Monday, January 08, 2007

Merman's Birthday Celebration

THE BIG VOICE:
GOD OR MERMAN?


celebrates Ethel Merman's 99th Birthday at The Actors Temple Theater on January 16th in style!

Come dressed as Ethel Merman for free admission to the show or bring a "Merm-mento" for $19.08 admission
(the year she was born)

Costume competition judged by the legendary
Marge Champion and Donald Saddler


Mermaniacs unite, and smile baby! In honor of Ethel Merman's 99th birthday on January 16th, the off-broadway hit musical THE BIG VOICE: God or Merman? wants to make the evening truly special.

Audience members are invited to dress up like Ethel Merman for free admission to the show that evening at 8pm. After the performance, there will be a "Merman-off" costume parade hosted and judged by the legendary Marge Champion and Donald Saddler. Marge directed Ethel as Dolly when she went into the show and Donald Saddler directed Ethel many times including her famous show with Mary Martin. The costume parade will conclude with a cake and ice cream celebration at the theater.

For those less daring, simply bring a "Merm-mento" to the show that evening, and receive admission for $19.08 (the year that The Merm was born). A "Merm-mento" can be a picture, a CD, or anything related to the great star.

Written by and starring Jim Brochu and Steve Schalchlin (The Last Session), THE BIG VOICE hilariously proves that showbiz is as much a calling as the priesthood. This high energy, razzle-dazzle show chronicles the lives of a Baptist from Arkansas and a Catholic from Brooklyn who find eternal salvation in the temple of musical theatre.

The New York Times raves "THE BIG VOICE is a hilarious and utterly rewarding evening of musical theatre" and Variety cheers "funny, touching and warmly endearing." The New York Daily News applauds "A funny, tender and thoroughly entertaining two-man show. 'The Big Voice' captivates with its big heart. Anyone who loves musical theatre should see this show."

THE BIG VOICE traces Jim and Steve's meeting aboard a ship in the Atlantic Ocean, Steve's struggle with AIDS, the production of their hit off-broadway musical The Last Session, their separation and their reconciliation. It's a comedy about a "gay marriage" between two men created by the couple themselves.

THE BIG VOICE: God or Merman? currently plays Tuesday @ 8pm, Wednesday @ 3pm & 8pm, Thursday @ 8pm, Saturday @ 3pm & 8pm, and Sunday @ 3pm & 7pm at The Actors Temple Theater (339 W. 47th Street) . Tickets can be purchased by calling Telecharge (212) 239-6200 or going to www.Telecharge.com. For more information, please visit: www.TheBigVoice.com

For those who are interested in dressing up/impersonating Ethel Merman at THE BIG VOICE on January 16th, please register by email to: TBVEvent@gmail.com or just show up. "Who could ask for anything more??"

7 comments:

Amy Lynn said...

1/16 is my mom's birthday, too. Spooky.

spork said...

Wow, that sounds hilarious. Wish I could be there!

-Rachel

Bev Sykes said...

(What kind of discount for Judy Queens?)

Amy Lynn said...

Judy Queens have to pay double :D

Anonymous said...

OH. MY. GOD!!!

I do most sincerely hope there will be pictures on the 17th! And video! What a hoot!

Well then - sounds like you guys have figured out the perfect way to celebrate Ethelmas!

grinning from ear to ear,
Brian

Jackie said...

My little nephew will be three 1/16, he miss the Merm by a few years, but I'll tell him all about her. Have fun, take pics.

Mike said...

Damn, I'm so tempted...I won't dress like Ethel, but I have a few "mermentos."