Rita McKenzie stars as the Queen of the Broadway Musical in 'Ethel Merman's Broadway' coming to The Gem Theatre beginning Sept. 9. Photo: The Gem Theatre
DETROIT – The queen of the Broadway musical will soon rule the Gem Theatre stage when "Ethel Merman's Broadway" starring Rita McKenzie comes to Detroit Sept. 9-Nov. 21.
"Ethel Merman's Broadway," conceived and directed by Christopher Powich and featuring Rita McKenzie's award-winning performance, revisits a theatrical era filled with charm, wit, personality and, most of all, some of Broadway's greatest music. This smash theatrical hit has garnered rave reviews around the world. With words and music by Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Jule Styne and Irving Berlin, the songs come alive in the incomparable style of Ethel Merman. "There's No Business Like Show Business," "I Got Rhythm" and "Everything's Coming Up Roses" are only a few of the numbers in this musical salute to the golden age of American musical theater. McKenzie weaves those amazing songs into a journey through Broadway's Golden Era, when one spectacular woman always brought down the house!
McKenzie began her internationally acclaimed portrayal of Ethel Merman off-Broadway at the John Houseman Theater in New York City and later performed at Carnegie Hall. The response was overwhelming, and McKenzie took her act to the Pasadena Playhouse in California; Harrah's Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey; and on an eight-city tour in Japan.
Tickets for preview performances, Sept. 9 and 10, are $25; tickets to all other performances $39.50. Dinner & show packages are available with the Elwood Bar & Grill. Group lunch and dinner packages are available in the adjoining Century Grille Restaurant through the theater's group sales office.
Tickets are now on sale on through the Gem Theatre box office (313-963-9800), Ticketmaster charge by phone (800-982-2787), in person at the Gem and Fisher Theatre box offices and all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers and online at http://www.ticketmaster.com. Group discounts are available by calling 313-963-9800.
For more information, call (313) 963-9800; visit online at http://www.gemtheatre.com, or in person at 333 Madison Ave, Detroit.
