in the Family from 7 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time and Pacific Time, and then presents two consecutive episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond from 9 to 10 p.m. Eastern Time and Pacific Time. This scheduling creates a nostalgic evening of programming that highlights enduring comedies and dramas from past decades.

As classic television enthusiasts prepare for the event, the broadcast promises an evening of reflection and entertainment. The enduring popularity of MAS*H, evidenced by its record-breaking viewership and ongoing syndication, speaks to its timeless appeal. MeTV’s commitment to preserving such programming ensures that new generations can discover the 4077th’s stories, while longtime fans revisit cherished moments. With additional daily and weekly airings, the network maintains a steady presence for these iconic shows in households nationwide.

In commemoration of Veterans Day, the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City serves as a fitting place to honor those who have served — and continue to serve — our country. To recognize these men and women, admission to the Museum and Memorial is free for veterans and active duty military personnel (as well as spouses and dependents with ID) through Tuesday, November 11. General admission for the public is half-price. In addition, furloughed Federal workers receive free admission until the end of the furlough (ID required).

Visitors for Veterans Day Weekend will be among the first to see two new exhibitions at the Museum and Memorial. Paris at War examines the city’s dramatic shift from the flourishing days of the French empire to the uncertainty and hardship brought on by World War I. In L ving Memory: Dean Cross, Artist-in-Residence is the inaugural Museum and Memorial Artist-in-Residence installation. Worimi artist Dean Cross draws on his ancestor George Moss's sacrifice at Gallipoli and the Worimi tradition of Scar Trees. Both exhibitions opened the public on Thursday, November 6.

The Vietnam Era Ball UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" Helicopter Display is on view through Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #243 will provide an iconic Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter for people to climb aboard and inspect. Free to the Public. On Tuessday, you can make your own poppy pin to keep for yourself or give to a friend! If you miss the craft table before it closes, you can make your own poppy at home with this Cut-Out Poppy or the instructions for this 3D Poppy. Free to the Public.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations.

Across the pond what they call Festival of Remembrance was celebrated November 8-9, 2025

Prince George joined his mother, Princess Kate, at the Royal Albert Hall for the important festival on November 8, 2025.

. Prince William was not able to attend because he was in transit from Earth Shot events in Brazil back to London.

In London, King Charles at Royal Albert Hall. Kate was elegant and respectful in a black, £1,685 Alessandra Rich dress adorned with a handmade poppy created out of silk, glass and other natural materials, along with earrings belonging to the late Queen.

The festival is marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two and reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the UK lifting the ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual personnel serving openly in the armed forces.

Performers included Sir Rod Stewart, Sam Ryder and Keala Settle, along with performances by the Central Band of the RAF, the RAF Squadronaires and the Band of HM Royal Marines.

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham hosted the festival.

The Festival of Remembrance traditionally closes with the Act of Remembrance, poppy petals falling from the roof and a moment of national silence.

On Remembrance Sunday the entire royal contingent was present at the Cenotaph.

Charles was the first to place a wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph in Whitehall, central London after a national two-minute silence, followed by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. Equerries laid wreaths on behalf of the Queen and the Duke of Kent, who watched the service from the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as one for the Princess Royal, who is currently on an official visit with her husband to Australia.

Others on the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office included the Duke of Kent and the Duchess of Edinburgh were on the left balcony, Kate and Camilla were on the centre section and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were on the right.

Some 10,000 armed forces veterans took part in the annual Royal British Legion’s March Past in central London, while music played. Among the war heroes were D-Day veterans.

Their Majesties also viewed the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch for Peace symbol, aiming to highlight the importance of future peace and the responsibility to carry forward the memory of all those who died.

The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester on Tuesday, November 11, for a poignant reception at Windsor Castle for veterans who served in World War 2 and their families in honour of the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day.

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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

KING CHARLES

The framed "Highgrove House – A View from the Wildflower Meadow" lithograph by King Charles. Highgrove Gardens / The King’s Foundation

has affixed his royal moniker to 100 of his limited edition lithographs titled Highgrove House - A View from the Wildlower Meadow, which he created in 1995.

Highgrove Gardens is selling a lithograph which shows Highgrove, the King's cherished country house.

The King, 76, has long been an amateur artist and on November 4, his Highgrove Gardens shop announced the sale of a lithograph of which are priced at $3,882 and currently available for pre-order, shows the Wildflower Meadow at Highgrove House, with the King's beloved country home in the distance.

The print is part of an exclusive series of one hundred lithographs signed by the sovereign, offering a rare opportunity to own some of his artwork. All proceeds from Highgrove products support the work of The King's Foundation, his charity dedicated to sustainability and uplifting young people.

Charles acquired Highgrove in 1980 as a private retreat in the Gloucestershire countryside and transformed its gardens into a renowned destination today.

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SWEET CHARITY

COMEDY GIVES BACK 3rd Annual CGB Laugh Aid at New York Comedy Festival! Featuring Colin Quinn, Liza Treyger, Rosebud Baker, Chris Redd, Paul Mecurio, Eddie Brill and more! November 13th at Gotham Comedy Club.

Musicians have MusiCares. Actors have The Entertainment Community Fund. Now comedians have Comedy Gives Back - the safety net for the comedy community.

With performances by Chris Redd, Paul Mecurio, Rosebud Baker, Colin Quinn, Liza Treyger and many surprise guests, this benefit show supports Comedy Gives Back.

Being alone on stage is part of the job.
Feeling alone offstage is unacceptable.

Co-founded by Zoe Friedman, Amber J. Lawson & Jodi Lieberman, Comedy Gives Back is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization that provides grants to stand-up comedians for financial crisis, mental health therapy, and chemical dependency treatment.

SPREADING THE WORD

TUXEDO CLAD JIMMY FALLON AND JAMES CORDEN

James Corden and Jimmy Fallon entertain.

hit all the right spots when they performed their two man show at Emilio's Ballato's famed eatery in New York City.

After having dinner with Lorne Michaels at Emilio’s Ballato, former “SNL” star Fallon and former “The Late Late Show” host Corden claimed the stage in the secret, back bar where the Eric Newman Jazz Band was playing. Wasting little time Fallon and Corden starting crooning Sinatra and Tony Bennett standards.

Corden, 47, who’s currently starring on Broadway in 'Art' with Bobby Cannavale and Neil Patrick Harris, "absolutely killed it with ‘My Way,’ and Jimmy followed with a smooth, heartfelt, ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco,’? it's been reported.

Since they first had dinner with Michaels, which has to mean substantial effort was put into the performance. Perhaps it was test driving some ideas such as the two performing a live to tape performance or even a limited series for perhaps summer. It certainly wasn't for no reason at all.

Sounds like the performances as well as the customers had a perfect evening. My kind of show. Wish I had been there.

The snazzy joint's private back room recalls the days of the Rat Pack in Vegas ans Daymond Runyon in New York City.

THE HOUSTON GRAND OPERA has announced that Maestro James Gaffigan as the fifth Music Director in HGO’s 70-year history! Gaffigan will lead the company alongside General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor, advancing HGO’s commitment to sharing world-class artistic excellence with audiences in Houston and across the globe. Beginning his term as Music Director Designate in the 2026-27 season, Gaffigan will assume the role of Music Director in the 2027-28 season, following longtime Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers's transition to the role of Music Director Emeritus.

From a global field of candidates, Gaffigan stood out for his virtuosity at the podium, collaborative ethos, passion for developing young talent, and vision for diversifying audiences for opera and classical music. Since 2023, he has served as the General Music Director of Komische Oper Berlin, and he recently completed his fourth and final season as Music Director of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia, Spain.

His first Music Director title with an American institution, this appointment marks a homecoming for Gaffigan, both to the United States and to Houston. A Rice University alumnus, Gaffigan earned his master’s degree from the Shepherd School of Music. Recently, he returned to HGO to lead the first-ever performance by the HGO Orchestra at the 2025 Concert of Arias, and he is currently conducting our critically acclaimed Porgy and Bess production.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KING CHARLES To celebrate his 77th birthday, Friday, November 14, next week, King Charles will travel yo a special place with Queen Camilla. To mark the special day, the royal couple will head to South Wales for a series of engagements with the local community. While there, Charles and Camilla are expected to meet locals at Cyfarthfa Castle, with their visit aiming to “highlight and celebrate the region’s rich heritage, vibrant arts, and culture”.

Their Majesties will attend a celebratory reception to mark the castle’s 200th anniversary and the King’s birthday, with the guest list featuring representatives from their patronages and notable figures from across the region. The King, who was the longest serving Prince of Wales from 1958 until 2022, and Queen are also expected to cut a birthday cake outside the castle grounds to mark His Majesty’s special day.

It's no secret that the King likes birthday cake especially if it is decorated with gobs of birthday frosting.

Welsh cultural figures in attendance will include actress Ruth Jones, TikTok creator Lewis Leigh, reality television personality Liam Reardon, fashion designer Julien Macdonald and representatives from the Laura Ashley Foundation.

The castle, built in 1825 as the grand residence of ironmaster William Crawshay II, remains one of Wales’s most historically significant buildings and stands as a cultural beacon, home to a museum and art gallery and at the heart of plans for long-term restoration and development led by the Cyfarthfa Foundation.

It's been a dreadful year for King Charles and here's hoping that it's only rainbows from now on. Of course he has the best gift he could personally have - Camilla as his wife.






LUCIANA ORTEGA NAMED INAUGURAL RECIPIENT OF THE LATIN MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARD which will be celebrated at the Special Awards Presentation during the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas.

The Latin Recording Academy, in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, is proud to announce Luciana Ortega of the Instituto Santa María de San Carlos, in Chile, as the inaugural recipient of the Latin Music Educator Award. This new distinction honors an exceptional educator from the global music community who is making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum. Ortega has been teaching music for over 10 years, and she currently leads more than 400 high school students in a holistic music curriculum that extends beyond simply playing instruments.

As part of the award, Ortega’s school’s music program will receive a $10,000 instrument donation to support continued music education. Additionally, she will receive an all-expense paid trip to attend the Special Awards Presentation where she will be honored during the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas.

"We are proud to honor Luciana Ortega with the first Latin Music Educator Award,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Her daily commitment to music students brings to life our mission to honor, celebrate, nurture and elevate Latin music and those that ensure its enduring legacy."

"This recognition transcends my name; it reflects a collective history we have woven with love, perseverance, and meaning. My family, my students, and music have been the pillars of a transformation that goes far beyond the classroom,” shared Ortega. “In every note, the memory of our people, the strength of our roots, and the hope for a more humane future vibrate. I understand that educating through music goes beyond teaching sounds, and is also about awakening consciousness, healing wounds, and sowing identity. This recognition honors that journey: that of those of us who believe that art can transform life and reconcile humanity with its land. Music has taught us to listen to the world with tenderness and to transform reality with love; and that, more than an achievement, is a form of transcendence."

Ortega’s teaching approach aims to establish a deep connection with cultural identity, ingenuity and using music to transform challenges into creative opportunities, or as she puts it “El alma de la música como motor de aprendizaje ” (The soul of music as an instrument for learning). She was selected from a highly competitive pool of international applicants through a rigorous process led by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, with evaluations by a distinguished committee of music educators and academic experts and voting coordinated by The Latin Recording Academy’s Awards Department. The Board of Trustees of The Latin Recording Academy made the final selection.

This recognition marks a full circle milestone for Ortega, whose passion for music was ignited as a student at the very same school where she now teaches. As a music educator, she is committed to creating new learning experiences for her students, understanding the intrinsic value of music and the arts in their lives and society.

DAVID BECKHAM is now known as Sir David Beckham after King Charles successfully knighted him- meaning he didn't hit his ear with the sword.

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BOB BAKER'S NUTCRACKER delightful and spellbinding 1969 marionette adaptation of the beloved ballet classic.

features more than 100 handcrafted puppets, including original characters from the ballet, such as Clara, the Nutcracker, the Rat King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, along with many of Baker’s own whimsical creations.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Bob Baker’s Nutcracker,” says Sierra Madre Playhouse Artistic and Executive Director Matt Cook. “The production transforms the historic venue into holiday central, drawing multi-generational families, couples on date nights, as well as those seeking a festive seasonal performance.”

Bob’s original Nutcracker show, created in 1969, was performed with hand-and-rod puppets, but over the years, BBMT’s talented team of artisans and craftspeople carefully preserved and adapted the ballet, transforming it into a fanciful dreamscape featuring large-scale marionettes and intricate sets.

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker is co-presented by Bob Baker Marionette Theater and Sierra Madre Playhouse.Runs from November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at Historic Sierra Madre Playhouse,CA.

ARCHDUKEwritten by Rajiv Joseph.

Directed by Darko Tresnjak.

This darkly comic and unexpectedly human take rewinds history to reveal the fateful journey of Gavrilo Princip—best remembered as Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassin—and his fellow revolutionaries in a new light. Here, we see the late teens not as hardened killers, but as a ragtag group of dreamers swept up in forces beyond their control, and in dire need of a sandwich. With razor-sharp humor, gripping tension, and an irreverence that keeps you on your toes, Archduke transforms a pivotal moment in world history into an electrifying theatrical experience—one that feels unexpectedly urgent and strikingly relevant in an era of disillusioned young men searching for purpose.

This darkly comic and unexpectedly human take rewinds history to reveal the fateful journey of Gavrilo Princip—best remembered as Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassin—and his fellow revolutionaries in a new light. Here, we see the late teens not as hardened killers, but as a ragtag group of dreamers swept up in forces beyond their control, and in dire need of a sandwich. With razor-sharp humor, gripping tension, and an irreverence that keeps you on your toes, Archduke transforms a pivotal moment in world history into an electrifying theatrical experience—one that feels unexpectedly urgent and strikingly relevant in an era of disillusioned young men searching for purpose.

Featuring Jake Berne, Kristine Nielsen, Adrien Rolet, Jason Sanchez, and Patrick Page.

The design team includes Alexander Dodge (Scenic Design), Linda Cho (Costume Design), Matthew Richards (Lighting Design), Jane Shaw (Sound Design), Tom Watson (Hair, Wig & Makeup Design) and Rocio Mendez (Fight Direction).

At Roundabout Theatre Company’s Laura Pels Theatre in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre opens officially on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

GRIEF BACON AND OTHER HOLIDAY TREATS part of Odyssey’s Thresholds of Invention series - first looks at pieces in process by prominent L.A. visionaries curated by Tony Abatemarco.

Created and starring Melanie Mayron and Sandra Tsing Loh.

Melanie Mayron and Sandra Tsing Loh share old and new humor for the holidays in Grief Bacon and Other Holiday Treats, a quick evening of (much-needed) amusement presented as part of Odyssey Theatre Ensemble’s Thresholds of Invention series. The term “grief bacon” comes from the German “kummerspeck,” aka: “weight gain from emotional overeating.” And yes, if the world’s just all too much, you can wear your pajamas.

Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Odyssey Theatre Los Angeles CA.

THE BAKER'S WIFE featuring a book by Joseph Stein, music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, based on the film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol, adapted from Jean le Bleu by Jean Giono.

Choreography by Stephanie Klemons.

Direction by Gordon Greenberg.

The Baker’s Wife stars Golden Globe winner Scott Bakulaas Aimable Castagnet and Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose as Geneviève, with Wendi Bergamini, Savannah Lee Birdsong, Arnie Burton, Tony Award nominee Robert Cuccioli, Alma Cuervo, Tony Award nominee Kevin Del Aguila, Bill English, Zachary Freier-Harrison, Samantha Gershman, Nathan Lee Graham, Tony Award nominee Judy Kuhn, Sally Murphy, Manu Narayan, Mason Olshavsky, Kevin William Paul, Will Roland, and Hailey Thomas.

In a quiet French village, a baker and his wife bring fresh bread…and fresh gossip. But when temptation stirs and hearts wander, the whole town gets caught up in a swirl of romance, mischief, and melody. The Baker’s Wife brings Stephen Schwartz’s soaring score, including the iconic “Meadowlark,” to life in its full-scale production in New York City. Sweet, surprising, and full of heart, this long-awaited production celebrates love in all its perfectly imperfect recipes.

The creative team includes Charlie Alterman (Music Direction), Jason Sherwood (Set Design), Catherine Zuber (Costume Design), Bradley King (Lighting Design), Jason Crystal (Sound Design), Casting by The Telsey Office (Craig Burns, CSA), and Production Management by Libby JVera / LJPM. Jason Weixelman serves as Production Stage Manager.

Presented by special arrangement with the Menier Chocolate Factory (David Babani, Artistic Director), Creative Partners Productions, and Aaron Glick.

The Baker’s Wife officially opens November 11, 2025 at Lynn F. Angelson Theater in New York City.

E-Book

Soft back Book

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

PRUNELLA SCALES the actress best known for playing Sybil Fawlty in "Fawlty Towers", has died in her home in London. She was 93.

Her sons Samuel and Joseph West stated: "Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.

“We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love.”

"Ms Scales achieved international recognition portraying Sybil Fawlty, the formidable spouse of John Cleese's hapless hotelier in the BBC's legendary comedy Fawlty Towers, a role cemented her status as one of Britain's most cherished performers.Her death follows less than a year after her husband of 61 years, fellow actor Timothy West, who passed away in November 2024.

The couple had become familiar faces to television audiences through their Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys.

Ms Scales enjoyed an extraordinary seven-decade career in theatre, television, film and radio before dementia led to her retirement.

The sitcom that made her a household name ran for just 12 episodes across two series in 1975 and 1979, yet its impact remains a timeless classic to many.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of Fawlty Towers' debut, with the show frequently cited as Britain's greatest comedy series. In a 2000 poll, it claimed the top spot as the nation's favorite television program.

Ms Scales' portrayal of the sharp-tongued Sybil opposite Mr Cleese's manic Basil created one of comedy's most memorable partnerships. Her character's withering put-downs and exasperated reactions to her husband's antics became instantly recognizable to audiences worldwide.
Away from the screen, Ms Scales wed Mr West in October 1963. One of their sons, Samuel, followed his parents into acting and directing.

The couple first met in 1961 whilst working on the television production She Died Young. Mr West was still married to his first wife, actress Jacqueline Boyer, at the time, and the pair initially remained friends before beginning their romance.

She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

CHARLES EDWARD WHALEY an award winning education editor during his affiliation over many years with The Courier-Journal for which he also reviewed books and theatre and contributed op-ed articles, died Thursday October 30 at his home in Louisville, Kentucky at age 97.

While at the newspaper he became one of the original 12 Marshall Scholars chosen in 1954 from throughout the U.S. by the British Government for study at a British university in gratitude for U. S. Marshall Plan aid following World War II. He received a master of arts degree in English literature from the University of Manchester, focusing on Thomas Hardy, after a two-year residency while on leave from the C-J.

Whaley joined the C-J staff after earning a master of science degree at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 1950, where he had been accepted in a class limited to 50 after graduating from the University of Kentucky with highest honors in 1949. There he received U.K.’s Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion as outstanding senior man and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, editor of the Kentuckian yearbook, and president of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon.

He headed SuKy, the student organization promoting athletics, and was elected to Omicron Delta Kappa and every other honor society for which he was eligible.

Soon after starting at the newspaper he was drafted for Army service in the Korean War and served two years in public information at Fort Knox, Fort Meade, Md., and Fort Slocum, N. Y. His Marshall Scholarship came after his return to the C-J. He was elected secretary-general of the Association of Marshall Scholars and Alumni during its formative years, serving from 1965-1971.

Whaley received another singular honor when for the 70th anniversary of Marshall Scholarships in 2025 and the annual report to Parliament, he was selected as the featured scholar profiled by the British Council’s Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission from the inaugural 1954 class.

In 1962 he received the top national award of the Education Writers Association for “clear and comprehensive coverage of education in Kentucky.”

Whaley joined the Kentucky Education Association staff in 1964 as its first director of research and information, later becoming director of communications. While there he received the KEA’s Lucy Harth Smith—Atwood S. Wilson Award for Civil and Human Rights in Education and was coauthor with Dr. Kern Alexander, later president of Murray State University and Western Kentucky University, of “Beyond the Minimum,” a major study that led to improvements in Kentucky’s foundation program for education.

In 1957 he married Carol Sutton, Courier-Journal staff writer and women’s editor, who later became the first woman to be named managing editor of a major American daily newspaper—The Courier-Journal. She was on Time Magazine’s “Women of the Year” cover in 1976. The Charles Whaley—Carol Sutton Collection of their papers is at Louisville’s Filson Historical Society.

In 1985, after his beloved wife’s death from lung cancer, Whaley moved to California to become executive director of the American Lung Association of San Francisco. There he was elected president of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), of which he was an accredited member. He had been PRSA president in Kentucky of the Bluegrass Chapter.

Whaley was a longtime member of the American Theatre Critics Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. While in San Francisco he was regional editor and columnist/reviewer for Stages, a New York magazine, as well as secretary-treasurer of the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.

He retired in 1993 and returned to his Cherokee Triangle home in Louisville where he wrote theatre and book reviews and op-ed pieces for the C-J, reviewed theatre for The News and Tribune in Southern Indiana, and contributed articles to The Sondheim Review and Virginia Woolf Miscellany. He also was regional correspondent for In Theater magazine in New York.

In Louisville he had been president of First Unitarian Church board of trustees, chairman of the Quito, Ecuador committee of Sister Cities of Louisville, and board member of the English-Speaking Union, Kentucky Branch.

He also was a guest lecturer at England’s University of Reading on Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group as well as American musical theatre. In 2002 a song for which he wrote words and music, “I’d Like to Show You London,” was featured via Jeane Carlin’s “Jazz With a View” CD in an Atlanta stage production of “Trevor” by British playwright John Bowen.

His research material for a projected biography of New York off-Broadway producer Ben Bagley, who issued a major series of recordings of early lesser-known songs of famous musical theatre composers such as Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Leonard Bernstein, Rodgers and Hart, and Rodgers and Hammerstein, is in Ohio State University’s library collection archives.

Whaley is survived by daughters Carrie Orman (Doug) of Louisville and Kate Archer (Robert) of Florence, KY, grandsons Clayton (Carolina) and Casey Orman and William Archer (Erin), and sister Martha O’Connor, Hebron, Ky, great grandson Sebastian Orman, and several nieces and nephews. Another sister, Ruth Young, died in 2020 at age 90.

Next Column: November 16, 2025
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Laura Deni