Johnston, Hoffman, Etc. Set for 'Celeb Autobiography'

"Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words," the acclaimed, long-running L.A-based comedy sensation comes to New York for the first time in a special one-night-only "Best Of" event to benefit The Actors' Fund on Monday, September 10, 2007. 

"Celebrity Autobiography," where actors 'interpret' the actual words and stories written by the famous and the infamous, will feature a line-up that includes two-time Emmy Award winner Kristen Johnston (soon to be seen in the Atlantic Theatre Company's production of Scarcity), two-time Tony nominee Tony Roberts (Xanadu), Jackie Hoffman (Xanadu), Seth Rudetsky (soon to be seen in the upcoming Broadway production of The Ritz), Jack Plotnick (TV's "Lovespring International," "Reno: 911"), Dayle Reyfel and creator Eugene Pack (more stars to follow)," state press notes.  The show will be performed at The Zipper Factory (336 West 37th Street, between 8th & 9th Aves) on Monday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m. 

"Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words" was created by Emmy-nominated writer and performer Eugene Pack.  As Pack explains, "I would listen to a lot of books-on-tape, particularly autobiographies, and was astounded at what people would write about. When I would get a hold of one of these books and read it out loud to friends, they'd insist I was making it up. But people actually wrote these words!  So I decided to put the material up in front of an audience, knowing that it would be extremely entertaining." 

"The show features solo pieces and signature ensemble 'chamber' pieces (for example, the memoirs of Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds are edited together to create a Rashomon-esque playlet where a group of performers actually act out the most famous love triangle in history – in the participants' own words.  Authors to be included in the 'Best Of' show – in addition to Taylor, Fisher and Reynolds - will include Tommy Lee, Burt Reynolds, Loni Anderson, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Star Jones, Sylvester Stallone, Suzanne Somers, Kathie Lee Gifford, Mr. T, David Cassidy, Vanna White, Diana Ross, NSYNC and Britney Spears."  It is produced by Angelo Fraboni, Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel.

On Monday, September 10, "Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words" will be performed as a benefit for The Actors' Fund, 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.  Please visit The Actors' Fund website at www.actorsfund.org.

Tickets, which are scaled at $35, $65 and $100 (includes post-show cocktail reception), are now available by calling Ovation Tix at 212-352-3101, or online at www.thezipperfactory.com.

Photo - Kristen Johnston