Sex, Drugs & Ethel Merman at Don't Tell Mama

“Sex, Drugs & Ethel Merman” traces Stuart Wilk’s improbable seven-block journey from the Broadway Theatre to Don’t Tell Mama. Generally a 12-minute walk, even with obstructions from foul-mouthed Elmos and aggressive denudas, Stuart’s trek took 58 years. It began June 4, 1960, with a performance of Ethel Merman in "Gypsy." Then, after a few chaotic years at NYU, and for reasons Stuart explains differently every time he tells the story, he took a 40-some year detour into the world of journalism, where he held leadership positions at papers that include The Dallas Morning News. Stuart has tried vainly to scrub from his resume the salad days he spent at the National Enquirer (although he points out he was there in the pre-Pecker era, as if that matters). A dozen years ago, Stuart moved to New York and began producing musicals. Although a newbie, he quickly got the hang of losing his investors’ money, just like the pros. Now, he makes his debut as a singer and teller of tales, every word of which is pre-post-truth. Sharing the stage are music director Christopher Denny and special guest Debbie Damp. Behind the scenes is the guiding hand of director Lennie Watts. Shows 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m Friday, April 20.