JERRY LEWIS MISSES DEAN, WRITES
A BOOK, PLANS A FESTIVAL, INVENTS, PERFORMS AND DOESN'T ACT HIS
AGE
It may have been a publicity stunt when Jerry Lewis called a press conference to announce that at
the age of 74 he had accepted a 20-year performance contract with the Orleans Hotel in Las
Vegas - but the ageless looking performer had an agenda.
JERRY LEWIS plans a film festival and a book. Photo
By: Laura Deni
While most men his age with his background of health woes wouldn't be taken seriously, in the
case of Jerry he tends to play by his own rules.
He admits he hated the press but now realizes he needs the fourth estate. He's got some things he
wants to promote and he needs the press to help.
He is writing a tell all book
He intends to start a film festival in Las Vegas that will rival the Venice Film Festival. "I've
been in talks with Mayor Oscar Goodman."
While others have attempted Las Vegas based film festivals problems have developed and the
interest and intent becomes fragmented. Lewis stressed he has the drive, determination and
contacts to maintain a viable festival that has serious merit.
He desperately misses Dean Martin. "The only thing missing in my act is Dean. That SOB died
before me."
Lewis began his career as a nightclub performer..
Photo By: Laura Deni
He wants people to see him perform at The Orleans and worries that people won't come see him
in a nightclub because the customers fear he'll take up a collection for Muscular
Dystrophy.
Those who fear that Lewis might deliver an emotional spiel about MD or pass the plate for a
donation can leave their fears at the door. Lewis is an excellent nightclub performer. I don't
think
anyone has ever left a showroom after watching Lewis put out over 100 percent and feel
disappointed. The guy even has a CD called Jerry Lewis Just Sings
His book will no doubt be interesting. After all he's one of the few who could get the mob angry
and still stay working - or alive. When Martin and Lewis first appeared in Las Vegas the young,
brass Lewis, who admits that he has a compulsive personality, couldn't let go of the Vegas
gambling tables. He promptly lost $180,000 and was hauled into a back room by Mr. Seagal,
known to some but never to the man to his face, as Bugsy.
The soon to be murdered hotel
mogul wanted to know what a wet behind the ears' kid was doing in the casino gambling,
getting in debt to that kind of a marker. Lewis, who apparently was born arrogant and snappy,
sassed back: "Why did you let me?"
Lewis and the "boys" came to an agreement which Lewis lived up to - he paid off the debt. It took
him ten years, but he met his obligation. Lewis is a man of his word. That 20-year contract is a
handshake deal. The entertainer doesn't believe in written contracts.
Unless of course it's with the U.S. Patent Office, which is where Jerry registered his inventions -
important, lucrative inventions."
Lewis began his Vegas career by running up gambling
debts, then sassed the hotel owner. Photo By: Laura Deni
Jerry invented and holds the patent rights to video assist, which is currently used on virtually
every movie and many television sets. Jerry created this closed circuit television system to
facilitate motion picture and television production, and it was engineered and perfected by the
Paramount Television Department under supervision of Bruce Denny.
As to what prompted him to invent such a gizmo Lewis answered, "I needed it to help me do
what I wanted to do. It made my job easier and possible," he told us referring to an actor
directing himself. When pressed as to whether he received royalties, owned the patent or
whether he had sold any interest and whether he still invents the comedian went for the joke.
"I'm inventing all the time," he answered without hesitation. "I've just invented something that
causes a car to ride in complete silence. Total silence, no noise at all while you're driving the car.
It's a muzzle that you put over your wife."
Rim shot.
Then he got serious. "I own the patent. And, let's just say my daughter will never have to go to a
community college."
Jerry Lewis stars at the Orleans Hotel, Las Vegas Sept.7-10
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MAKING IT IN A CABARET
WORLD
The only thing we can say to Sherry Eaker who edited The Cabaret Artist's Handbook is
- what took you so long? We know she's busy as editor of Back Stage East but still - this
book is a valuable tool that should have been available years ago. Fortunately for wannabes it's
available now.
The Cabaret Artist's Handbook is an informative, well written, interesting read for anyone
pursuing the performing aspect of the business.
Written by the late Bob Harrington and edited by Eaker, the tome is a self help guide that takes the
performer by the hand and gently leads them through the maze than can make the difference
between getting a contract, getting paid and getting the right kind of promotion.
From how to construct your act - for instance - altering lyrics - to how to handle the issue of who
you comp into your show - is explained in an easily understood and right to the point format.
There are instructions for auditioning, using space to maximum effect, computerized music and
cabaret, how to record your first album, and even sections on etiquette and the press.
Also included in the book are the stories and suggestions from those who have made it; Sylvia
Sims, Andrea Marcovicci, Michael Feinstein, Mary Cleere Hiren, Karen Mason, Phillip Officer,
Sally Jane Dexter, Margaret Whiting, Tom Postilio, Ann Hampton Callaway, Hildregarde, Leigh
Clark.
Author Bob Harrington was a cabaret writer for Back Stage from March 1984 until his
death in October 1992. He was also the cabaret critic for The New York Post his series of
educational articles on the business of cabaret in Back Stage garnered him a Manhattan
Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) Award in 1986. A Tony Award voter he was on the
board of directors of MAC, the Outer Critics Circle, and the Society of Singers.
Eaker produces and hosts Back Stage's annual Bistro-Awards show and has been the
editor of Back Stage, the national weekly trade publication geared to performing and
creative artists since l977.
The Cabaret Artist's Handbook is published by Back Stage Books, an imprint of
Watson-Guptill Publications. Buy the book for yourself. Buy the book for somebody you care
about. After
you've bought it then read it.
MAGIC GENIE FINALLY
GOT IT OPEN
Not even that I Dream of Genie
charmer Barbara Eden could command the Aladdin Hotel
to open on time. Apparently those bottled up spells don't work on the Fire Department who
perused the joint and determined that the codes weren't up to snuff. Since they didn't want
anybody snuffed out in a blaze, decreed that the show couldn't go on until they said
so.
BARBARA EDEN not even this
Genie could open the hotel's doors
About 14 hours later the all clear was sounded and the great masses - some of whom had
been standing outside for 12 hours - almost broke down the doors clamoring for the free
temporary tattoos in the shape of the $1.4 billion hotel logo that were being plastered onto the
humanity.
Since Eden had been paid the hotel brass trotted out the living symbol to stand where she would
have stood to cut a nonexistent ribbon. A good sport Eden graciously gave more satellite
interviews that a genie could wish for.
The Aladdin is the only hotel in Las Vegas to ever been imploded and re-open under the same
name.
The original Aladdin is where Elvis Presley got married and Neil Diamond was the first
performer to headline there. At one time even Wayne Newton owned a piece of the
place.
The new Aladdin re-opened the 7,000 seat Theater For The Performing Arts - the only
piece of the original Aladdin complex not imploded in 1998. The "new " theater has undergone a
$25-million dollar floor to ceiling remodel.
First up was Enrique Iglesias who performed to SRO last night . Iglesias was making his only
U.S. concert since his number one hit Be With You, ruled the U.S. charts. He frequently
grabbed at his lower abdomen and moaned. Perhaps he needs to see a
gastro-endocrinologist.
Broadway legend Cy Coleman, 71, and his wife Shelby have become parents. The couple has
adopted a beautiful baby girl. The infant is destined for a show business career - she's already
been to the Friars Club.
It's going to be a home made Valentine for Tony winner Audra
McDonald, who is adding lullabies
to her repertoire. On stage patter turned personal when the performer stunned and delighted
concertgoers during last Wednesday's Chicago show. Audra announced onstage that she's
expecting her first child on Valentine's Day. Audra and the expectant father, longtime
love, bass
player Peter Donovan say their vows next month.
Meanwhile Audra has flown to London to
start filming Wit for director Mike Nichols. Audra plays the nurse to cancer patient
Emma Thompson.
WYOMING
a haunting
psychological journey written by Catherine Gillet will have performances beginning August 31 at
the 78th Street Theatre, LAB in NYC. Eric Nightengale will direct this New York premiere.
Sheila, Jasmine and Annie escape from an institution and rive cross country. Their destination?
The wide open skies of Wyoming.
The cast of four features 2000 Drama Desk Award winner
Marylouise Burke as Sheila in her first New York stage appearance since receiving the Drama
Desk for her role in Fuddy Mears. and Rosalyn Coleman as Jasmine. Her Broadway
credits include Seven Guitars and The Piano Lesson. Camilla Enders who has been
seen at MTC and Syracuse Stage appears as Annie. Gillet began working on Wyoming
while a member of the Playwrights Project of Circle Repertory Company where she studied with
Austin Pendleton and Lanford Wilson.
Wyoming was workshopped through a grant from
the Jerome Foundation.
CABARET into the
MGM-Grand in Las Vegas Aug 30-Sept 3.
WHO'S WHERE
BILL COSBY
rapped up a Vegas
engagement and heads to Harvey's Convention Center, Council Bluffs, Iowa. For an Aug 26
show.
PATRICK CASSIDY replaces Tom
Wopat in Broadway's Annie Get Your Gun, beginning September 6, the same night Cheryl
Ladd, steps in the Bernadette Peters' role as Annie Oakley.
BETTY BUCKLEY Aug 21-Sept 3
Donmar Warehouse in London, UK
PATTI LUPONE September 9 at the
Valentine Theatre in Toledo, Ohio.
KAREN MASON Sept 6-Oct 15
Returns to Arci's Place, NYC.
RITA RUDNER has had her contract
at Bally Hotel, Las Vegas extended through the end of the year. To celebrate the funny lady did
some serious house hunting
LANCE BURTON who makes things
appear and disappear at the Monte Carlo Hotel in Las Vegas will be appearing on The Late,
Late Show with Craig Kilborn Monday, August 21 going into
Tuesday
DAVID HASSELHOFF makes his
Broadway debut doing double duty in the title roles in Jekyll & Hyde on
Broadway, beginning October 17
THIS AND THAT
THE HARLEY DAVIDSON CAFE in Las Vegas has expanded its menu to include theme weddings. The cafe
is offering one-stop wedding packages with themed wedding ranging from Elvis impersonators to
a Harvey-Davidson biker wedding.
Mention BROADWAY TO VEGAS for Special Consideration
Call (800) 942-9027
Next Column: August 27, 2000
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