‘ENNIO’ CAN BE QUICK – ‘ENNIO’ CAN AMAZE AND ‘ENNIO’ CAN BE THE FOLLOWING AND MORE: Here is a partial list of some of the fantastic impressions of Celebs that ‘Ennio’ brings to the stage during his 70-minute show at the Berkeley Rep. His characterizations include Barbra Striesand, Britney Spears, Gloria Gaynor singing “I Will Survive”, Celine Dion singing on the bow of the Titantic, a Hilarious Cher, an exotic Diana Ross, a big breasted Dolly Parton, an overly dressed Elton John, a touching mannered Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong singing with Ella Fitzgerald on his shoulders, Nancy (Your Boots are made for Walking) and her Dad Frank, the Mona Lisa, Snow White (never looked better), Venus De Milo finds her arms and an absolutely astounding Whitney Houston. Breathtaking, yes…but so much fun that the 70 minutes seems like half that time. The audience really got into it. There are many more impressions Ennio does during the show including Marilyn Monroe and C3po. Ennio’s costumes are all made from paper cutouts that look good enough to wear at the Black and White Ball.
The lighting effects created by Hennekam are better than a Crème Brulle – the moods don’t just amaze. they engulf you. The soundtrack of the original singers are modified a tad here and there – but the lip-syncing by Ennio is so delightfully perfect that he really takes on the persona of the Celeb that he is jesting. There is even the famous Three Tenors that Ennio manages to take all three parts while they are singing. Truly a “hoot’. Ennio is a great impersonater without saying a word. He lets the music… his paper costumes and his facial expressions tell you everything that you want to know. He’s a comic of the highest caliber and he works his ass off on the stage. This is a one – man show that turns into a cast of thousands. And the word “Brilliant” is really not strong enough. His show is so fast that you hardly get a chance to catch your breath before he tops the last impression with an even more stunning one.
At the Berkeley Rep Theater thru July 23. THE SHOW IS GREAT…THE MUSIC IS SENSATIONAL AND THE CHROREOGRAPY IS SUPER MAXED.
RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!!
FLICKER BIT:
O.K. I checked out the #3 pix on the movie screens across the nation…”The Devil Wears Prada” Here is what I found. It’s a hell-of-a-good time. Yes – funny, bitchy dialogue, spoken by dreadful nasty people keep you from going to the bathroom because you’re afraid that you might miss a line. Most of the people in the pix you will recognize from your own work site. It’s a little bit of “All About Eve” – the movie where the ingénue tries to get your job. Come on admit it. You’ve experienced that and you know it. It you haven’t met an “Eve Harrington” then you are probably one. Prada, starring Meryl Streep is loosely based on a high powered marketing head of a famous Mag like Vogue. I’m thinking it could be Diana Vreland – who was famous for being famous.
In “Prada” – the person who decides what goes in the magazine becomes a celeb…a Star. Cameras flash whenever she gets out of a limo. Which is often. She insults and demeans her staff. “Call in the fat girl”see barks from her office. One of her assistants, sez to the new employee who wants to wear one of the sample dresses. “You’re a six. Six is the new eight. You’ll never fit into that dress. We don’t have anything above a four – which is the new 6”. The insults are non-stop. But beware – the ingénue may become the new high power if you don’t watch your ass. Wouldn’t it be great to dash through the office door and throw your coat and your bag on the assistants desk and whisk into your office knowing that the assistant will hang it all up. And shout at her: “Get me a Latte and make sure that it’s extra hot with lite foam.” Isn’t that a coincidence? That’s just the way I like my Latte.
Streep will most likely win another Oscar nod for her performance and she deserves it.
RATING: FOUR BOXES OF POPCORN. (If it’s hot. It wasn’t that hot at the Brendan Theater in Concord).
CAFÉ EXTRA:
There I was enjoying my Extra Hot Latte in the morning sun at the Café Extra while I was reading over the cast list of “Chorus Line”. One of the Barrista’s happened to look at what I was reading while sweeping up around my chair. Suddenly before I knew it, all the Barrista’s jumped up on the window counter facing the street – and in true Chorus Line fashion began to sing “What I Did for Love.” To say the least I was overwhelmed…but no one in the place fled. To the contrary they got a standing ovation. I began to wonder later. Was this maybe a setup? Was this the real cast of “A Chorus Line” – who were pretending to be barrista’s? They were good enough. I’m seeing the show soon – and will let you know if I recognize any of them. On its way to Broadway – this new refreshed Chorus Line will get there after we see it. Broadway can wait!
THE RUMBLE SEAT:
Anand Fernandez and Bryce Ryness in “Rent”. Photo by Joan Marcus.
JESSICA SIMPSON GIVES ADVICE: She was recently quoted as saying == “There’s something empowering about curves. You can’t strut when you’re skinny, you gotta have a little bit of bounce.” Simpson said to O.K. Mag. Celebs ask? “Would that be Top bounce or bottom bounce?
ALL REALITY SHOWS ARE FAKE. …and, Paris Hilton has admitted it. So Hilton and Nicole Ritchie will keep faking it on T.V. Yes, they will work together again on “The Simple Life” on the E channel. Somehow they will endure it. It couldn’t be for the money could it?
So you want to be on American Idol. Sorry Dolls…there will be not auditions this time around in San Fran…but you can go to Los Angeles to audition…if you have the courage.
There is a new magazine launched called ‘Stuff’ and Will Farrell will be on the first cover sharing it with Leslie Bibb in the August issue. Celebs wonder: “What kinda stuff will W.F be showing?”
I don’t believe it…Newly married Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were spotted shopping at Target in Nashville. Nashville? Target? It’s a joke right?
The Buzz is…that the Kate Hudson, Owen Wilson and Matt Dillon movie “You, Me and Dupree” may be on DVD before you can say the title. Well, I’m not surprised – the name of the flick doesn’t exactly grab me.
Things to look for and cherish…Russ Lorenson will be back at the Plush Room early August to premiere his new show that highlights the songs associated with Tony Bennett. I’ll see you there.
Theatre Rhino has a Buffo season coming up…There will be “Death in Venice”…co-produced with A.C.T – and you can see it at the Zeum Theater. “What The Butler Saw”, the Joe Orton play is “Raunchy and Horny. And I know how much you like that.
RENT IS BACK AT THE GOLDEN GATE WITH A FAB CAST THRU JULY 25TH THRU AUG. 6TH.
Opening nite will be the 26th. Opening this Saturday is “Insignificant Others an original musical by SF composer Jay Kuo and will directed by George Quick. Celebs call him Mr. Quickly.
THE HILARIOUS BRUCE VILANCH SHOWN HERE AS EDNA TURNBLATT WILL BE AT ‘HELP IS ON THE WAY’ AT MASONIC CENTER.
On the 31st…don’t forget the biggest, most luxurious show of the season at the Masonic Temple. It’s “Help Is On The Way” – the yearly extravaganza to help Aids organizations. Some of the stars that you will see are Bruce Vilanch, Leslie Jordan, Mr. Phantom – Franc D’Ambrosio, Tyne Daly, Tim Hockenberry and many, many others. For this good cause and a great evening call 273-1620 or www.reaf.org. IT’S ALWAYS A FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE AFFAIR. SAY HELLO…I’LL BE THERE LOOKING FOR YOU.
STARTING ON AUG. 10 HERE’S A MARVELOUS SURPRISE. Anne Sprinkle and Elizabeth Stephens will star in “Love Death and Art” at the New Conservatory Theater. It’s about Lesbian courtship and more. But wait…there’s more…NCTcsf is also doing “Kiss of the Spider Women” starting Aug. 11. This you must see. I’m sure that NCT will give it the supreme impact. If you need me to sit next to you and hug you …just call out my name.
IT’S A FUN, FUN SEASON…SO PULL UP YOU PANTS AND DON’T FORGET TO ZIP UP AND GET OUT AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WONDERFUL ENCHANIING WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT IN THE BAY AREA…I’LL BE WATCHING YOU – JUST TO MAKE SURE.
GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK!
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