NBC’s “Today” show Matt Lauer plugged Kathie Lee Gifford, who shared hosting duties on “Today.” Kathie gushed, “I can’t even believe the words are coming out of my mouth, a lot of weird words have come out of my mouth over the years, but we’re announcing today that a musical I’ve been writing for going on 13 years now will be coming to Broadway this fall.”
Ms. Gifford was talking about “Scandalous” based on the life of Aimee Semple McPherson. For those who don’t know who Aimee was Aimee, or Sister Aimee, was a Canadian-American Los Angeles, California evangelist and media celebrity in the 1920s and 1930s. She founded the Foursquare Church, not to be confused with the social network site. McPherson was a media whore who thrived on publicity. She was also the second woman to be granted a broadcast license.
The musical penned by Ms. Gifford, a self proclaimed born-again Christian was a gospel singer early on. Music is by David Pomeranz and the fabulous balladeer David Friedman. David Armstrong, the artistic director of 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle will direct and Carolee Carmello will repeat her role as Aimee. Ms. Carmello was nominated for a Tony Award for her performances in “Parade” and “Lestat.” She stole the show in “The Addams Family” and is currently starring in “Sister Act.” Now we know why Carolee is not in “Rebecca.” Previews begin on October 13th and will open at the Neil Simon Theater November 15th ahead of “Rebecca” and “A Christmas Story.” 5th Avenue is the theatre to watch as several shows are getting their start there.
ABC newswoman and TV personality Katie Couric wants to light up the Great White Way. Her statements of “When I auditioned for my high school musical, ‘Carnival,’” Couric recalled, “they cast me as the deaf mute. Very humiliating. I objected, and then they gave me the part of the dancing bear” my not have producers knocking down her door, but you never know.
We all have dreams of being on Broadway some of those dreams come true. “Scandalous”is sure to have Aimee Semple McPherson dancing with media glee, wherever she is.
Posted by Suzanna Bowling
on July 27, 2012. Filed under ENTERTAIMENT,Theatre,TV.
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