In his self-penned, one-man show directed by Peter Flynn, Seth Rudetsky rhapsodizes about the talents of high belters Betty Buckley and Patti LuPone and the late Laurie Beechman while leading a discussion of the difference between a woman's "head" and "chest" voice. The comedic actor also recalls growing up in North Woodmere, Long Island, where he was praised for his musical gifts but ridiculed for being gay. Rudetsky, however, had the last laugh, working his way to pianist and musical director for several Broadway shows and comedy writer for "The Rosie O'Donnell Show." After an acclaimed run at the Ars Nova Theater, Rhapsody in Seth reopened at the Actors Playhouse Feb. 28. Those expected to attend the April 14 post-performance bash include Bebe Neuwirth, Kristin Chenoweth, Jane Krakowski, Sutton Foster, Stephanie Mills, Karen Ziemba, Ana Gasteyer, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Laura Benanti, Louise Pitre, Emily Skinner, Melissa Errico, Peter Friedman, La Chanze, Lynn Ahrens, Kerry Butler, Stephen Bogardus, Marc Kudisch, Jerry Mitchell, Hunter Foster, Christopher Sieber, Spencer Kayden, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Christian Borle, Diedre Goodwin and Kelli O'Hara.
Rudetsky, who is also the creator and host of the weekly BC/EFA fundraiser Seth's Broadway Chatterbox, has served as a pit pianist and/or conductor for such Broadway shows as 42nd Street, The Full Monty, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia! and The Producers. He also conceived the idea for the recent all-star Funny Girl concert to benefit the Actors' Fund of America as well as the Dreamgirls anniversary concert, which was recorded live by Nonesuch Records. Rudetsky was a member of the comedy writing team for "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" for two years, and his awards include the Duplex's Stars of Tomorrow, the Backstage Bistro and the Funniest Gay Male in New York. Rhapsody in Seth was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding New York Theatre: Off Off Broadway category.
The Actors Playhouse is located in New York City at 100 Seventh Ave., between Bleecker and West 4th Streets. Tickets for Rhapsody in Seth are priced at $25 and are available by calling Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or (800) 722-4990. Visit www.rhapsodyinseth.com for more information.
