Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: November 17, 2019
By: Laura Deni
CLICK HERE FOR COMMENT SECTION

THE USO LAUNCHES ITS 2019 CELEBRITY HOLIDAY SHOWS

The USO, whose mission is to strengthen service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, has launched its holiday campaign, #USOHolidays, with a first-ever care package event in conjunction with Warner Bros. Entertainment.

A team of volunteers from Warner Bros. along with studio staff and talent recently assembled 3,000 holiday care packages, which will then be distributed to service members deployed in Southwest Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Warner Bros. has a history of supporting our nation's service members by participating in USO tours such as the summer 2019 tour when stars from Black Lightning and The Flash joined DC artists and writers in bringing Batman and Warner Bros. Television talent to military members stationed in Kuwait.

"Often times, a USO center or USO programming is the closest sense of home our service members can experience while separated from family and serving around the world during the holidays," said Lisa Anastasi, USO chief development and marketing officer. "Through these holiday care packages, we are bringing a touch of home to the doorsteps of America's troops and expressing the country's gratitude for their sacrifices at this special time of year."

Backstage at the USO took place last Thursday, November 14, when the USO took over The Wharf in Washington, D.C., for a full day of USO entertainment and programs. In the evening omedian Paula Poundstone opened the USO's variety show at The Anthem with the evening’s host NCIS star and former That 70’s Show actor Wilmer Valderrama. Valderrama is a seasoned USO tour veteran, having joined seven entertainment tours over the years and most recently traveled with the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph F. Dunford on the Chairman’s 2018 USO Holiday Tour, where he visited troops stationed throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Valderrama explained that his memories from that tour have stayed with him, recalling one particular moment that stood out while performing for a crowd of service members. “To have everybody, men and women, hold each other in the audience and wave back and forth, singing ‘White Christmas’…it was one of those moments I’ll never forget,” he said. “Because in that spirit, everyone was one, and in that spirit, everyone celebrated the holidays away from home.”

Ann-Margret

Entertainment included country star Brantley Gilbert, a longtime supporter of the military who works closely with Disabled American Veterans to provide service dogs to veterans in need. Just before doors opened to the event, celebrities and civilians worked side-by-side outside at The Wharf to stuff more than 1,000 care packages, which will be sent to service members overseas this holiday season.

Backstage at the USO also recognized two legacies in USO entertainment – the iconic Bob Hope and the award-winning actress, singer and dancer Ann-Margret known for her roles in Bye Bye Birdie with Dick Van Dyke and Viva Las Vegas opposite Elvis Presley.

Linda Hope, Bob Hope’s daughter, the Chair and CEO of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation and an avid USO supporter presented the inaugural Bob Hope Legacy Award to Emmy winner Ann-Margret. The award recognizes a USO entertainer’s dedication to supporting our service members through advocacy and entertainment, much like its namesake, Bob Hope.

Ann-Margret has spent the past six decades entertaining our troops and even participated in the famous Bob Hope USO Tours to Vietnam, so it was especially touching for her to receive the first-ever award in his name from his daughter.

Mayim Bialik of The Big Bang Theory

Ann-Margret joined other guests in writing a message to a service member, which will be sent to troops deployed overseas this holiday season.

Up next - the USO Chairman's Tour 2019: This annual holiday tour takes place this month (the USO doesn't give out tour dates or locations in advance for security reasons) and will be the first for Gen. Mark Milley who was named chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in July. In addition to USO and military leadership, the tour will include several entertainers and celebrities who offer a unique show plus meet and greet opportunities with troops. Gen. Milley will spend time with service members on a week-long trip visiting seven bases in multiple countries. As a signature event during the holiday season, this tour brings joy, laughter and the comforts of home to service members when they are feeling separated from home the most.

Operation Christmas Cheer in Korea: USO Korea brightens the day of the more than 6,000 service members stationed across the Korean peninsula in December by providing stockings full of goodies. Service members across the region receive a friendly knock on their door from a USO volunteer bearing a special surprise: a stocking overflowing with books, playing cards, calendars, personal hygiene items and snacks.

Maine Polar Express: New England USO rents out the Maine Polar Express to provide their military families with the experience of bringing the storybook to life.

USO entertainment isn't restricted to the "holiday season." It's a year-round program.

Brooke Shields and Bob Hope

Thanks for Thanksgiving in USO Kaiserslautern, Germany: each year, 600+ troops receive a free takeout meal from the USO and the community as a way to thank them for their service – each meal consists of a full Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, roasting pan, pie, dinner rolls, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes and cranberries. They also receive a gift card to purchase additional food items, a 100 minute calling card, a Stars and Stripes newspaper and Disney DVDS for the kids.

Hundreds of U.S. and Joint Coalition service members got a chance to meet celebrities and relax during the 2019 USO Summer Tour on July 5. Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Joseph Lengyel and representatives from the USO accompanied seven performers, including former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, season three winner of The Voice, Cassadee Pope; Miss America 2019, Nia Franklin; comedian and former NFL cheerleader, Anjelah Johnson; country singer Laura Bryna, and actresses Mayim Bialik of The Big Bang Theory and Toni Trucks of (SEAL Team.

A few of the celebrities who have earned their spurs with multiple tours include Kelli Pickler who has been on 12 USO tours, Connie Stevens, Brooke Shields, Wayne Newton, Jay Leno, Gary Sinise, Toby Keith, Roy Acuff, Trace Adkins, Neal McCoy, Chely Wright, Marlene Dietrich, Dinah Shore, Joan Crawford, Lola Falana, Diahann Carroll, Loretta Lynn, Martha Raye, Mickey Rooney, Robin Williams who went on 6 tours - Lee Greenwood who has participated in more than 30 USO tours - and Jay Leno who has not only toured but auctioned off one of his antique cars to raise a half million dollars for the USO.

E-Book

Soft back Book

Broadway To Vegas is supported through advertising and donations. Priority consideration is given to interview suggestions, news, press releases, etc from paid supporters. However, no paid supporters control, alter, edit, or in any way manipulate the content of this site. Your donation is appreciated. We accept PAYPAL.

Thank you for your interest.

E-Book

Soft back Book

This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

THE CLASH: LONDON CALLING The Museum of London is celebrating London Calling, the ground-breaking album from The Clash with a free display of items from the band’s personal archive.

London Calling was and is a hugely compelling melting pot of musical styles, driven by a passion for action and a fierce desire for social justice. The album’s music and lyrics remain as relevant today as they were on release.

As well as showcasing the influences and context to the writing and recording of the seminal double album, this new exclusive display at the Museum of London examines how the capital influenced The Clash as they became the most popular British band of the 20th century.

The items on display will give you rare access to some immediately recognizable pieces of musical history; from original lyrics to drumsticks and even the famous bass guitar being smashed to bits on the album cover.

Items include:
Paul Simonon’s broken Fender Precision Bass, smashed on stage at The Palladium in New York City on 21st September 1979
Mick Jones’ handwritten album sequencing note
Joe Strummer’s notebook from the period when the album ‘London Calling’ was rehearsed and recorded
Joe Strummer’s typewriter used to document ideas, lyrics and other writings

To coincide with the opening of the display Sony Music have released the London Calling Scrapbook - a 120-page hardback companion which comes with the album and contains hand-written lyrics, notes, photos and previously unseen material from the period when the record was made.

So, if you're looking for a unique view into the history of not only this amazing album, but also one of London’s most famous bands, don’t miss this free display.

DETROIT COLLECTS: SELECTIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART FROM PRIVATE COLLECTIONS explores stories of motivation and passion that drive local collectors to acquire works by the renowned African American artists in this exhibition.

Featuring works by Romare Bearden, Al Loving, Charles McGee and Alison Saar, this exhibition demonstrates local collectors’ interest in the diverse media, styles, genres, influences and subject matter that inspired them to collect art created by African Americans.

On exhibit at The Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, Michigan.

GEORGE IV: ART & SPECTACLE Marking 200 years since George IV took the throne in 1820, the exhibition showcases the highlights of George IV's unrivaled collection of art, including paintings by Dutch and Flemish masters, delicate Sèvres porcelain, intricate goldsmiths' work and elegant books and drawings.

Discover the public and private face of this most exuberant king.

On display at The Queen's Gallery Buckingham Palace in London until May 3, 2020.

E-Book

Soft back Book

SWEET CHARITY

THE TUSK AWARDS will be attended by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - Prince William and Duchess Kate to those of us across the pond - on Thursday, November 21, 2019.

In 2005 Prince William became the Royal Patron.

Now in its seventh year, the Awards ceremony will for the first time be held at The Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, London, and will be hosted by Kate Silverton.

The annual Tusk Conservation Awards were established in 2013 in partnership with Investec Asset Management and in conjunction with HRH The Duke of Cambridge, to celebrate the achievements of extraordinary people whose work protecting Africa’s irreplaceable natural heritage might otherwise go unnoticed. All finalists not only receive grants to support their work, but also the international recognition they have earned, which further contributes to the development of their projects. The three Awards are as follows:

The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, supported by Investec Asset Management, is a lifetime achievement award, given to a distinguished individual for their outstanding dedication and exceptional contribution to conservation in Africa over many years. One winner is chosen each year.

The Tusk Conservation Award in Africa, supported by Land Rover, recognizes an emerging leader in conservation whose work has already demonstrated an exceptional commitment and has made a significant impact to date. Three finalists are chosen each year. They are:

Tomas Diagne, Senegal: Over the past 26 years, Tomas, the Director and Founder of the African Chelonian Institute, has focused his work on the protection of tortoise and the freshwater and sea turtles of West Africa.

Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda: As founder and CEO of the non-profit Uganda based Conservation Through Public Health, Gladys established innovative programmes to protect mountain gorillas and other wildlife from human and livestock disease and then use information and communication technology to aid both local development and environmental education.

Jeneria Lekilelei, Kenya: As Ewaso Lions Director of Community Conservation, Jeneria is succeeding in his aim to create sustainable lion conservation by changing attitudes and behaviours towards lions amongst the younger generation in his area of northern Kenya.

The winner will be announced at the ceremony, along with the winner of the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa.

The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award recognizes the dedication and bravery of rangers working to protect Africa’s increasingly endangered wildlife. One winner is chosen every year. The 2019 Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award winner has been announced as Benson Kanyembo, Law Enforcement Advisor from Conservation South Luangwa, Zambia.

For almost 30 years the Tusk organization has pioneered successful conservation action in Africa by protecting wildlife, empowering communities and working in the fight to end wildlife crime.

"Tusk is celebrating 2019 as our Year of the Lion, an initiative to shine a light on one of the world’s most charismatic animals and profile the work of some incredible conservation organizations working for a brighter future for the species."

ROD STEWART the legendary rocker will host and perform at a dinner party, where Sir Rod and his wife Penny Lancaster have invited 180 guests to the Memories that Matter event in London and hope to raise as much as a £1 million.

Funds raised by the dinner will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust, and money will be bolstered by an auction of exclusive items.

The night revolves around a silent auction with prizes including an Ed Sheeran signed guitar, and a chance to accompany Dame Emma Thompson to the premiere of Cruella and dinner at the Ritz with Rod and Penny. Other prizes include memorabilia from Celtic, Stewart’s favorite club, artwork by his former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood and a five-night stay in a castle in Umbria, Italy, donated by Evening Standard's Evgeny Lebedev.

The fundraiser on November 22 is the idea of marketing expert Mark Aldridge, who intends to make it a regular event. The Trust’s chief executive Kate Collins said: “Every day, seven young people, aged 13-24, are diagnosed with cancer.

“Teenage Cancer Trust’s specialist nurses, hospital wards and support teams work hard to help young people and their families cope with the huge impact that a cancer diagnosis and treatment has on their lives. But none of this work would be possible without our wonderful supporters.”

Those attending the charity event will see the decor designed by Sir Rod, with his favorite flowers, wine and food on display.

SPREADING THE WORD

BETRAYAL: A CONVERSATION WITH TOM HIDDLESTON, ZAWE ASHTON AND CHARLIE COX WITH RUTHIE FIERBERG Join the stars of the record-breaking West End production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal as they make their Broadway debuts. Tom Hiddleston, Zawe Ashton and Charlie Cox sit down with Playbill’s Ruthie Fierberg for an in-depth conversation about this, “the greatest, and most moving, of all Pinter’s plays” (The Telegraph), sharing insights and behind-the-scenes stories about how this daring, visionary production came together.

Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City.

THE OFFICIAL LATIN GRAMMY AFTER PARTY closed out the Latin Grammy Week celebration honoring 20 years of excellence in Latin music. The event took place on Thursday, November 14, at the iconic Hakkasan Nightclub, immediately following the milestone 20th Annual Latin Grammy Awards which were broadcast live on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Attendees had a unique opportunity to dance the night away in the 80,000 square feet venue to the beats of Latin electronic music pioneer Mr. Pauer hitting the main floor. A music connoisseur of percussive rhythms from around the world, Mr. Pauer created his signature sound, "Electrópico," a fusion of electronic dance music and other genres—including salsa, zouk, reggae, cumbia, dancehall, merengue, and kuduro—producing a unique sound born in Miami that included 20 years of great Latin hits.

On a different floor, Latin Grammy winner and legendary jazz trumpeter Charlie Sepúlveda delighted guests who look for a relaxed environment with an exclusive presentation in the Latin Jazz Lounge along with special guests, including Latin Grammy nominee Paula Arenas, Latin Grammy and Grammy nominees C4 Trío, Latin Grammy and Grammy winner Luis Enrique, and contemporary folk music group KerreKe.

This year's landmark 20th anniversary of the Latin Grammy Awards showcased a star-studded milestone celebration, including historical moments, reunions, tributes, and one-of-a-kind performances from nominees, past winners, and legends who came together to honor 20 years of Latin music legacy and excellence.

ALICIA KEYSa RCA recordung artist and a 15-time Grammy winner will return as host of the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards which will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at the Staples Center and will be broadcast live on CBS.

Grammy nominees will be announced on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

LAS VEGAS MAYOR CAROLYN GOODMAN and you won't find a smarter person anywhere - is downright peeved with the Democratic presidential candidates. Las Vegas has a serious homeless problem and recently pass an ordinance in hopes of rehabilitating some of the street sleepers who think a sidewalk is a toilet, while getting others into treatment programs. The ordinance isn't without critics. However, before you criticize you might want to get the facts. Her Honor is totally annoyed that the candidates criticized the new law without knowing what they were talking about. On the PBS aired Nevada Week program she emphasized that "not one!" of them called her.

With Nevada being an important early voting state it doesn't bode well for the Dem contenders that they were all so anxious for a sound bite that they didn't bother to know what they were commenting about. Shame.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

MUSICIANS EARN MONEY FROM WATER FOUNTAINS

The Dubai Fountain in Dubai, UAEi

turned on in May 2009, Dubai Fountain in Dubai, UAE is the world's largest choreographed fountain. Now, musicians can earn up to $20,000 a year if their music is featured as part of the display, an industry executive told Arabian Business. In August 2011 a breakthrough licensing agreement with PRS for Music and SACEM with Emaar Properities to license the public performance of music that accompanies The Dubai Fountain ensuring that musicians earn royalties for their work used in the fountain programming. According to a release the deal was the first significant public performance license issued in the UAE.

At the time of the signing there was no local monitoring or collecting agencies operating in the area, meaning that the creators behind music publicly performed including concerts, on television, radio or in films, didn't receive royalties.

PRS for Music and SACEM worked together to provide businesses with information to understand licensing requirements that respect UAE law.

The Dubai Fountain is over 900ft in length - equivalent to two football fields - and about 25 percent larger than The Bellagio Hotel Fountain in Las Vegas.

Designed by WET Design, the California-based company behind the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, the fountains can spray 22,000 gallons of water 500 feet into the air at any given moment. Over 6,600 lights and 25 color projectors create a visual spectrum of more than 1,000 different water expressions.

The Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain, choreograph a range of music from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.

Selections for 2019 include: Thriller by Michael Jackson, Nadili Sik Sak Show by Mezdeke, Symphony No.9 in E Minor by Antonin Dvorak, I’ll Never Love Again by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, Skyfall by Adele and The Prayer by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. In April, Emaar, the developer behind the Dubai Fountains signed a deal with Pinkfong, the Korean creator of the viral sensation Baby Shark music video, and Spacetoon Group, Pinkfong’s official licensing agent in the Middle East, to develop a special Baby Shark routine at Dubai Fountains.

At the time of the 2011 signing Karen Buse, international director for PRS for Music said: "We are committed to ensure that our members receive royalties whenever their music is used and we are delighted with this first deal with Emaar Properties in the UAE for The Dubai Fountain.

Thierry Desurmont, vice president of SACEM added: "Among its 132,000 members, SACEM has 15,500 foreign right holders of which 5,000 are from the Arab World. "The agreement concluded with Emaar Properties is a new step towards the recognition and protection of the interests of Arab creators in the World."

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director, Emaar Properties, said: "As a public joint stock company that values intellectual property rights, Emaar is committed to upholding the implementation of all relevant copyrights across its entire spectrum of operations. "This marks a milestone for the music industry, and Emaar is privileged to be at the forefront in driving a positive initiative that values creative ownership."

E-Book

Soft back Book

THE THEATER HALL OF FAME will conduct its 2019 induction ceremony on Monday, November 18, at the Gershin Theatre in New York City with Tony and Oscar winner Joel Grey serving as master of ceremony.

This year's 49th annual Theater Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement in the American Theater inductees include: Tony Award-winning actors André De Shields and Donna McKechnie, actor and Tony Award-winning choreographer Ann Reinking, Goodspeed Musicals Founder Michael Price, Tony Award-nominated playwright Emily Mann, Tony Award-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, theatre critic Michael Feingold, and posthumously, Tony Award-winning playwright Thomas Meehan.

Founded in 1971 by James M. Nederlander, Earl Blackwell and Gerard Oestriecher, the Theater Hall of Fame's primary mission is to annually honor lifetime achievement in the American theatre. To be considered for the ballot, the theatre professional must have 25 years on Broadway and five major production credits or be an Off-Broadway or regional theatre founder or pioneer. The voters are United States theatre critics and drama editors.

JAMES HOLZHAUER Las Vegas resident and winner of the Alex Trebek hosted 2019 Jeopardy Tournament of Champions. Also, kudos to the two other finalists, Emma Boettcher and Francois Barcomb as well as all of the Jeopardy winners who achieved the qualifications to be included in the Tournament of Champions. It's difficult enough to even be accepted as a Jeopardy contestant. To be invited to test your skills on the Tournament of Champions is a remarkable achievement.



DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE by Ken Ludwig.

Directed by Jackie Maxwell.

Starring Jake Epstein and Amelia Pedlow who make their Arena Stage debuts in this production.

When two strangers meet by letter during World War II, a love story begins. U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, begins writing to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City, hoping to meet her someday if the war will allow. But as the war continues, it threatens to end their relationship before it even starts. Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig tells the joyous, heart-warming story of his parents’ courtship during World War II and the results are anything but expected.

"It is particularly exhilarating to be back at Arena Stage, working with this incredible team of artists to bring the story of my parents' courtship to life for the first time. I’ve written a piece that goes deep into the hearts of two young lovers during World War II, in a way that’s more personal than I’ve ever done before.” Ken Ludwig.

Ken Ludwig's world premiere of Dear Jack, Dear Louise begins November 21 at Arena Stage in Washington, DC.

HARRY TOWNSEND'S LAST STAND a new play written by George Eastman.

Directed by Karen Carpenter.

Starring three time Tony Award Nominee and Tony Award winner, Len Cariou.

A comedy with heart, Harry Townsend's Last Stand centers around 85-year-old Harry Townsend, a widower, living alone in the Lakeside home he built in Vermont. While he still possesses a sharp mind and a dry wit, he is getting up there in age. Beside his daughter, Sarah, the one happiness in his life is his son, Alan, who is finally coming home after an 18-month absence. Yet Alan's return is accompanied by an agenda that puts the aging father and his concerned son at odds. Harry Townsend's Last Stand tells a story of complex family dynamics, passion, humor and the shorthand of communication that we have with our loved ones.

The creatives are: scenic design by Lauren Helpern, costume design by David C. Woolard, lighting design by Jeff Davis and sound design by John Gromada . General management is by Brierpatch Productions. Harry Townsend's Last Stand begins a strictly limited engagement on November 18th with opening night set for December 4th at New York City Center Stage II, New York City.

JAGGED LITTLE PILL featuring lyrics by seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette and music by Morissette and six-time Grammy winner Glen Ballard. Original story by Academy Award-winning writer Diablo Cody.

Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus.

Movement Direction & Choreography is by Olivier Award winner Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

"Jagged Little Pill is inspired by the themes and raw emotions laid bare in Alanis Morissette’s seminal album of the same name. The Healys appear to be a picture-perfect suburban family - but looks can be deceiving. As secrets threaten to break them apart, the Healys must embrace difficult truths about themselves, and find the strength and love in each other to move forward, together. The original story is ignited by Morissette’s groundbreaking music – including such hits as You Oughta Know, Head Over Feet, Hand In My Pocket, and Ironic – plus brand-new songs written expressly for the show by Morissette."

Starring as “The Healys” are Elizabeth Stanley as “Mary Jane,” Sean Allan Krill as “Steve”, Celia Rose Gooding as “Frankie” and Derek Klena as “Nick”; alongside Kathryn Gallagher as “Bella,” Lauren Patten as “Jo,” and Antonio Cipriano as “Phoenix,” all of whom reprise their roles from the musical’s world premiere at A.R.T. Completing the cast are Annelise Baker, Yeman Brown, Jane Bruce, John Cardoza, Ken Wulf Clark, Laurel Harris, Logan Hart, Zach Hess, Max Kumangai, Heather Lang, Ezra Menas, Kelsey Orem, Yana Perrault, Nora Schell, Kei Tsuruharatani and Ebony Williams.

Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements are by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt.

The musical will officially open on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City.

E-Book

Soft back Book

This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

WHO'S WHERE

THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND performs Thursday, November 1, 2019 in Albany, GA at the Albany Municipal Auditorium.

WILLIE NELSON singing his hits Monday, November 18 in Sugar Land, TX at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. Tuesday's stop is in Galveston, TX at the The Grand 1894 Opera House. Friday's gig is in Biloxi, MS at the IP Casino Resort Spa. On Saturday he's on stage in Bossier City, LA at the Horseshoe Bossier City.

DOOBIE BROTHERS star Monday, November 18, 2019 at the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, Tuesday's stop is at the Peace Center, Greenville, SC, Wednesday finds them at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), Durham, NC.On Friday the performance is at the Mark G Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ. On Saturday the tour stops at Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY, Next Sunday, November 24, the show is at the St. George Theatre, Staten Island, NY.

CELINE DION has a split week engagement at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC with performances November 18-19 and 21-22.

AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD TOUR stops Monday, November 18, at the Southend Cliffs Pavillion in Westcliff-on-Sea SS0, UK. Wednesday's show is at the Reading Hexagon, Reading UK. On Thursday they gig it at Bath Forum in Bath, England. Friday's show is at the Brighton Centre in Brighton, UK. Saturday's stop is at the Plymouth Pavillions in Plymouth UK.

BJORK on stage Tuesday, November19, 2019 at The O2, London, UK.

MIRANDA LAMBERT entertains Thursday, November 21, at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL. Friday's show is at the Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth, GA. On Saturday she can be found at the Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC.

FINAL OVATION

LAUREL GRIGGS who made her Broadway debut at the age of six in Cat on a Hot Tim Roof alongside Scarlett Johansson, Ciarin Hinds, and Benjamin Walker died November 5, 2019 from a massive asthma attack. She was 13.

She is best known as the longest running Ivanka in the Tony Award winning ONCE the Musical on Broadway. Her credits also include voice overs, commercials, and appearances in various movies and television shows including SNL..

She also donated her time to numerous charities including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

She is survived by her parents Andy and Liz Griggs and numerous family members.

MAYNARD SLOATE jazz drummer and famed Las Vegas show producer died on Monday, November 6, 2019 in Las Vegas. He was 95.

Maynard began his career as a jazz drummer, who played with such greats as Stan Getz, Errol Garner, Barney Vessel and Buddy de Franco. Sloate went on to become a talent agent and represented such stars as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington and Count Basie.

For many years he was the entertainment director of the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas where in 1975 along with Michel Gyarmathy opened the Folies Berege. In 1972, the Tropicana was sold, and Maynard went on to serve as entertainment director for the Union Plaza Hotel & Casino, where he produced and directed some 38 Broadway shows. In 1984, while still at the Union Plaza, Sloate also became show producer for the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, where he remained until 1993 producing 27 Broadway musicals. During that time, he went on to become producer/director for both the Sahara and Hacienda Hotels in Las Vegas. He did Broadway plays and musicals for both hotels from 1985 to 1988 and in 1990, presented a musical at Harrahs in Lake Tahoe. From 1994 to 1997, Maynard assisted in the design of a 2000 seat Broadway type theater, and an 800 seat cabaret theater for the showboat hotel, who was building a new entertainment complex in Sydney, Australia. In all, Maynard has produced and/or directed 70 Broadway shows as well as 2 editions of the Folies Bergere and numerous musical reviews.

He is survived by his daughters, Stacey and Nicole Sloate.

Next Column: November 24, 2019
Copyright: November 17, 2019 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
Link to Main Page

---