John Kander and Fred Ebb are getting their share of recognition -- and rightly so -- this season. Just recently, New Dramatists announced that they will pay homage to the composing team at their 48th annual fundraising luncheon (see "Minnelli, Rivera & Verdon To Honor Kander & Ebb, May 20" news story) and Musical Theatre Works saluted the Steel Pier team April 28 at a dinner in New York.
MTW, the organization dedicated to developing new works and fostering talent for the American musical theatre, lined up a bevy of stars for "A Tribute to Kander & Ebb" including TV talk-show host and theatre aficionado Rosie O'Donnell -- who hosted the festivities. The Star-studded celebration featured Liza Minelli, Chita Rivera, Joel Grey, Bebe Neuwirth, Ann Reinking, Gwen Verdon, Dorothy Loudon, Marcia Lewis and other Kander & Ebb friends performing Kander & Ebb songs other than those they've been associated in the past.
With Chicago a big hit once again on Broadway and their newest musical Steel Pier opeed April 24 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, Kander & Ebb are experiencing one of the greatest seasons in their illustrious partnership. Other Kander & Ebb classics include Flora, the Red Menace ('65), Cabaret ('66), The Happy Time ('68), Zorba ('68), 70, Girls ('71), Chicago (original production, '75), The Act ('77), Woman of the Year, ('81), The Rink ('84), And the World Goes 'Round ('91) and Kiss of the Spider Woman ('94).
Proceeds from "A Tribute to Kander & Ebb" will go to benefit MTW.