FOR A SONG
It was another season, another reason for making whoopee, and there’s no one better to whoop it up with than fabulous Michael Feinstein.
Anne and Kirk Douglas, Rich Fox and David Hyde Pierce were among the music lovers who flocked to the Music Center for the annual Salon at the Taper. Every year, the Center Theatre Group puts on a sensational song-and-dance extravaganza that celebrates the work of America’s most enduring composers.
This year’s theme was a mixed bag, celebrating the history of popular music from the “Spirit of 1776” to the battle hymns of World War II.
“Tonight’s Salon takes a twist,” explained CTG’s Gordon Davidson. “Tonight we pay tribute to our nation’s soundtrack-to the songs that make up the history of America.” Davidson went on to introduce the evening’s tour director and musical historian, whom he described as a “fountain of knowledge.”
Taking the stage, the always-effervescent Mister F didn’t waste any time spouting off. He went straight into a delightful tapestry of American music, from seasonal classics like “White Christmas” to light-hearted ditties such as “Lydia the Tattooed Lady.” Feinstein kicked things off with America’s earliest popular tune-the smash hit of 1781, “Yankee Doodle.”
With historic footage and memorable film clips rolling on the big screen, he progressed through the years. From wagon wheel favorites like “Oh Susanna” and “Camp Town Ladies,” to songs of the Civil War like “Dixie”; then on to the Roaring ’20s, the Depression and Prohibition with tunes such as “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Manhattan” and “We’re in the Money.” Nikki Crawford, Kaitlin Hopkins, Gregory Jbara and David Jennings helped out with the honors, and joined Feinstein with a grand finale of “I’ve Got Rhythm.”
After a standing ovation and final bow, the crowd grabbed their umbrellas and made a mad dash for the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, where the supper pianist greeted them with “Foggy London Town.” Like the evening’s patriotic theme, the party fare was all American, all the way, with Waldorf salad, bourbon chicken with dirty rice, macaroni and cheese, chicken fried steak and peach cobbler. After a little munching and mingling it was time to say toot-toot-tootsie good-bye, and we made our way out into the stormy weather, looking forward to next year.
‘GLAAD’ TO BE HERE
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is gearing up for its big awards show, and this year’s recipients represent quite a range. Belly-bearing songbird Christina Aguilera will be honored for her music video “Beautiful.” Also on tap-TV First Lady Stockard Channing and “Will and Grace” star Eric McCormack. Talk show queen Rosie O’Donnell will get the Vito Russo Award, and news vet Diane Sawyer will grab the Excellence in Media Award.