RAY JESSEL HEADLINES IN CLUB CABARET SERIES

Whittier College, in association with Little Bit Productions, inaugurates Club Cabaret, a two-week, six performance series featuring some of the finest cabaret performers in Southern California. Sponsored by Cabaret West and presented at the beautiful RUTH B. SHANNON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (Whittier College, 6760 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA - 562-907-4203 - http://www.shannoncenter.org/), the series runs August 5th, 6th & 7 and August 12th, 13th and 14th. Appearing August 13th is songwriter/singer Ray Jessel. Other headliners in the series include Scott Drier (August 5th), Anne Kerry Ford (August 6th), Alan Chapman and Karen Benjamin (August 7th & 14th) and Jennifer Gates (August 12th). Each program in Club Cabaret features a headliner and opening act. All tickets are $22.50 and include a complimentary first beverage. Showtime is 7:30 pm with seating onstage in a supper club setting. Parking is free.

Located midway between the cities of Los Angeles and Anaheim, the SHANNON CENTER at Whittier College has been producing professional entertainment for 13 successful years. Founded in 1999 by performer Lisa Bowman, LITTLE BIT PRODUCTIONS has produced numerous shows in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area, including several record-breaking Revues, large benefit Galas, and other individual shows. CABARET WEST is a non-profit association dedicated to the promotion, awareness and advancement of cabaret performance as an art form on the West Coast. Inaugurated in 1995, their nearly 400 members include established as well as up-and-coming performers, club and other venue owners, and the loyal patrons who attend their shows. Their website is http://www.cabaretwest.org/.

Ray Jessel's songs have been recorded by the likes of Michael Feinstein, Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis, Jr., Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Durante, Vikki Carr, Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop. A standout hit at last year's Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention in New York City, Jessel made his cabaret debut at the age of 72! However, he had several brilliant show business careers leading up to it.

Ray Jessel, veteran composer and lyricist, teamed with Richard Rodgers on the legend's final Broadway show, I REMEMBER MAMA. He also co-wrote the 1965 Broadway hit BAKER STREET, a musical based on Sherlock Holmes. Eventually leaving Broadway for Hollywood, he wrote for The Carol Burnett Show, The Dean Martin Show, The Love Boat (including Love Boat: The Musical) and was writer/producer for the hit series, Head of the Class. Along the way, Mr. Jessel met and married his writing partner, Cynthia Thompson. They have recorded some of their work on his first CD, Ray Jessel: The First 70 Years. His rollicking and hilarious cabaret act features much of their musical genius.

Opening for Mr. Jessel will be the fresh and exciting newcomer Marleena Coulston, a recent Whittier College graduate. For more information about Ray Jessel, see http://www.miracleproductions.org/rayjess/ .

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