Bruce Vilanch Comes To Feinstein's 1/11

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, and "an invaluable New York institution" by The New York Post, continues its 2011 season with the debut of actor and writer, Bruce Vilanch. The longtime head writer of the Academy Awards, Mr. Vilanch will present an evening of his trademark hilarious standup comedy and stories about working with luminaries such as Bette Midler, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg. Both shows take place at the Loews Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street),

Bruce Vilanch - one of the most sought-after jokesmiths in the entertainment industry - has become a recognizable face in his own right, thanks to the feature-length documentary "Get Bruce!" (1999) and his one-time stint as a regular on "Hollywood Squares" (1998), for which he also served as head writer.

Known for his eclectic eyewear and collection of unique T-shirts, he began his career as an entertainment writer for the Chicago Tribune. Impressed by his review of her cabaret performance in 1970, Bette Midler hired him to punch up her act where he gave birth to Midler's famed Sophie Tucker jokes. He later moved to Los Angeles where he wrote for variety shows like the original "Donny and Marie" and "The Brady Bunch Hour" (both ABC) and provided material for Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin and Joan Rivers. He has maintained his connection with Midler through the years, working on such projects as the feature "Divine Madness" (1980) and the TV special "Bette Midler - Diva Las Vegas" (HBO, 1997), as well as writing for her short-lived but lively sitcom, "Bette!" (CBS, 2000 ).

Vilanch began contributing to Academy Awards telecasts in 1989, collaborating with the likes of Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and David Letterman, and graduated to head writer in 2000. He has roasted celebrities like ElizaBeth Taylor and President Clinton. The Whoopi connection led to his providing the notorious material Ted Danson performed in blackface at a certain 1993 Friars Club roast of his then-girlfriend Goldberg, but his resume also includes "You Made Me Watch You", the touching Emmy-winning valedictory Midler crooned as a send-off to Johnny Carson.

He scripted most of the Academy Awards telecasts over the last decade, two of which won Emmys, including the one featuring Billy Crystal's Hannibal Lecter entrance and last year's Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin teaming. Mr. Vilanch has also written for The Tonys, The Grammys, The Emmys, and just about every other award show to brighten your television screen. He also participates and volunteers at almost every charity function, especially those dealing with GLBT issues.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY will present Bruce Vilanch on Tuesday, January 11 and Wednesday, January 12 at 8:30 PM. Performances have a $25.00 cover with $40.00 premium seats available, in addition to a $25.00 food and beverage minimum. Jackets are suggested but not required. The club is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. For ticket reservations and club information, please call (212) 339-4095 or visit us online at Feinsteinsatloewsregency.com and TicketWeb.com.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski

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