Guthrie Center to Present Benefit Performance of Sally-Jane Heit's VAUDEVILLE, 8/17

Sally-Jane Heit will return for her 4th Annual Benefit Performance at the Guthrie Center on August 17 at 7:00pm. This year she'll bring something entirely new to the stage, or entirely old depending how you look at it; Vaudeville - A Valentine to an Old Theatre Art Form. Sally-Jane fell in love with vaudeville when, as a young child her mother would bring her to vaudeville performances performed between the movies at theatres in New York. By the time she embarked on her long career in theatre, television, and movies, vaudeville was dead. She says, "Before it was eaten alive by television, Vaudeville was the place anyone with a dream could test their wings."

Over a span of decades performing on stages and screens of every kind, Sally-Jane has gathered, written, and performed a variety of comedy sketches and songs. Originals, unfamiliar but memorable published songs, and familiar favorites are all housed in her own theatrical trunk. On August 17 she will open that trunk to pay homage to a by-gone era that birthed some of the greatest stars, songwriters, animal handlers, producers, and writers in show business, including Al Jolson, Fanny Brice, Jack Benny, George Burns, and Sarah Bernhardt. In classic vaudeville tradition, the show will include a variety of acts. She'll introduce her grandson, Eli Catlin who "sings the blues channeling Muddy Waters". Her long time friend and musical partner, Uel Wade will accompany her on piano. A few other surprises will also make their way into the performance. This Vaudeville comes complete with the famous "hook", of course only to be used at the discretion of the star.

Sally Jane Heit grew up in Brooklyn, New York where the attempt to rival attention among her seven siblings stirred her natural abilities as a performer - singing, dancing, and acting. Sally Jane trained at the New York High School of Performing Arts, Hunter College and Yale Drama School. After raising three daughters in Washington, DC, she moved to New York and was immediately cast in Michael Bennett's musical, Ballroom, on Broadway. Her impressive list of professional credits includes television (NYPD Blue, All My Children, Night Court, et al) theatre (On and Off Broadway), and film (The Paper, Tatoo, Tiger Warshaw et al). As her career flourished, she realized that her love for performing was equally matched by a restless creative spirit that wanted more. So, she began to write. She has written and starred in 2 one woman plays, Starting In The Middle and Before I Forget...A Memoir with Music.

For the past three years, Sally-Jane Heit has traveled and performed Before I Forget... A Memoir with Music as a benefit for The Guthrie Center and other theatres around the country. Guthrie Center Director, George Laye says of Sally-Jane "We are honored to have her back this year and grateful for her generosity and support for the work we do here."

The Guthrie Center, located at 2 Van Deusenville Rd. in Great Barrington, was founded by Arlo Guthrie in 1991 to provide a place to bring together individuals for spiritual service, as well as for cultural and educational programs. The Troubadour Series began late spring 2000 furthers the Center's commitment to keep the local and global traditions of folk and acoustic music alive and well.

A dessert and champagne reception with the artist will follow the performance. Tickets for Vaudeville: A Valentine to an Old Theatre Art Form are $25 and can be purchased by calling The Guthrie Center at 413.528.1955. www.guthriecenter.org.

More information on Sally-Jane Heit at www.sallyjaneheit.com.

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