PAGE 8 HUTCHBEE.COM
THE BEE
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014
IMPRESSIONIST LITTLE STILL SHARP Anyone who thinks being off television for a number of years, out of the limelight and age have dimmed the talent of impressionist Rich Little is sadly mistaken. Little brought his one-man act to the Fox Theatre on Saturday night and hopes to be on Broadway with the same type of tribute show soon. Don’t be surprised if he lands in New York City and scores an impressive booking for the Fox’s Randy Mathews for landing such a high-quality show that is now on the road after several years in Las Vegas. Little did 24 impressions during his nearly two hours on stage, wrapped around an informative and humorous look at the life of Jimmy Stewart, whom Little came to idolize at an early age and now has put together a most entertaining collection of one of the movies' all-time
Rich Little indulges an audience member’s desire for a photo during his performance Saturday at the Fox Theatre. Little portrayed two dozen classic entertainers during his one-man show “Jimmy Stewart and Friends.” More photos from the show appear on page 9. Courtesy of Greg Holmes
greats. You probably have to be at least 60 to appreciate the stars that Little imitates, and he openly jokes that most of his material is “deceased.” That’s true, but it sure brings back a lot of memories from the days of Johnny Carson, whose show Little guest-hosted a dozen times, as well as the voices and actions of Presidents Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter. You can be well under 40 and appreciate how Little roams the stage, side to side, sitting in various chairs and divans as he becomes the unique voice of Stewart and introduces the audience to an impressive variety of Hollywood’s biggest past performers, most of whom Little knew personally and interacted-with personally and professionally. A screen back-
drop of TV clips, photographs of the long-gone stars, Little’s personal sketches and his classic Stewart movie billboards further enhance the show, as people on both sides of the stage and in the middle get a better up-closeand-personal look at Little’s talents. After concluding the show with a salute to those serving in the military (Stewart was an accomplished World War II pilot who interrupted his movie career to join the Air Force) and recalling a summary of Stewart’s accomplishments built around “It’s a Wonderful Life” (one of his most recognized films), Little comes back out of character, speaks personally with his audience and even gives them an opportunity to ask questions. He remains in the lobby to sign autographs and
offer some of his many drawings of famous movie stars, and turns over those profits for today’s wounded warriors. He was a class act in every sense of the word. The only weak part of Little’s show was opening with a longtime piano player friend who may have talent but could have easily been left home since he produced no measurable addition. Little was born in Canada but became a U.S. citizen four years ago. If his tribute to Stewart and numerous impressions wind up on Broadway, expect a hit and thank the Fox concert series for bringing to town probably the best oneman act in the historic theater’s history and, at least for the silver-haired crowd, one of the best ever. DAN DEMING Hutchinson