Francesca Amari

Next at The Acorn: A musical biography of Gilda Radner

Posted: Sept. 24, 2012 at 8:25 a.m.

THREE OAKS - On Saturday, Sept. 29, The Acorn Theater will proudly present Francesca Amari in "You Make Me Laugh! A Love Song to Gilda Radner" at 8 p.m.

Amari spent 25 years as a professional vocalist in Grand Rapids. She developed "You Make Me Laugh!" as a musical biography of Gilda Radner: her loves, life and brave battle with cancer told through song and Radner's own words. The program was developed with the input of nationally-renowned cabaret star Andrea Marcovicci, known as the "Queen of Cabaret," who served as her creative consultant. The show highlights moments of Gilda's fascinating life, including her rise to stardom, her marriage to Gene Wilder, and her struggle with cancer. Much of the material comes from Gilda's autobiography, "It's Always Something," and her "Saturday Night Live" writing partner and friend Alan Zweibel's account of their relationship.

Also on the creative team is Marcovicci's long-time collaborator, Shelly Markham, who serves as music director, and cabaret producer/director Clifford Bell and comedy writer Shelly Goldstein.

The show features music from the American Popular Songbook, pop music, Broadway and the cabaret world, and includes such gems as "Pure Imagination," Markham's "You Make Me Laugh," "My Pa" and "Honey (Touch Me With My Clothes On)."

Amari cites Gilda Radner as one her long-time heroes, since discovering her on "SNL" during her high school years. "I had a great creative team whose input was invaluable as I created the show," says Amari, "the best in the cabaret business. And I love Gilda Radner so much that this show is a pure delight to present! My goal, ultimately, and my purpose for creating the show, is to tour with it to raise money and awareness for cancer awareness, programs and Gilda's Clubs all over the country."

Added Marcovicci, "Francesca Amari has accomplished something truly remarkable with her 'Love Song to Gilda Radner.' Because of her sunny disposition, her clear strong voice and her thoughtful spot-on song selections, this heartfelt loving tribute will surprise you, delight you, and leave you laughing and crying at the same time."

Tickets are $20. A portion of the proceeds from this show will be donated to local cancer support groups.

The Acorn Theater is located at 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks, MI 49128. A full-service bar and other refreshments are available.

For tickets and information, call 269-756-3879 or log on to www.acorntheater.com.

Performance Information

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