Nathan Lane, currently starring in The Man Who Came To Dinner - although the hit
production closes tonight - is being lauded for helping an audience keep their heads when all
about them people were screaming fire! during last Thursday's performance.
NATHAN LANE
Halfway through the third act there was noise, a smokey smell, and the audience became
extremely frightened. The disruption was so intense that finally the actors stopped.
Not one to be upstaged by an audience gone awry, Lane stepped forward. The house lights came
up and that's when people starting screaming Fire! There's a fire in the theatre!
Quick thinking Lane stemmed what appeared to be a stampede waiting to happen - in a voice
that is Lane at his best sarcastically - yelled backstage: "Is there a fire? Can you tell us what's
going
on?"
Although he wasn't joking, his delivery and sense of timing broke the panic and the audience
regained control over themselves and were then prepared to evacuate the premise in an
orderly manner.
Fortunately, that wasn't necessary.
It turned out that the gel on one of the overhead lights had popped, causing the strong
burning odor.
While the patrons returned to their seats Lane continued to ad lib. Lane received a round of
applause and then uproarious laughter when the play resumed and the first line was "I'm going
upstairs, there's too been too much melodrama in the house."
So - all's well that ends well.
JAY LENO
Jay Leno brought his Tonight Show crew to Las Vegas for some inter active taping at the Paris
Hotel. In keeping with the political season the food soldier comedian trotted down the path with
former White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart. They'd snag hotel guests and give
helpful instructions on how to twist the truth. When one man admitted to Lockhart and
Leno that his wife didn't know he was gambling in Las Vegas, Lockhart gave him instruction to
explain to her that he was in Las Vegas "investing for their future."
Leno will be airing the Vegas Jay Walking segments this coming week.
Paul Anka has decided to do it his way - splitting with wife Anne after 37 years of marriage, five
daughters and a mega stash of community property.
Anka's wife filed for legal
separation, claiming irreconcilable differences. In the petition filed in Los Angeles.Superior
Court, Anne Anka asked for an unspecified amount of spousal support. The couple married Feb.
16, 1963, and they separated on Sept. 28, according to court papers. The couple has five
daughters.
Although rumors have been thick for some time that Anka had found a new lady love,
the couple claims to remain the best of friends, with the splitzville duo planning on spending
Thanksgiving together - apparently giving thanks that the split is amicable.
The 25th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be Time Warping it all over
Las Vegas this week, with the official convention taking place Friday and Saturday at Cashman
Field and the Hard Rock
A fan club convention takes over Cashman Field followed by a parade Saturday night from
Circus Circus Hotel to the Hark Rock Hotel culminating with the largest group Time Warp in
front of the Hard Rock for the Guinness Book of World Records.
VH1 is taping he festivities, including a karaoke special, which will air on Halloween.
Stars of the film confirmed to attend include Little Nell Campbell, Dori Hartley, Patricia Quinn,
and Richard O'Brien.
Celebrities expected on Saturday include Jesse L. Martin, Dominique Swain, Bijou Philips, Eric
McCormack, Ashton Kutcher and superthin supermodel Kylie Bax, all of whom have promised to
sing songs from the cult classic movie - soon to be revived as a Broadway musical.
Producer Jordan Roth's revival of Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show, begins
previews on Oct 20 at the Circle in the Square NYC, with the official curtain going up on Nov. 15
JOAN JETT
The revival of the cult musical, The Rocky Horror Show, will feature Christopher
Ashley directing an eclectic cast, including Dick Cavett as the Narrator, Lea DeLaria as
Eddie/Dr. Scott, Joan Jett making her Broadway debut as Columbia, Jarrod Emick as Brad, Raul
Esparza as Riff Raff, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Megenta, Alice Ripley as Janet, and Tom Hewitt as
Frank n' Furter.
The production team, under director Ashley comprises choreographer Jerry Mitchell, scenic
designer David Rockwell, lighting designer Paul Gallo, costume designer David Woolard,
sound designer Richard Fitzgerald, musical director Henry Aronson and orchestrations by Doug
Katsaros.
As would be expected, the show will interact with the audience.
The cult movie was actually an adaptation of the original stage version which ran for about a
month in 1975. The movie, released the same year, featured many performers who were in the
original Broadway production.
The film version was directed by Jim Sharman and starred Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry
Bostwick, Richard O'Brien, Jonathan Adams, Meatloaf, Little Nell (Campbell), Charles
Gray and Patricia Quinn.
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SOUTHERN FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
The Southern Festival of Books takes place in Nashville this week with the pages being flipped
October 13-15 at War Memorial Plaza in Nashville, TN.
Newport News, Va. born William Styron -- who with Eudora Welty would rank as one of the two
most eminent Southern authors alive today -- is scheduled to deliver the Robert Penn Warren
Lecture on Southern Letters that coincides with the opening of the popular book
festival.
Among the Yale graduate's many novels are the early, brilliant Lie Down in Darkness(1950); the
Pulitzer Prize-winning Confess of Nat Turner (1967); Sophie's Choice (1979), adapted into a
highly regarded film starring Kevin Kline and Meryl Streep; and Darkness Visible (1990), which
explored the author's struggle with depression.
Styron's 30-minute talk -- scheduled for the opening Friday at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown
-- is the third in the lecture series, which was launched in 1998 and has previously spotlighted
Elizabeth Spencer and Reynolds Price.
WILLLIAM STYRON
The Tennessee Humanities Council presents the book festival and co-sponsors the lecture with
the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities at Vanderbilt. Galyn Glick Martin is the,
festival director and Robert Cheatham is president of the Council.
Big-name scribes include Bobbie Ann Mason, Peter Matthiessen, Alan Lightman, Terry Kay,
Josephine Humphreys, George Garrett, Clyde Edgerton and Frederick Barthelme. There is also
hot newcomer Ha Jin, who snared a recent National Book Award for Waiting, as well as
William Least Heat-Moon, author of Blue Highways and River-Horse. And look for some
current members of Vanderbilt's literati -- author Tony Earley and poet Mark Jarman. During the
festival, Earley, who will be promoting his latest book, Jim the Boy, will be featured in War
Memorial Auditorium in a special appearance with singer-songwriter Paul Burch, who has
composed music inspired by Earley's book.
The festival was launched in 1989 with less than 100 authors on hand and is envisioned as a
marriage of commerce and education, since most but not all of the authors are promoting new
books.
Over the three days of the convention there will be nearly 70 panel discussions, including
children's books, and some 62 presentations by individual authors. Another 16 performances,
ranging from poetry reading and storytelling to music related to writing, are also planned. In
addition, there will be some 95 exhibitor booths for publishers, booksellers and various
book-related non-profit organizations.
Estimated attendance is expected to exceed 30,000, with attendees coming from across the
nation.
SWEET CHARITY
16th ANNUAL RITA HAYWORTH GALA
Rita Hayworth suffered from
Alzheimer's
takes place in New York City on October 11th.
Rita's daughter, Princess
Yasmin Aga Khan, who lives in Utah, is the founder and hard working hostess.
This year's benefit
called Beneath the Harvest Moon, is the 16th Annual Rita Hayworth Gala benefiting the fight
against Alzheimer's disease, which destroyed the fabulous screen goddess.
Ashford & Simpson perform and the place will be packed with celebs: Calvin Klein, Regis Philbin,
Kathie and Frank Gifford, Phyllis George, Donna Dixon and Dan Aykroyd, Kim Cernak and Art
Garfunkel.
For more info Call (212) 843-1712.
BERNADETTE PETERS was
in
concert last night at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, N.J.,
backed by a 30-piece orchestra.
The event benefited the theatre company.
THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL
is
on tour. On October 10th they open at the Bushnell in Hartford CT. where they'll be performing
through October 15th. Then it's Pittsburgh PA Heinz Hall October 17-22; Hershey, PA Hersheye
Theatre October 24-29; Philadelphia, PA Merriam October 31-November 5; Green Bay,
WI Weidner November 7-12; San Diego, CA Civic Theatre November 28- December 3;
Tempe, AZ Gammage December 5-10; Denver, CO Buell December 12-31.
The cast
includes: Amy Bodnar, William Michals, Robert Patteri, Jennifer Zimmerman, Billy Sharpe, Leo
Diagnaulp, Stephonne Smith Russell Joel Brown, Harvey Evans, Russell Garrett, James Van
Treuren, Stephen Hope, Aaron Paul, Christopher Carothers, D.B. Bonds, Peter Kapetan,
Michael Bunce, Matthew Farver, Ashlee Fife, Angela Garrison, Rebekah Jacobs, Christeena
Michelle Riggs, Marisa Rozek, Kathleen Shields, Michael Susko, Lisa Yuen, Erin Coakley,
Drew Geraci, Grant Rosen.
THE DINNER PARTY by Neil
Simon has begun previews at the Music Box Theatre, NYC. The production stars Harry Winkler,
John Ritter, and Len Carlou.
THE FULL MONTY in previews
at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, NYC.
LES MISERABLES at the
Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, LA. The international hit returns for the fourth time - this time as
the first attraction of the Saenger's new Broadway series. Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg,
lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil, book by Boublil and Jean-Marc Natal, based on
Victor Hugo's novel. Stars Ivan Rutherford, Stephen Bishop, Joan Almedilla, Stephen Brian
Patterson, and Stephanie Walters. Through October 15. Tickets range from $16 to $53.
GODSPELL Proctor's Theatre,
Schenectady, NY. Revival of the musical. October 10-11. Tickets: $20.50 to $34.50.
CHESS New Orleans premiere
of the 1986 British musical, music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA, lyrics by
Tim Rice, book by Rice and Richard Nelson, directed by Tim Baker. Russian-American chess
rivalry amid political and romantic intrigue during the Cold War. With Donald Loupe Jr., Vatican
Lokey, Nicole Teague, Tara Brewer, Travis Resor, Raphaelle O'Neal and Kevin Fricke. Opened
Thurs at the Delgado Community College plays through October
22.
THE MAN IN THE FLYING LAWNCHAIR
TOBY WHERRY as Larry
Walters
78th Street Theatre Lab NYC proudly presents the return of this summer
hit
with performances resuming on October 12. It's an ensemble-created piece directed by Eric
Nightengale, based on the true life story of Larry Walters.
This is a funny, high altitude comedy of errors about a man dedicated to getting the best view.
Man In The Flying Lawn Chair investigates the strange but true life of Larry Walters,
who, with the help of fifty surplus weather balloons, launched himself to 16,000 feet in an
aluminum lawn chair where he was spotted by passing aircraft. Mr. Walters dropped out of sight
after enjoying a brief 15 minutes of fame - including an appearance on Late Night With David
Letterman - but not before securing his place as a cult hero for outcasts and daredevil
weirdoes everywhere.
The ensemble-created and performed piece is headed by Toby Wherry as Larry Walters. Mr.
Wherry portrayed Bob Packwood in the highly successful Lab production of The Packwood
Papers. This production is the latest installment of From Page to Stage an ongoing series at
78th Street Theatre Lab of new work developed in the tradition of the living newspaper, where
theatrical inspiration is drawn from people and events pulled from the front pages. In addition to
Mr. Wherry the ensemble includes: Carey Cromelin, Monica Read, Kimberly Reiss, and Troy W.
Taber.
WHO'S WHERE
SHAOLIN WARRIORS
refined
martial arts training in feudal China as a precautionary defense nearly 1,500 years ago. Today, the
monks still undergo intense training through Buddhist meditation,
achieving extraordinary human physical ability and proficiency with more than 20 weapons. October
17 at the. LIED Theatre in Lincoln NE. Tickets $28-$36.
SARAH BRIGHTMAN October 8 in
New Orleans, LA at the Saenger Theatre, October 9 in Dallas, Texas at the Reunion Arena/Starplex
Amph Oct. 10 in Houston, TX at the Aerial Theatre and October
13 in Columbus, Ohio at the
Nationwide Arena.
BERNADETTE PETERS October 13 at
the OnCenter War Memorial in Syracuse, NY.
CHRISTINE NOLL October 14 with the
Cape Symphony Orchestra at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis, MA.
CLEO LAINE in the United Kingdom
October 8 - Cleo: The Stables - September Song (with Milton Keynes Chamber Orchestra)
October 10 - The Stables - Table Talk October 12 - Norwich Festival (with Generation Band)
October 14 - The Stables - If Music Be the Food of Love.
RITA RUDNER,/font> has quietly proved
that a clean, intelligent comedian can succeed. Furthermore, she's female and female comedians
have always had it tougher, especially in Las Vegas. The talented lady has turned the Cabaret
Theatre at the MGM Grand Hotel into a winner. The room holds 380 people and Rita packs the
place. The next time you're in Las Vegas don't miss her show.
CHARLIE PROSE Turning Stone
Casino Resort, Verona, NY. October 10 Tickets $20-30.
SHIRLEY CESAR in
Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theatre on October 10. Then on Thursday it's on to Augusta, GA
Bell Auditorium Civic Center.
DOOBIE BROTHERS
Jacksonville, Florida Theatre on October 10.
DIXIE CHICKS couldn't be hotter and
they are determined not to cool down. Tonight they're turning on the crowd in Lincoln, NE at the
Bob Devaney Sports Center. On Tuesday they cross the state line to perform in Valley Center, KS
Kansas Coliseum. Then on Thursday it's Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center.The tearing up the
stage Friday at a stop at State College, PA Bryce Jordan Center and rounding out the week
of one nighters is a Saturday performance in Philadelphia, PA First Union Spectrum.
OAK RIDGE BOYS must have been
yo-yos in a previous life. On October 11 they perform Branson, MO at the Grand Palace.
Hopefully they can leave most of their wardrobe in their dressing room. On Friday they travel up
the road a bit to Minot, ND Norsk Hostfest and then return to Branson for a Saturday night gig,
again at the Grand Palace.
JOAN BAEZ
sings tomorrow in
Marquette, MI Northern Michigan Univ. Next night she's in Kalamazoo, MI at the Kalamazoo
State Theatre. On October 12 it's Torrington, CT at the Warner Theatre. Friday finds her
performing in Purchase, NY NY/Purchase Arts Center.
LARRY GATLIN cutting loose Oct.
13 in Henderson, KY at the Fine Arts Center.
GLADYS KNIGHT expects a better
reception on October 10 in Little Rock, AR at the Excelsior Hotel following last week's cancellation
of a show because of poor ticket sales. That has to have been a first for the Las Vegas
resident.
JULIO IGLESIAS has a busy week.
Tomorrow he's in Denver, CO at the Paramount Theatre. On Wed he sings in San Jose, CA San
Jose Arena. The following night the crooner is in San Diego, CA Copley Symphony
Hall.
AUDRA MC DONALD on Saturday
will be delighting the crowds in Hershey, PA at the Hershey Theatre.
WILLIE NELSON,/font> does his thing
tonight in Spring, Texas C.W. Mitchell Pavilion Then on Thursday he's in Columbus, OH
Schottenstein Center.
KD LANG is across the pond. On
October 10 it a performance in Glasgow, UK Clyde Auditorium. Then on Wednesday it's center stage
in
Manchester, UK Apollo Manchester . If it's Thursday it must be Nottingham, UK Nottingham
Arena and rounding out the week on Saturday in Hamburg, Germany Curio Haus.
THE MISSISSIPPI STATE FAIR
has an entertainment price that is right - free. The Mississippi State Fair is being held at the
fairgrounds in downtown Jackson until October 15. Scheduled free live entertainment
includes; Jan and Dean October 9, Chad Brock October 10, followed by Jeffrey Osborne, The
Bellamy Brothers, Lou Rawls and Lee King. All shows are at the Budweiser
Pavilion. regular fair admission is $3. Children under 6 are free.
THIS AND THAT
CHRISTINA AGUILERA AND JIMMY BUFFET not together - caught the O show at the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas.
Buffet was doing his own show in Vegas while Christina was part of last night's Tiger Wood's
Tiger Jam Charity Gala at Mandalay Bay.
Mention BROADWAY TO VEGAS for Special Consideration
Call (800) 942-9027
Next Column: October 15, 2000
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