Lesley Ann Warren, who starred in the 1965 TV broadcast of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, will join actor Joyce Bulifant (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Airplane!) to reprise their roles from the 1967 Disney movie musical, The Happiest Millionaire, at a pair of concert benefits for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The 50th anniversary concert performances will take place at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater in New York City at 7 and 9:30 PM December 3. Other cast members will be announced in the coming weeks.
Warren will recreate her performance as Cordy Biddle, a headstrong young woman who struggles to find her own way in the household of her wealthy but eccentric father in 1916 Philadelphia. Bulifant played Rosemary in the film.
The score was written by Richard and Robert Sherman, songwriters of Mary Poppins. The film also featured Tommy Steele, Fred MacMurray, Greer Garson, Geraldine Page, and John Davidson. It was the last Disney movie personally overseen by Walt Disney before his death.
Warren earned an Oscar nomination for her performance as a gangster’s moll in the 1982 Blake Edwards film Victor/Victoria. She made a handful of Broadway appearances, including creating the role of Snookie in 110 in the Shade. She has worked steadily through the years in film and TV, including a stint on Desperate Housewives (2005–2011). She won a Golden Globe award in 1977 for her performance in Harold Robbins’ 79 Park Avenue.
After two brief early career appearances on Broadway, Bulifant had a long career in TV dramas and sitcoms, including regular stints as Marie Slaughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Marsha Patterson on The Bill Cosby Show.
The Happiest Millionaire has been adapted to the concert stage by Doug Thompson and Alex Beck, from the screenplay by A.J. Carothers. The concert is being produced by Doug Thompson and Brice Corder with direction by Alex Beck, musical staging by Jason Wise and musical direction by Mark Hartman.
Joe's Pub is located at 425 Lafayette Street. VIP pre-sale ticket packages can be ordered via email at [email protected]. General ticket sales will go on sale at a date to be announced.
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