Broadway To Vegas
SHOW REVIEWS CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS GOSSIP NEWS
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Copyright: October 14, 2001
By: Laura Deni
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BROADWAY RALLIES FOR USO
TOUR
Getting their wills in order, and being vaccinated for unusual diseases, performers are signing up
with the USO to entertain the troops. Holidays are just around the corner. For most in the
military, those normally happy festivities will be both lonely and a long way from
home.
The United Services Organization, better known as the USO, work as partners with the Armed
Forces Entertainment Office (AFEO) in a long tradition of bringing the razzle dazzle of show biz
to U.S. troops in distant lands.
The USO recruits celebrity performers and provides production expertise, while the AFEO
provides the logistics.
"We're partners with the AFEO. We have a contract with them," explained Washington, D.C.
based Jim Pearcy who is head of entertainment for the USO. He spoke with Broadway To Vegas
about celebrity involvement and his nonprofit organization.
"I had a wonderful call
from the League of Theater Owners and they want to put together some Broadway people to go
entertain," Pearcy said as his voice took on an edge of excitement. "If what they say comes
through - they are talking the really big name stars. I said - this is great that you called,
but aren't you guys having a tough time right now?" said Pearcy referring to several Broadway
shows folding and ticket sales off following September 11.
"They said - Yeah, but it
doesn't matter. We know that there is no money, but we want to do it.'"
"We're even going to try to help them get their new commercial - you know the one where they
are all in the street - on the Armed Forces network," continued Pearcy. "And, if they do a tour
for us, there will be a similar commercial promoting the tour. So, it is really amazing because
Broadway is having such a tough time and yet they want to help. We're going to try to get a tour
together with them for the holidays."
Wayne Newton heads up the Celebrity Executive
Circle Photo By: Laura Deni
 |
"Our biggest problem right now is just the climate of uncertainty," Pearcy explained. "We're
planning and pressing ahead as we always do. Everything is going to go. But, we sort of live in a
minute by minute status as far as travel overseas - where we are going."
Since
September 11, the celebrity line is around the block.
Not since World War II has the
entertainment industry responded so swiftly. "We've had quite a few calls," said Pearcy. "People
are saying, `You need us, we'll be there.' I don't know what to compare it to. For us, it's history in
the making," related Pearcy, who has had his current position for two-and-half-years.
A Celebrity Executive Circle has been formed, headed by Las Vegas resident Wayne Newton who
performs 40 weeks a year at the Stardust Hotel. Serving with Newton on the committee are Bill
Cosby, Tom Hanks, Quincy Jones and Sherry Lansing chairperson of Paramount
Studios.
The USO Celebrity Circle actively supports the USO and its mission to "Deliver America" to
those serving our country around the world. Celebrity Circle members will participate in various
USO celebrity entertainment tours, assist in the recruitment of other celebrities to entertain our
troops overseas, and increase USO awareness.
Entertainers like Chris Rock, Larry Gatlin, Jamie Foxx, Jay Leno, Sammy Hager, Martina
McBride and groups like the Scorpions, Coolio, the Pointer Sisters, and Aerosmith have all told
the U.S.O. that they would be willing to perform for American troops deployed overseas in the
response to terrorism.
The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders offer a touch of
home to troops
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For more than 20 years the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been helping the USO. In fact,
they have participated in 42 tours since 1989. Since September 11th, they've called and are ready
to ship out again.
Movie stars say they will do whatever they are asked.
"Jay Leno has been with us twice
before," said Pearcy." He's been a great supporter. He's let us know that he is interested in doing
something. There are some great people like Wayne Newton who have always been there
supporting the military - fashionable or not."
" We never have more entertainers than we
need," emphasized Pearcy. "As a nonprofit charity we don't pay a talent fee. We often have to
take entertainers when they are available. We're very fortunate, because they are giving up their
usual talent fee, which can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, they are
doing it for the right reasons. We aren't dealing with the temperamental prima donnas. They are
people who are usually very down to earth."
"We're very upfront and make sure they know what they are getting into before they get there,"
added Pearcy. " I think Jerry Seinfeld said it really well. He said - You know, I can afford to write
a check and I have - but you want to do some thing and as an entertainer what can I do? I
entertain."
"So, it's more than just giving money. It is giving time. The guys and gals just go crazy when
somebody famous arrive and they get to meet them, talk to them," elaborated Pearcy. "The stars
spend as much time signing autographs as they do performing and tons of time just sitting having
lunch or breakfast, meals with the troops. You can just see it lift the morale, put smiles on the
faces of the military."
SALMA HAYEK was a real morale booster
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"Salma Hayek went to Kosova for Thanksgiving a couple of years ago," Pearcy fondly recalled.
"The guys went nuts! They are locked in a dangerous situation all of the time. The commanders
were saying this is going to have an effect for weeks for us. So, when you hear that kind of thing,
the stars have that kind of an experience - the entertainers always think it is
worthwhile."
It all began in May, 1941 when Bob Hope, with a group of performers, went to March Field,
California, to do a radio show for airmen stationed there. Throughout World War II, with only
two exceptions, all of Bob's radio shows were performed and aired from military bases and
installations throughout the United States and theaters of war in Europe and the South Pacific.
His first trip into the combat area was in 1943 when he and his small USO troop - Frances
Langford, Tony Romano and Jack Pepper visited US military facilities in England, Africa, Sicily
and Ireland. In later years his itinerary included the South Pacific.
Bob Hope performing a USO show in 1942
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Bob began what was to become a Christmas custom in 1948 going to Germany at the request of
then Secretary of the Air Force, Stuart Symington, to entertain the troops involved in the Berlin
Airlift. From then on at Christmas time wherever there was a hot spot there was Hope.
In May, 1990 Hope embarked on his final tour performing in England, Russia, and Germany. At
Christmas that year, he and wife Dolores, were in Saudi Arabia entertaining the men and women
of Operation Desert Storm.
Carrying on the tradition started by Hope are stars such as Newton, who leaves Las Vegas for a
USO tour Nov. 12-19 with - thus far - 14 shows so on the docket.
The USO, which
can wield some powerful clout, is a nonprofit charitable organization, so in order to get on a
base, they need a military liaison organization and that is the AFEO. The entertainment office
provides visas, transportation and other essentials. Each tour requires intense logistics support
and coordination. Each country has unique requirements.
There are seven entertainment
circuits around the world -- the Pacific, Southwest Asia, the Balkans, Europe, the Mediterranean,
the Caribbean, and the North -- Alaska and Greenland.
When USO tours fly into the Sinai in Egypt, for example, they have to get approval through the
multinational force headquarters in Rome. On Diego Garcia, military flights are invariably
canceled and there's no way in or out of that island in the Indian Ocean other than a military
flight. Once 20 wrestlers -- 250 pound guys and their 5,000 pound wrestling ring -- were trapped
on that island for two weeks.
"That's because there was a weekly fight. If that weekly flight got shut down, you were stuck,"
explained Pearcy.
HOOTIE and the BLOWFISH a logistical challenge
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The biggest logistical challenge in the past few years was Hootie and the Blowfish. The group
had 38 people and 42,000 pounds of equipment. There were five shows in six days in five
different countries in the Middle East and the Balkans.
Only about 30 percent of the
tours the AFEO handles are celebrity USO tours. The remainder are 'non-celebrity' tours made up
of up-and-coming performers.
For the celebrity category, handled by the USO, the
stars donate their time and talents; sponsors underwrite the cost of transportation,
accommodations and stage production.
With the non-celebrity participants the AFEO
does everything - from soliciting, hiring and contracting the 'on the rise' star and then put them
on tour.
Non-celebrity acts go out from three to six weeks and hit all the countries in a
particular area. Most bands get $150.00 a day per person. Out of that, they pay for lodging and
food.
Prior to September 11 if a band went on a USO tour to Southwest Asia, for
example, they'll go to Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt.
At each site, they'd do a two to three hour set and sign autographs. The stage could be anything
from the top of a flatbed truck to a stage in a club, to an outside parade ground -- anywhere the
troops can support them.
DIXIE CHICKS crossed over from non-celebrity to
celebrity
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One former 'non-celebrity' act -- the Dixie Chicks -- has crossed over to the Star
section.
Even Marlene Dietrich used USO tours as a way to polish her act.
"I'm here, I'm here,"
Dietrich would say as she'd run down the gangway in her uniform, carrying her case. She would
then produce a pair of evening shoes and a dress, and after pretending to start changing on stage,
would be led into the wings, to the whistles of encouragement from the men. Dietrich also played
the musical saw, which for years had been a feature of her appearances at Hollywood
parties.
On the USO tours Dietrich had a 55-lb baggage allowance which comprised the following:
tropical uniforms; boots; grey flannel men's trousers, transparent Vinilite slippers; silk-lined
cashmere jumper by Mainbocher; lingerie; a strapless brocade dress and two long, sequined
gowns in white and gold. The dresses were heavily encrusted with beads so that no crease would
show.
Marlene Dietrich
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She also carried her singing saw in a black leather case; three months' supply of cosmetics;
labeled in huge nail-polish letters - for dressing by torchlight - and a supply of shampoo that she
had specially made, to lather in practically no water.
These USO Shows taught Dietrich how to manipulate the audience, time her laughs and deal
with hecklers. While on USO tours she contracted pneumonia in Italy in 1944, and in the
Ardennes her hands froze. She never complained.
Prior to September 11th a challenge was to entice entertainers to go to world hot spots - lonely
locations in the world -- the Middle East, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia; Bosnia and Kosovo;
and Korea - especially near the DMZ.
Those are the spots the USO focuses on in
particular, and "waves the patriotic flag to the celebrities to say, 'We know you want to go to the
Caribbean because it's beautiful, but how about going to the Balkans?' It's a challenge for the
USO to get these celebrities to go where they're really needed."
"The military now deploys a lot," continued Pearcy. "If you have never been away from home and
your family for a Christmas, a holiday in a foreign country is lonely. You can be trained for war,
but I don't think you can be trained for that kind of loneliness. We do a lot of shows during the
holidays. That is our peak season, because we don't want people sitting around during their free
time thinking - I wish I was home with my family and friends. Or, they are away from their
wife and kids and missing a child's Christmas."
Historically, few events have left a more lasting emotional impression on Soldiers, Sailors,
Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and their families than USO celebrity entertainment. USO
produces at least 20 overseas entertainment tours each year, reaching tens of thousands of service
men and women.
The USO has arranged for celebrities to visit New York's Ground Zero on a daily basis to meet
and bolster the morale of rescue workers.
"The main thing I have been trying to tell the
press is that there are a lot of great volunteers who have been out there before Sept. 11," stressed
Pearcy. "We did 225 shows last year. We fight a lot of what we call CNN wars, where everyone
knows about it when it is on the media. One year after Bosnia stopped being on the media the
same number of troops were still there. Once the shine wears off this I hope we don't forget
that every day of the year there are men and women out there in harm's way. I'm 46 years old and
I call them kids There are in their young 20s and they need everything we can do for
them."
"A lot of time people only look at the entertainment side of the USO. We have
cyber cafes set us for the folks to E mail and send back pictures. We have a lot of mobile canteens
which are fabulous, but that doesn't make the press," he complained.
On Oct. 31, there'll
be a dinner-dance at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. It benefits the USO Annual Gold Medal
Awards at the time of this great organization's 60th anniversary. Being honored are Lt. Gen.
Daniel Christman and N.Y.C. realtor Charles Steven Cohen.
VEGAS ENTERTAINERS UNITE IN CONCERT
FOR THE USO
Stars from all the Las Vegas Strip hotels have banded together to perform together for the first
time in a benefit for the USO.
Bob Anderson, Frank Scinta, Wayne Newton, Lance
Burton, Clint Holmes and Earl Turner announce benefit. Photo By; Laura
Deni
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The Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, celebration will be held at Mandalay Bay
Resort.
The initial stars committed to perform were introduced at a press conference at Mandalay Bay.
Also present were Major General L. D. Johnston, Commander of the Warfare Center at Nellis
AFB and General John H. Tillelli, Jr., (Ret.) who has been at the USO helm since his active
military retirement two
years ago.
"This is the first time in the history of Las Vegas that every single segment of the entertainment
community has come together. It's all volunteer. And, I think it goes to show that we are all
Americans," commented Newton.
Wayne Newton. Photo By: Laura
Deni
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On the dais were Bill Acosta, Bob Anderson, Lance Burton, Clint Holmes, Newton, the
Scintas, and Earl Turner. Siegfried and Roy
couldn't attend because they were out of town, but they were represented by their manager Bernie
Yuman whose cell phone rang while Newton was speaking - resulting in some teasing from the
guy
known as Mr. Las Vegas.
LANCE BURTON Photo By: Laura Deni
 |
The brainchild of Lance Burton, who after the Sept. 11 tragedy, called the head of Mandalay Bay
and asked if something could be done to help in some way. Great minds think alike. At the same
time Clint Holmes and Frank Scinta were making calls to fellow artists. "We wanted to do
something to show Las Vegas cares, that it had a heart," said Holmes. "There was immediate
support from everyone we contacted."
CLINT HOLMES Photo By Laura:
Deni
 |
"Newton gave us focus," explained Holmes.
"At first, we wanted to aid the victims and their families, but then we saw the unbelievable
support and assistance given to them," explained Scinta. "When Newton came aboard he told us
about the needs of the USO."
The Midnight Idol told the gathering that more than $840 million had been raised for relief efforts
since the September 11th attack. "As it turned out, with the big spirit of America, it seems all of
those (rescue worker and survivor family) factions are more than amply taken care of."
"It occurred to me that the one group almost overlooked was the military personnel effected by
the Pentagon attack," continued Newton. "Maybe the men and woman of our military have been
forgotten a little."
BOB ANDERSON and FRANK SCINTA Photo By:
Laura Deni.
 |
Thus, the group united to support the USO.
Newton added that he heard from Phyllis McGuire and that the McGuire Sisters are part of the
program as is Rick Springfield with more stars expected to participate.
Speaking on behalf of Siegfried & Roy, their manager Bernie Yuman explained that the German
born illusionists knew first hand the horrors of war. As proud Americans Siegfried & Roy were
anxious to participate in this event.
Newton thanked Gen. Johnston and kidded that "we were thinking about holding this press
conference at Nellis but
then it occurred to us that some of you might not be able to clear security and we were
sure some of us wouldn't, so Mandalay Bay set this up and we thank them."
With a dais full of entertainers known for their exuberant shows and megawatt personalities, it
was a stage filled with thoughtful faces and caring hearts. Frequently Newton's eyes glistened
with tears as he addressed the gathering.
Newton was seven years old when he first performed with the USO for President Truman as he
was leaving office. "I was turned down by the draft. I wanted to go to Vietnam. I had
been in military school for four years prior to that. I was turned down for the draft because of
asthma. I thought - Okay, if you won't take me because of asthma, you can't stop me from
entertaining. So I went to Vietnam as an entertainer in 66 and 68 and I've been at every
confrontation that this country has been in since Vietnam."
Maj. Gen. L. D. Johnston, Commander Air Warfare
Center, Nellis Air Force Base. Photo By; Laura Deni
 |
Newton introduced Gen. Johnston from Nellis A.F.B. In an articulate and emotional talk
Johnston offered his personal experiences with the USO.
"You've got to know the deep involvement I have with the USO," began Johnston who still has
"vivid recollections of what the USO has meant to me."
The first profound memory
was
in Oct. 1972 when he was returning home from Viet Nam. "When I got home to the United
States, at the airport in San Francisco, nobody in the world gave a damn about me being home -
except the USO. They gave me a pill to cure an incredibly tough headache and heartache -
something to eat, a place and a cot to lie down on. But it was only the
USO that cared that I had come home."
General John H. Tillelli, Jr., (ret) Head of the USO
Photo By: Laura Deni
 |
Gen. Tilelli flew into Las Vegas from Washington for the press conference. "In American today
our soldiers are generally underpaid, underhoused, underserved around the world and for the
most part are ignored by the American people, because they do their job so well that you don't
know they are there."
When informed of this USO benefit he said, "This is a major event. When I heard about it I was
awed by just the thought of it."
Tickets for the 2 p.m. concert went on sale Saturday at Mandalay Bay with Ticketmaster waving
their fees. There is only one price, $25. A sell out of the 12,000 seat arena would mean
$308,000, with Newton stressing they have already obtained some corporate sponsors, so the
end figure will be substantially higher. Newton indicated if there is enough interest a second show
will be offered. When public relations representative Frank H. Lieberman announced that there
would be no comps Newton quipped, "I wasn't going to tell the press that until after they printed
their nice stories."
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SWEET CHARITY
THE RITA RUDNER CHARITY GOLF
TOURNAMENT benefiting Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Oct. 22, at the Stallion
Mountain Country Club in Las Vegas. And, did you know that Americans spend more than $63
million per year on golf balls? Well, now you do.
XANADU LIVE a stage
musical based on the critical flop turned cult
movie favorite, Xanadu, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly with glorious
music by the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). It's music that we could use right now.
In the movie a young album-painter learns a lesson about daring to
dream when he is kissed by a magical muse. Throwing caution
to the wind, he partners up with a wealthy former jazz musician
to start-up a roller disco nightclub, but finds that one of his
dreams might be too lofty--even for the powers that be.
The movie contained magnificent music including Magic, Suddenly Dancin', Suspended In
Time, Whenever You're Away From Me, and I'm Alive.
This stage production is produced by Amy Pietz of Carolina In The City fame and was
conceived, adapted and directed by Yale School of Drama graduate Annie Dorsen.
Annie Barsky, well-known competitor on CBS's The Amazing Race stars in the Olivia
Newton-John part. Kenneth Alan Williams, the husband of Pietz and the show's
executive producer, stars in the Gene Kelly role.
AMY PIETZ
 |
In a wide ranging interview Pietz spoke with Broadway To Vegas. That in
depth interview with this extremely intelligent, articulate and sensitive actor/producer running the
gamut from - how she intends to mount this show as an off-Broadway production to what the
Wisconsin raised Pietz did with her cheese head - will appear next week.
First showcased at the Williamstown Theater Festival, this production is endorsed by Olivia
Newton-John.
"I am thrilled that after 20 years Xanadu is being celebrated live on stage,"
said Newton-John. "And I am moved that they have chosen to benefit a cause that is close to
my heart," continued the star referring to Xanadu Live being tied into Breast Cancer
Awareness Month.
A portion of the proceeds from Xanadu Live will benefit both the American Cancer
Society's breast cancer programs and Equity Actor's Fight AIDS
The production features a cast of 24 colorfully costumed actors, dancers and roller skaters who
mime the actual film performance in a loving homage to faith and hope. The movie may have been
out of sinc twenty years ago, but the concept is right in step now. Believe in the magic. Go see
Xanadu Live, which opened Thursday in its world premiere at the Gascon Theater, Los
Angeles. Performances through November 11.
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM
SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED an irreverent, hip, young director,
Jeremy Dobrish, brings his unique comic vision to this venture. Peter Ackerman, Jeremy Shamos
and David Turner, tackle 75 characters, 100 props, dozens of costumes and more than 200 light
cues to bring us laughter and mirth. Forsooth get thee to the Century Center for the Performing
Arts NYC. Officially opens on October 15
45 SECONDS FROM BROADWAY Comedy by Neil Simon. Directed by Jerry Zaks. Producer: Emanuel
Azenberg. Cast: Lewis J. Stadlen, Joan Copeland, Marian Seldes and Alix Korey. Previews begin
October 16, a the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
MAMMA MIA!
Musical based on pop songs by ABBA. Book: Catherine Johnson. Music & Lyrics: Benny
Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus. Director: Phyllida Lloyd. Choreography: Anthony Van Laast. This
eagerly anticipated opening takes place October 18 at Winter Garden Theatre in New York
City.
DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS citing fallout from September 11, has announced they have scaled back
proposed productions. In addition, plans for a company to tour the West has been postponed.
Next season 8 shows instead of 12 will be produced. Production costs will also be slashed as will
the size of the shows. Pierre by Herman Melville was on the drawing board as a lavish
production with 30 actors. That has now been trimmed to a show using 12 to 18 actors.
WIT by Margaret Edson is the
opening
production for the 56th season of the Asheville Community Theatre in North Carolina. The
production stars Kay Galvin and is directed by Ralph Redpath.
Wit marks a
unique collaboration between Asheville's medical and arts communities: Medical resource
specialists are available to the audience after every performance. Special talk-backs with cast
members and medical professionals were held after the October 12-14 performances.
Doctors and nurses worked with the director to block specific hospital scenes and Mission
St. Joseph's loaned medical equipment to the production.
Wit is
sponsored by: The Ethics Committee of Mission St. Joseph's Mountain Area Hospice, Helen
Powers Women's Health Center at Mission St. Joseph's, Mission
St. Joseph's Cancer Services, Asheville Hematology and Oncology Associates, Cancer Care
of Western North Carolina, Hope, A Women's Cancer Center, Mountain Radiation Oncology,
P.A., and
Radiation Therapy Associates.
Winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Wit is an extraordinary first play by
Margaret Edson. Actress Galvin portrays Vivian Bearing, a renowned professor of
English who has spent years studying and teaching the brilliant and difficult metaphysical
sonnets of John
Donne. Bearing has recently been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. During the
course of her illness, she comes to reassess her life and work with a profundity and humor
that are transformative both for her and the audience.
Performances through October 21
WHO'S WHERE
NEIL DIAMOND center stage
tonight
and tomorrow in Cleveland, OH at the Gund Arena. On Wednesday and Thursday the
spotlight hits him in Philadelphia, PA at the First Union Center and on Saturday the place
to be
is
Grand Rapids, MI at the Van Andel Arena.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH made her
Las Vegas debut last night (Saturday) at the Performing Arts Center. The Tony Award winner is
slated to star opposite Matthew Broderick in the new movie remake of The Sound of
Music.
STEVE LAWRENCE AND EYDIE GORME perform at Resorts in Atlantic City on October 19-21.
TORI AMOS is center stage tomorrow in
Boston, MA at the Wang Center. On Thursday the show is in Detroit, MI at
the Fox Theatre and Friday find the performer entertaining in Toronto, ON at Massey
Hall.
DAVID CASSIDY continues
his tour with a two night gig Wednesday and Thursday in Kansas City, MO at Harrah's Casino.
On Friday the Las Vegas resident can be found performing in Phoenix, AZ at the Arizona
State Fair.
EVA MARIE SAINT who won an
Academy Award as best supporting actress in the 1954 Elia Kazan classic On the Waterfront opposite
Marlon Brando, and her husband, actor-director Jeffrey Hayden, spent the past week on campus at Vanderbilt
University as part of the Fred Coe Artist-in-Residence program. Saint and Hayden gave master classes for
theater department students. They also gave a special performance of A.R. Gurney's play Love
Letters
GLADYS KNIGHT is center stage
Saturday in Birmingham, AL at the Convention Complex.
DON RICKLES insulting the happy
crowd Wednesday in Morristown, NJ at the Community Theatre. Then Mr. Warmth
takes the
patter to Morton, MN for a Friday performance at Jackpot Junction Casino.
JIM NABORS brings his mirth
and music to Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawstown, MI for a Saturday night
performance.
JOHNNY MATHIS October
19 & 20 in Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas Hilton.
LINDA EDER October 19 and 20 at the
Atlanta Symphony Hall.
PIFFLE AND
PROFUNDITIES
BETTER THAN BAYER scientists say that sex can relieve arthritis pain for up to six hours.
Next Column: October 21, 2001
Copyright: October 14, 2001. All Rights Reserved.
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