BETTY BUCKLEY -- STERLING PLEASURE! HELP IS ON THE WAY AT MARINES MEMORIAL

DAILY TATTLER 

by Lee Hartgrave

COURTESY PHOTO

BETTY BUCKLEY

Tony Award Actress and singer

Buckley made her Broadway debut in 1969 in the musical 1776 - many called her “The Voice of Broadway.” Her rendition of the song “Memory” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Cats’ made her a huge, huge star.

She played a very touching role of a country singer in Bruce Beresford’s ‘Tender Mercies, in which she sang the song “Over You”. And Buckley will star in the London revival of Jerry Herman’s favorite musical ‘Dear World’ and she will be inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

Buckley at San Francisco’s Premiere Niteclub (The Razz Room) really captured the audience. Yes, her voice in some instances is not as strong in some cases. But that happens to all of us – and the audience couldn’t get enough of her.

Buckley’s show is called “Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway.” She has turned the usual ‘Men’s’ songs, into her songs. This is some of them: “Jet Song” form West Side Story” – Maria is always sung by a guy – but not this time. Everything was running smoothly except for this, when Buckley starts to sing “I Won’t Dance” (usually sung by Fred Astaire) – someone in back of me took a flash picture of Buckley. She stopped the song, and demanded that they take the camera away from the person. Well that got settled until later – a Cell Phone rang and rang. That of course did not bode well for Buckley. But she smiled.

The popular “Hey There” hit the spot with these lyrics: “Hey There" (Pajama Game) – better forget him – you with your nose in the air – does it all go through one ear and out the other?”

“Corner of the Sky” with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin) – is one of the greats of all time. Buckley brought fresh intimate and sophisticated intonations to the song. And who could wish for more with Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser (Guys and Dolls.) Buckley takes “More I cannot Wish You” and gives the song a new feel and tone. The show is a skillful compelling treat!

RATING: THREE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!! –trademarked-

Now playing – thru Nov. 4, 2012 at the Rrazz Room.

Here is the brilliant band: Christian Jacob – Piano, Alan Hall –Drums, Peter Barshay – Bass.

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he produced and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED))) 

HELP IS ON THE WAY AT MARINES MEMORIAL

MARY WILSON was recently at the Fairmont Hotel in a fabulous evening. That was a one-time event at the Fairmont – and he was a wonderful trilling evening. But here is more good news. Wilson is going to be part of THE RICHMOND HELP IS ON THE WAY THE THE HOLIDAYS X1. The Star-studded AIDS Benefit Concert & Gala will be on Monday Dec. 10, 2012. The show will feature The Casts of “Book Of Mormon” and disney’s “The Lion King” – including performers…Mary Wilson (a Supreme), Bruce Vilanch (top notch comic), Tim Hockenberry, Spencer Day, Paula West and Connie Champagne. The Perky, dazzling show will be at The Marines Memorial Theatre –609 Sutter St., SF. Tix - 415-273-1620. Cast party follows with premium tickets.

www.helpisontheway.org