By the time you read this, Shari Lynn and husband Michael Acebedo will be sailing to Bermuda, to continue their vacation and their delayed (the pandemic, of course) wedding anniversary celebration.
They were in New York, getting their deli fix, and mixing in Broadway shows and visits with friends in a decidedly saner and more relaxing tempo. No more jamming and cramming the agenda, like the old days.
She emailed, sharing some of their experiences, and took in the revival of “Funny Girl,” the show about Fannie Brice that made Barbra Streisand a certified star. “Beanie (Feldstein), the newbie Brice, was out at the performance the Acebedos took in, but “her understudy, Julie Benko, was sensational,” said Shari. It’s a role I believe Shari played at Diamond Head Theatre, back in the day, so there was keen interest in catching this new version.
But oy vey, when Shari caught “Company,” she said, but “Guess what? Patti (Lupone) was out. Jennifer Simard (a Tony nominee) donned a black wig and did justice to ‘Ladies Who Lunch.’ But for me, Elaine Stritch owns that song. The overall production was so well done.”
They attended “Paradise Square,” too, which she said was “simultaneously thrilling and educational. The Kailuans were to see Billy Crystal in “Mr. Saturday Night,” but she didn’t mention it.
But smart cookies: the Acebedos ventured to the theaters at Lincoln Center and saw “Top Gun.” Yep, enjoyed it, like everyone else. “If you like action and Tom Cruise, it’s unbeatable,” she said. …
Settle-ing for ‘Beanstalk’
Keala Settle, a native of Hawaii (Kahuku), will do her first-ever pantomime role over the holidays, in Britain.
She’ll appear as the Fairy, in “Jack and the Beanstalk,” a Christmas-time presentation by Royal & Derngate in Northampton, London.
In this country, Settle is widely known as the Bearded Lady in Hugh Jackman’s cinematic hit, “The Greatest Showman,” because she delivered that whoppingly powerful rock ballad, “This Is Me,” a declaration of acceptance, no matter who or what you are.
“Jack and the Beanstalk” will run from Dec. 9 through Jan. 2, 2023.
The cast will feature Alex Lodge as Jack and Bob Golding as Dame.
Settle made her West End theatrical debut when she was part of the “& Juliet” cast which was followed by the revival of “Sister Act,” for the Brit theater-goers.“ Panto(mime) is such a beloved institution in this country and I have always wanted to be a part of one,” said Settle, hoping that the panto “Jack” will be “an incredible experience.” …
And that’s Show Biz. …