The Plaza Theatre, known for bringing beloved musicals, plays and cabaret shows to theater lovers, is about to pay homage to three of the world’s greatest entertainers with the opening of You Made Me Love You – The Music of Brice, Cantor & Jolson running September 18th -29th , 2013 at their theatre in Manalapan, FL. Filled with nostalgic moments and familiar songs from decades past, You Made Me Love You is surprisingly charming.
Al Jolson’s trademark sound made him a hit on the Vaudeville circuit, as well as on Broadway, and later in Hollywood as the star of the first “talkie” picture, The Jazz Singer. By the 1930’s, with more than 80 hit records he was the highest paid entertainer in the country.
Fellow Vaudevillian Fanny Brice began her career as a burlesque dancer before meeting up with Florenz Ziegfeld, and becoming the star of his famous Ziegfeld Follies. During her time with the Follies she sang what became her signature song, “My Man,” and later followed it up with her next hit song “Second Hand Rose.” She made fame in Hollywood with the movie My Man, and starred in musical movie productions alongside other stars such as Judy Garland and Ray Bolger. One of Brice’s most famous contributions included her award-winning radio show Baby Snooks, taken from a skit she performed in the Follies. She crossed over in to the world of television with her Baby Snooks character appearing in numerous episodes on NBC.
Eddie Cantor, like Brice and Jolson was considered one of the greatest crossover artists in the industry. A singer, songwriter, actor, dancer and comedian, Cantor made fame with his top-rated radio shows in which he revealed his intimate family life with his children and wife. His timeless hits include “Makin’ Whoopee,” “Ida,” “If You Knew Susie,” “Ma! He’s Makin’ Eyes at Me,” “Margie” and “How Ya Gonna Keep ‘Em Down on the Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree).”
The title of the show is taken from the song “You Made Me Love You – I didn’t want to do it” which was recorded by Al Jolson in 1913, and released numerous times by other stars including probably the most famous renditions by Judy Garland. It originally premiered seven years ago before touring the state of FL. This production features the original cast including Melissa Jacobson, John Lariviere and Jon Zimmerman.
You Made Me Love You will appear at the Plaza Theatre Wednesday September 18 at 2 p.m., Thursday September 19 at 7:30 p.m., Friday September 20 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday September 21 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Wednesday September 25 at 2 p.m., Thursday September 26 at 7:30 p.m., Friday September 27 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday September 28 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday September 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Now in its second season, the Plaza Theatre is a professional, non-profit 250 seat theatre hiring local and out of town Equity and non-Equity actors and actresses. This award nominated Plaza Theatre produces a variety of light-hearted shows with an occasional gripping drama. It also promises lower-than-average ticket prices. The Plaza Theatre is located at 262 S. Ocean Blvd. in Manalapan, FL. For more information, please call (561) 588-1820 or visit www.theplazatheatre.net.
