easychair___

America’s favorite centenarian comedian is back, and as he might say: “Alive and kicking!” George Burns was an Oscar-winning actor, singer, dancer, funnyman and best-selling author during a lifetime that began in 1896 and ended in 1996. This weekend, he returns to the stage thanks to artist Alan Safier in the Tony-nominated Say Goodnight Gracie. This one-man show launches Queens Theatre’s jam-packed 2014-2015 season, which includes visits by Martha Graham Dance Company and Ballet Hispánico, family plays like Charlotte’s Web, special seasonal events such as A Christmas Carol, and the in-house residency of the Titan Theatre Company.

Click here for a full programMore information and images after the jump.

Written by Rupert Holmes in 2002, Say Goodnight Gracie consists of the Burns character looking back on his life. Born on the Lower East Side as Nathan Birnbaum, Burns started performing in a barbershop quartet, and then moved on to vaudeville, feature films, radio, television, and of course, the Las Vegas Strip. For 42 years, he played the straight man to the hilariously illogical Gracie Allen on The Burns and Allen Show, which had a roughly 20-year radio run, followed by eight years on television. (They were also husband and wife.)

The Queens Theatre will present two performances of Say Goodnight Gracie on Saturday and another show on Sunday which will include a panel discussion between Holmes and Safier moderated by WABC entertainment reporter Sandy Kenyon.

withGracie3

Details: Say Goodnight Gracie, Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Avenue South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, September 27th, 2 pm and 8 pm, September 28th, 3 pm, $25-$42.

Say Goodnight Gracie-George at mic

Photos: Brad Simon Organization


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment