Red Hot Mama: The Sophie Tucker Story has proved such a popular attraction at CO's Denver Center, they've had to add a second Sophie.

Sharon McNight (Starmites ) has been performing the title role since the show opened July 31. But the Denver Center wanted to add two Sunday shows to the schedule, so they drafted Amy Ryder to play Tucker at the Sunday matinee and evening performances.

Ryder acted in the original Bebe Neuwirth revival of Damn Yankees and played Sister in the musical's national tour. She also played Gorgeous in the L.A. production of The Sisters Rosensweig. Ryder had her first turn as Tucker on Nov. 8.

McNight and Ryder play the bawdy comedienne Tucker, who went from vaudeville to burlesque to movies and TV in a career that spanned more than 50 years.

Tunes associated with Tucker in the show include "Some of These Days" and "I'm Living Alone (And I Like It)." Other McNight credits include Heartbeats at the Pasadena Playhouse, and a well-received cabaret act. Red Hot Mama is scheduled for an open run at the Center's Source Theatre. -- By Robert Simonson