Carol Channing, Jason Alexander, Robert Morse, Tyne Daly and dozens of stars will salute the music of Jule Styne as part of the 7th annual Actors' Fund Winter Concert (previously known as the S.T.A.G.E. benefits). The concert will take place on Saturday, November 11th at 8 PM at The Luckman Fine Arts Complex (5151 State University Drive) in LA.
David Galligan will direct the evening, which will feature musical direction by
John McDaniel. Scheduled to appear are: Alexander,
Obba Babatunde,
Patrick Cassidy, Channing,
Carole Cook, Daly,
Nancy Dussault, Nanette Fabray,
Peter Gallagher,
Ilene Graff,
Randy Graff,
Sam Harris, Steve Kirwan,
Dale Kristien,
Vicki Lewis,
Rod McKuen,
Karen Morrow, Morse,
Michael Nouri,
Stefanie Powers,
Cathy Rigby,
Alice Ripley, Andrew Samonsky,
Sally Struthers,
Bruce Vilanch,
Lillias White,
Jane Withers, and Jo Anne Worley. More stars will be announced, as well.
"With the scores of such Broadway classics as
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, Bells Are Ringing, Gypsy and
Funny Girl to his credit, composer Jule Styne ranks as one of the undisputed architects of the American musical theater," according to press notes. "Born in London's East End, Styne moved to the United States in 1912. Young Julius showed such a talent for the piano that he had performed with the
Chicago, St. Louis, and Detroit Symphonies by age 10. He developed his feel for popular music working with the jazz bands of 1920s
Chicago, and as vocal coach to such 1930s Hollywood stars as Shirley Temple and
Alice Faye. Teaming with lyricist Sammy Cahn in the 1940s, he created a string of Hit Parade leaders including the Oscar-winning 'Three Coins In The Fountain.' In addition to Sammy Cahn, Styne's collaborators include
Betty Comden and Adolph Green,
Stephen Sondheim, Bob Merrill, Leo Robin and E.Y. Harburg, and their combined efforts have produced such showstoppers as 'The Party's Over,' 'Everything's Coming Up Roses,' 'People' and 'Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend.' Jule Styne was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972, the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1981, and became a Kennedy Center Honoree in 1990."
The Actors' Fund of America is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals - both performers and those behind the scenes - in performing arts and entertainment. Founded in 1882, The Fund serves those in film, theatre, television, music, opera, and dance with a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. Administered from offices in New York, Los Angeles, and
Chicago, The Actors' Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis, or transition.
Tickets range from $40 - $250 (sponsorship packages are available); 323-933-9266 x35 or Luckman Box office.
Visit The Actors' Fund website at www.actorsfund.org.
