Harriet Harris, T. Oliver Reid, Edward Hibbert Will Be Part of Lyrics & Lyricists' Noël & Cole: A Battle of Wits

By Michael Gioia
19 Apr 2012

Harriet Harris
Harriet Harris

92nd Street Y's Lyrics & Lyricists will present Mad Dogs & Educated Fleas: Noël & Cole, A Battle of Wits, featuring the songs of Cole Porter and Noël Coward, May 5-7.

Hosted by guest artistic director Mark Waldrop, the Battle of Wits will feature vocalists La Tanya Hall (Promises, Promises at Encores!), Jeff Harnar, Edward Hibbert (The Drowsy Chaperone), Colleen McHugh ("The Colbert Report") and T. Oliver Reid (Chicago) with special guest Tony winner Harriet Harris (Thoroughly Modern Millie). Musical director Don Rebic accompanies the singers on piano.

"It's my hope that in this show, we will get to look at their work – and especially their comic numbers – side by side, and offer a fresh perspective on what made them so great," said host Waldrop in a statement. "As a lyricist myself, I can't think of two artists I'd rather celebrate, and I'm thrilled to share the stage with a group of wonderful performers who share my enthusiasm for this material."

A Battle of Wits will be held May 5 at 8 PM, May 6 at 2 PM and 7 PM, and May 7 at 2 PM and 8 PM. There is a special under-35 ticket price of $25 for the Saturday and Sunday evening shows.

Following A Battle of Wits, Lyrics & Lyricists will present It's Magic: 90 Years of Songs From Warner Bros. (June 2-4). Hosted by Rex Reed, the event will feature vocalists Christine Andreas, Polly Bergen, Jason Graae, Sue Raney and Tom Wopat. Charles Repole and Patricia Wilcox are co-stage directors; Mike Renzi is the musical director.

For more information and tickets, visit 92Y.org/Lyrics.