Jane Russell Joins LA Actors' Fund Styne Tribute, 11/11

Jane Russell, the legendary film star who created the role of brunette Dorothy Shaw in the 1953 film version of the composer's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, has joined the roster of stars who 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.

Russell, also known for films such as The Outlaw, is the second Gentlemen Prefer Blondes star to have signed on to the benefit.  Although Russell played opposite Marilyn Monroe in the film version, Tony Award-winner Carol Channing--who created the role of gold-digging Lorelei Lee on Broadway--will perform.

Other recent additions to the cast include Leslie Uggams, Charlotte Rae, Bill Hutton, and Mimi Hines.

David Galligan will direct the evening, which will feature musical direction by John McDaniel.  Also scheduled to appear are the previously announced: Jason Alexander, Obba Babatunde, Patrick Cassidy, Carole Cook, Tyne Daly, Nancy Dussault, Nanette Fabray, Peter Gallagher, Ilene Graff, Randy Graff, Sam Harris, Cathy Rigby, Alice Ripley, Andrew Samonsky, Sally Struthers, Bruce Vilanch, Lillias White, Jane Withers, and Jo Anne Worley. 

"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.