NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Solters And Digney: Sammy Davis. Jr. To Be Commemorated In Musical

Mr. Bojangles, The Ultimate Entertainer World Premier Feb. 22- 26 At The Mohegan Sun

Sammy Davis, Jr., sixteen years after his death the versatile star is back before the footlights in the first-ever live musical show that celebrates his legend.

The world premiere will be held at the Mohegan Sun, with performances scheduled for Feb. 22-26. The show will then tour to major casinos across the country.

When people hear the name Sammy Davis, Jr., they think "The World's Greatest Entertainer." Johnny Carson said, "Sammy Davis Jr. is one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived."

He was famous for his rendition of "Mr. Bojangles," a song inspired by dancer Bill Robinson that became one of Davis' trademark recordings, and has now spawned a new musical, set to open for world premiere performances in Uncasville, Conn. on Feb. 22 at the Mohegan Sun Casino, with shows thru Sunday Feb. 26.

Celebrating Davis' 75th anniversary in show business, the new show, "Mr. Bojangles: The Ultimate Entertainer," will showcase Davis' many talents. "The show will focus on Sammy's triumph over his own doubts and fears and will recreate the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing Sammy live," said Gerry Dedera, the show's director. "Casting is a challenge. These are big shoes to fill."

"He gave his heart, his soul and his life to people," said Davis' widow, Altovise Davis, who was married to the versatile entertainer for 20 years and is the owner of the Sammy Davis Jr. Estate.

Co-Executive Producer Jimmy Richards has formed JTR Entertainment and is collaborating with Davis' widow. "Jimmy Richards has captured the feel good essence and energy of a Sammy Davis Jr. performance," said Co-Executive producer Barrett LaRoda, who manages the Sammy Davis Jr. Estate.

Mike Lewis at Calico Music, who worked with Sammy, arranged the score. "It will be the complete Sammy experience, and will tour with a dazzling showcase collection of Sammy's personal artifacts," said Richards.

Following an earlier showcase performance, the Chicago Tribune called the show "a dazzler." "The slick and dazzlingly performed 85-minute show has been titled 'Mr. Bojangles,' and subtitled 'The Ultimate Entertainer.' For any other performer, that would be hyperbole. In the case of Davis, not so much. As anyone who ever saw the man work live, especially solo, can attest, no American performer ever had a deeper relationship with an audience."

Two performers take star turns portraying the legendary Davis. Ted L. Levy worked alongside Gregory Hines and appeared in a number of Broadway shows, including "Black and Blue" and "Jelly's Last Jam." Darrell Grand Moultrie is a Juilliard School graduate and a song and dance talent the New York Times called "someone to watch."

Davis had a string of recording hits, including "Candy Man," "I've Gotta Be Me," "Mr. Bojangles" and "What Kind of Fool Am I?"

Two new biographies of Davis were recently published and a feature film, based on his best-selling autobiography, "Yes I Can," is also in the works. Davis died in 1990.

Shows at the Mohegan Sun are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 22 , Thursday, Feb. 23 , Friday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.), Sat., Feb. 25 (8 p.m.), Sun., Feb. 26, 3 p.m.).

Tickets are $30, available through Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

Mrs. Sammy Davis Jr. is available for select interviews.

    
   solters & digney
   beverly hills,    CA,    90211
   USA
   323 651 9300 (phone)
   jerry@solterspr.com