THE GOLDEN BOYS Come To The Palace Theatre 3/20

In 1985, three former teen idols-all from the same Philadelphia neighborhood-teamed for a concert titled The Golden Boys, which not only satisfied fans from their teen era by performing their hits, but illustrated that good singing and stage presence never go out of style. Frankie Avalon, Fabian & Bobby Rydell, "The Golden Boys" from American Bandstand's heyday, have appeared together on such major TV specials as "The American Music Awards," the closing ceremonies of the "Miss Liberty Special" (viewed by over 200 million people) and the ABC Inaugural special "Command Performance: An All-Star Salute To The President."

The trio makes a return PlayhouseSquare appearance Saturday, March 20th for one 7:30 pm concert in the Palace Theatre.

Frankie Avalon...
One of America's most popular entertainers, Frankie Avalon went from ‘50s teen idol to become a national and international star. Born in Philadelphia, Frankie's early trumpet-playing career ended abruptly when a family friend, Bob Marcucci, heard him sing, and signed him to a recording contract.

Frankie's first song, "De De Dinah," became a smash hit, and his recording of "Venus" became one of the biggest selling hits of the era. His many follow-up hits included: "Bobbysocks to Stockings," "Gingerbread," "Just Ask Your Heart" and "A Boy Without A Girl," He is also credited with having the last #1 record of the ‘50s with "Why" reaching that status in December 1959.

In addition to his popularity as a top recording artist, Frankie became a movie star, appearing in over 30 films, and starring with such luminaries as Alan Ladd (Guns of Timberland) and John Wayne (The Alamo). Other film credits included "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," and the hit musical "Grease," but his biggest popularity came via the classic "Beach" movies with co-star Annette Funicello and included Beach Party, Muscle Beach Party, Beach Blanket Bingo and Bikini Beach among others. In 1987, Frankie reunited with Annette in the hit movie Back to the Beach.

A highly popular act on the concert circuit worldwide, he has appeared in every major country, and his appearance at the International Festival of Stars in Romania marked only the second time a U.S. entertainer (the first being Louis Armstrong) has performed in that former Iron Curtain country since WWII.

Frankie also appears regularly on the Home Shopping Network on behalf of his Avalon Products company. Apart from his busy work schedule, Frankie is an avid golfer and lives in Los Angeles with his wife Kay (who he married in 1963). The Avalons have eight children.

FABIAN....
An overnight singing sensation, a movie star with over 30 films to his credit and the producer of his own concert series, former teen idol, Fabian, continues to expand his still-growing career.

"Fabian's Goodtime Rock ‘n' Roll Show," (a concert series which he hosted and produced featuring the legendary rock acts of the ‘50s and ‘60s) was the first concert produced for pay-for-view television (1985 in Baton Rouge, LA before 85,000 fans). The show ultimately aired as a syndicated television special as well as a PBS pledge week special.

Fabian Forte was discovered at age 14 sitting on the front steps of his Philadelphia home. Capitalizing on his good looks and ability to excite an audience, Fabian reached dizzying heights of success. At 15 he won the Silver Award as "The Most Promising Male Vocalist "of 1958. By the time he turned 18, he had recorded dozens of hit singles, eight albums and earned gold records for "Turn Me Loose" and "Tiger" plus a gold album for "The Fabulous Fabian."

In 1959, Fabian made his screen debut in Hound Dog Man opposite teen model-turned-actress Carol Lynley, which sparked his interest in acting. His role as a homicidal maniac in the Robert Altman-directed TV production "A Lion Walks Among Us," solidly established his credentials as a versatile and powerful actor.

Serious about his craft, Fabian studied acting for three years in New York under Wynn Handman, and in Hollywood under Charles Conrad and Sandy Meisner. His impressive acting credits include featured roles with such stars as John Wayne, James Stewart, Jack Palance, Tuesday Weld, George Segal and Karen Black.

Today, Fabian's fans see a stunning man to whom the years have been kind...an entertainer who is the consummate professional. Fabian has pursued his career with admirable intensity. He has climbed the show business ladder and survived, his sense of humor and integrity intact.

Bobby Rydell...
Bobby's career spans several decades and encompasses every area of the entertainment world. From his debut in the late ‘50s as a rock ‘n' roll teen idol, his career expanded to include starring roles in such hit films as Bye, Bye Birdie and plays like West Side Story.

Bobby's recording career earned him 34 Top 40 records, which puts him in the top five of all single artists from his era. His hits include the million-selling singles "Volare" "Wild One" and "We Got Love," in addition to "Swingin' School," "Kissin' Time" and "Forget Him"...selling a combined total of over 25 million records.

His worldwide network TV appearances have included The Ed Sullivan Show, as a semi-regular on Red Skelton's weekly program and, of course, the quintessential program for teen idols, American Bandstand. Bobby has also earned a reputation as a classic performer...not only as a superb singer (whose voice even seems to improve over the years), but as an outstanding drummer, an agile dancer and a talented actor with a gift for comedy.

The constant factor throughout Bobby's career has been his love for performing live, which harkens back to his childhood performances of impersonating his favorite TV stars. Within several yeas he was entertaining crowds of swooning teens as one of rock ‘n' roll's premier idols. Those same electric performances that thrilled his audiences beginning in the ‘50s continue to entertain today as he constantly tours internationally as both a solo act and as one-third of The Golden Boys...his friends from his old South Philly neighborhood.

In his spare time, Bobby is a highly visible and vocal fan of his hometown (Philadelphia) football, baseball, hockey and basketball teams.

Tickets for the Frankie Avalon, Fabian & Bobby Rydell "Golden Boys" concert, March 20th at PlayhouseSquare's Palace Theatre are $65, $55, $45, $20 & $10 Smart Seats on sale at The PlayhouseSquare Ticket Office, PlayhouseSquare.org or 216-241-6000.

To post a comment, you must register and login.