In 1996, The University of Miami honored one of their legendary alumni, Broadway composer and lyricist Jerry Herman, by renaming the famed Ring Theatre to The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre. Herman's Broadway scores include: “Milk and Honey,” “Hello, Dolly!,” Tony-award-winning “Mame,” “Dear World,” “Mack and Mabel,” “The Grand Tour,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” and, most recently, “Jerry's Girls.” Mr. Herman was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall Of Fame in 1981 and the Theatre Hall Of Fame in 1986.

During the pilot season of ‘96, I got a call from the U of M requesting that I fill the role of “Mame” to christen the Jerry Herman Ring Theathre. With very little arm-twisting, I jumped at the opportunity. My management was against me leaving L.A. for an East Coast production, but after meeting Jerry at his home, having lunch, and then singing through a medley of his songs, I decided that this would be too much fun to pass on.

Jerry did so much for the show. He had the original choreographer come down from New York to teach us the original dance steps. He sent away for particular costume pieces and filled in the orchestra members where needed. Before leaving L.A. for Miami, I also had the opportunity to run lines with one of the original directors, John Bowab, a good friend and a great director.

So many of Miami’s best demanded to be at opening night that we opened twice to accommodate them all. It was standing room only for two solid weeks.

A year later, Jerry invited me to a party at his home, which included the “who’s who” of musical theatre—icons like Beatrice Arthur, Carol Channing, Ann Miller, Juliet Prowse, and Angela Lansbury, with whom I had a chance to discuss all the intricacies of playing “Mame” on stage. What an experience...

Thanks, Jerry!

Internet Question:
After years of working with seasoned pros, was it odd acting with students? Did you have a favorite actor in the cast of Mame? Thanx  —Anonymous

There’s nothing odd working with students. In fact, they can easily outshine a seasoned actor with all their enthusiasm, talent, and drive...

As for a favorite? All the actors were great but I particularly enjoyed acting across Jason Hewitt who played “Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside.” He was a passionate actor who paid attention to detail. We had a lot in common, as he was/is a writer/producer like myself. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat.

It also didn’t hurt that he was a fun, yummy guy to be around too!

Thanks, Anonymous...