The Hit Sensation "The All Female 1929 Skidoo Revue" is Blowing Audiences Away

Amazing Talented Girls Bring Vaudeville To Life In Skidoo! Runs Through April 13 at The Actors Forum Theatre in NOHO

North Hollywood, Ca. (PRWEB) March 30, 2008 -- When was the last time you experienced Vaudeville? Written and directed by award winning playwright, Eugene H. Butler, The All Female 1929 Skidoo Revue is knocking audiences off their seats with laughter and nostalgic memories of an almost forgotten Vaudevillian era. Pat Taylor, resident theatre reviewer in Toluca Lake, California, where Vaudeville's super star Bob Hope made his home wrote, "This L. A. premiere is a nostalgic, fun-filled, talent-packed evening of memories, mirth, and music… I loved this one! Written with whimsical flair and plenty of research by Eugene H. Butler, who also playfully directs this fresh, perky, and versatile cast, it is a rollicking, fast-paced trip back to the days of Vaudeville" -- TOLUCAN TIMES.

Nine spectacular women grace the Actors Forum Theatre's stage with original sketches and musical numbers written by Eugene H. Butler. New York born Billy Revel, composer and arranger, plays the piano in the role of Alfie Finger. Billy captures the music of the era, transporting the audiences to the days of Vaudeville with nostalgic melodies that were popular at the time.

Entertainingly recreating vaudevillian melodramas and comedy vignettes that drove audiences to the theatre in herds in the late 1920's, The All Female 1929 Skidoo Revue is choreographed by one of the high-kicking Radio City Rockettes, Autumn Withers. She is also known for her role as Tessy in the original Broadway production of "Yo' Alice". Autumn masterfully stages the vaudeville dance style moves ... titillating, sensual and fun, performed by the all-female cast.

Wearing multiple hats and playing the roles of both men and women, the Los Angeles based cast of talented actresses is truly a delight to watch. Carrie Blomquist, one of the Skidoo gals, creates great funny moments on stage along with Kristi Leigh Snyder. Both hilariously present several memorable characters with great vaudevillian timing. Carrie, who has choreographed a variety of performances for the Chicago Bears "half-time" and Disneyworld, also adds her special choreographic flair to some of the numbers.

Eugene H. Butler has done a phenomenal job in creating this not-to-be-missed experience. Currently teaching at the Lee Strasberg Institute as a director, Eugene has brought to the stage the feeling of Vaudeville without being campy and over the top. The acting is superb, organic, genuine and versatile. The all female cast portrays a wide range of characters male, female, dramatic and comedic. Suzana Halk, who recently was seen in the "Vagina Monologues" and can be heard in the cartoons "Crash Boom Bang", "Ulysses", and "I my Me, Strawberry Eggs" shines with her abilities to do voices and dialects. Ashley St. Pierre, who played Cinderella in Sondheim's "Into the Woods", cleverly performs with Suzana an Abbott and Costello type sketch that reminds us of the great comedy duos of the Vaudevillian times.

Joining the cast is Lorraine Pope and a surprise appearance by Glenn Zorn. The glamorous 20's fashion is brought to the stage by costume designer Alizon Harris. Artist and set designer Pieter B. Bennett has created a set that has completely transformed the Actors Forum into a Vaudeville Theatre .

It was an exciting opening night for Skidoo, at the Actors Forum Theatre. Attending were several residents of the NOHO Arts District, press media , friends and relatives of the cast. Guest celebrity, Carl Ballantine, who has appeared in dozens of films and TV shows from McHale's Navy to Laverne & Shirley, got a chance to see a touch of Vaudeville again. Carl got his start in Vaudeville and was honored that evening by the cast and crew of Skidoo with a Certificate of Appreciation for Keeping Broadway Alive. Mr. Ballantine continues to perform his amazing comedy act, most recently at the Kodak Theatre. Now playing to packed audiences, The All Female 1929 Skidoo Revue is a must-see for the entire family.

Skidoo is for everyone, especially for you. The charming story begins present day as Meme Dames, a 95-year-old past Vaudevillian emcee, sneaks her great-granddaughter into The Regal Theatre, on the eve before its demolition. Inspired to share her fond memories with the girl, and to relive her own past, the stage magically comes to life for them as the "Skidoo Revue" plays out one last time. Audrey Marlyn is hypnotically mesmerizing as Meme Dames, transporting us back in time as we read the depth of her memories, feelings and soul through her haunting eyes. Bravo! Jenna Zillman is a delight as Jordanna, her reluctant teen relative, who also depicts Meme as a young woman in flashbacks. In 19 musical and comical production numbers ... a wonderful cast catapults us to another time… not a weak portrayal in the cast! The Tolucan Times.

Marian Tomas Griffin, who played Mary Mennihan (Psycho Nanny) on CBS's "As the World Turns", adds a special touch to the cast. As a singer, Marian is a major presence in the Irish Music scene. She delights us with a song written by Eugene H. Butler, as the Skidoo girls join in. She is also known for the role opposite Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt in "The Devil's Own". On stage at the Actors Forum Theatre, she effortlessly combines her dramatic and musical talents. Playing the role of "Daisy Mae" in the melodrama sketches, Marian and her husband "Johnny Lee", played by Heather Wood, keep the audience on a cliff- hanger ride in between the comedy and musical sketches. Will Daisy Mae go with the evil landlord to help pay the rent? Who will take care of the baby? Will Johnny Lee ? O Dear!

"Butler now turns to vaudeville to enrich our lives with the great musical comedy sketch entertainment that was the basis for TV variety shows of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Think of Carol Burnett, Jackie Gleason, Danny Kaye, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Ed Sullivan! They owed it all to vaudeville. This new homage at the Actors Forum is a sheer delight with a cast of lovelies - both beautiful and gifted." -- GRIGWARE TALK THEATRE CRITIC'S PICK, 5 out of 5 Stars.

THE ALL FEMALE 1929 SKIDOO REVIEW performs at the Actors Forum Theatre, 10655 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, until April 13th. Show times are Friday and Saturday nights @ 8:00 PM, and Sunday matinees @ 3:00 PM.. Tickets can be reserved by calling Theatremania at (866) 811-4111 or via http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/140745

Additional information can be obtained by calling (818) 506-0600 or by visiting the web site http://www.ActorsForumTheatre.org

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