MICKEY ROONEY TO MAKE HIS PANTOMIME DEBUT IN SUNDERLAND!
Legendary Hollywood actor, MICKEY ROONEY, will be appearing in CINDERELLA at the SUNDERLAND EMPIRE this Christmas as Cinderella’s father Baron Hardup, from Saturday 8 December 2007 to Sunday 6 January 2008.
Mickey has become a global superstar, making his name in films such as ‘Babes In Arms’, ‘Boys Town’, and the hit ‘Andy Hardy’ series. He also starred with many Hollywood leading ladies including Judy Garland, Lana Turner and Anne Rutherford. All in all, Mickey is a man with over 200 films under his belt. He earned an Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement, a special Juvenile Oscar he shared with Deana Durbin in 1939, five Oscar nominations, one Emmy Award, five Emmy Nominations and two Golden Globes. He also recently starred in the film ‘A Night At The Museum’ with Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Robin Williams and Ricky Gervais.
Now he will be making his debut in pantomime, this time starring alongside home-grown talent LES DENNIS as Buttons, Liberty X’s MICHELLE HEATON as Cinderella and ANDY SCOTT LEE as Prince Charming, ex-Emmerdale star DALE MEEKS as Dandini and Mickey’s wife, JAN ROONEY, will be playing Fairy Godmother.
Cinderella is produced by First Family Entertainment, the premiere pantomime company who were responsible for bringing other American actors Henry Winkler and Patrick Duffy over to star in pantomime last year.
Kevin Wood, Chief Executive of First Family Entertainment quotes: ‘We are absolutely delighted to have signed such a legendary star. Mickey has had an amazing career and has achieved more than most actors we have ever worked with and yet he has still managed to add another string to his bow. At the age of 86, I think he is definitely our oldest pantomime debutante. Also this production of Cinderella is so special for the Sunderland Empire as it is celebrating it’s 100th birthday this year, so what better birthday present could we have given them than the casting of a true Hollywood superstar’.
Paul Ryan, General Manager at the Sunderland Empire added, “As we return to our traditional pantomime roots for our 100th birthday, we are thrilled to be bringing a Hollywood legend to the North East. To secure a global superstar such as Mickey Rooney
is a magnificent accolade for both the theatre and the region and
upholds our reputation for bringing the best Christmas shows to the
North East.”
Cinderella is at the Sunderland Empire from Saturday 8th December 2007 – Sunday 6th January 2008. Tickets costing £7.50 - £20.50 are available from the 24 Hour Box Office on 0870 602 1130. Groups of 10+ can secure discounted tickets by calling 0800 587 5007.
Cinderella Promotional Materials (Click images to see larger view.)
Toyland! Now On CD!
TOYLAND! WITH MICKEY ROONEY NOW ON CD
Entertainment
legend Mickey Rooney returns to the musical theater stage in this
all-new version of Victor Herbert's "Babes In Toyland" featuring the
Rainbow Puppets.
Stage
and screen legend Mickey Rooney lends his vocal performance to Rainbow
Puppet Production’s latest musical "Toyland!" This 100th anniversary
production of Victor Herbert’s classic musical tale features a bumbling
pirate, a parade of toy soldiers, and a giant spider guarding a spooky
forest.
"Babes
in Toyland" is one of the most beloved operettas of all time. Since
opening in Chicago and then Broadway 100 years ago, it has been made
into a delightful film starring Laurel and Hardy. In the 1960’s, Walt
Disney filmed the musical with a cast featuring Ray Bolger and Annette
Funnicello. Victor Herbert’s beloved melodies to "The March of the
Toys," "I Can’t Do the Sum," and "Toyland" are a memorable part of the
American Songbook and they are all included in this brand new
adaptation.
This
latest version of Toyland takes all of the musical and dramatic
highlights of the story and blends them into a fast-paced puppet
spectacular. Bo Peep has lost her sheep -- could her evil Uncle Barnaby
be the cause? We’ll have to follow her through the spider forest and on
to Toyland where she seeks the help of the kind Master Toymaker.
This
adaptation was written and arranged by David Messick, author of
Rainbow’s "Really Big Dinosaur Show," "The Amazing Adventures of
Chessie the Manatee," and the new musical "The Wright Brothers."
It’s
like a dream come true to work with Mickey Rooney. He provided all the
magic and excitement you’d expect from an MGM star! He’s earned two
Academy Awards, took Broadway by storm in ‘Sugar Babies,’ and won an
Emmy along the way."
Mickey
is joined by his wife, Jan Chamberlain Rooney, who provides the voice
of Mother Goose. Jan currently tours with Mickey in their two person
show "One Man, One Wife." She also worked as an artist at Hanna-Barbera
animation studios.
Other
cast members include Kara Dennison as Bo Peep. She has provided voice
work on many commercials and animated programs. The voice of Miss
Muffett is Tiffany Haas who just completed a PBS musical special with
Denyce Graves. Tiffany joined the Broadway cast of "Wicked" in 2005.
Red Riding Hood is Cindy Kays of the award-winning musical team
C-Shells.
This
is far from Messick’s first production of Toyland. "In the 70’s, I was
cast as the giant spider in a production of Toyland," says Messick. "A
year later I was made choreographer of another production. A few years
after that I was directing a cast of 100 people in the largest touring
production ever staged in Virginia.
The
program was engineered by Steve Scheffler who also appears as the voice
of evil Uncle Barnaby. Sets were designed by Rainbow Puppeteer Jason
Wiedel. Puppeteers Kathie Davis and Regina Smith provided additional
sets and costumes. Specialty puppets for the program were created by
master puppet makers Laura Huff, Jill Harrington, and Frank Lakus.
Special Offer for Mickey Rooney Fan Club Members Only!
When ordering this CD, mention that you are a fan club member. You will receive some FREE exclusive recording session photos of Mickey Rooney, separate from the CD. If you are not a fan club member, please join and be eligable for this great offer.
Click on CD cover to order.
Mickey wants to work forever
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| Mickey and Jan |
AT nearly 87 years old, most men would be happy to sit back, reflect on their life, and enjoy their retirement with their family. But Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney is not most men.
The actor, singer and entertainer has been delighting audiences in nine decades, and this year, Mickey and his eighth wife Jan are returning to England following their first UK tour last year.
"We dearly love the English people," Mickey says. "We had such a wonderful time last year with our first UK tour and enjoyed performing to warm and friendly audiences.
"The show has lots of music, live trio, and stories of early Hollywood. A few impersonations, a little piano playing, and we got ourselves a little show."
Mickey has starred in more than 200 films, and worked alongside some of Hollywood's biggest stars.
Mickey says: "Spencer Tracey in Boys Town was and always will be one of my favourites. He was such a marvellous actor, and very down to earth person. Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet was also fun to work with."
"There has never been anyone like Judy Garland, and there never will be. She was multi-talented, and I will never forget our musical years together. I am happy to say we have a tribute to Judy in our show."
Mickey can also boast success in stage, television and singing.
He says: "I can't say I have a favourite, but I have to say, stage is near and dear to me, because I am actually performing to an audience not a camera. I love to feel the audience's reactions. It keeps me wanting to work forever, and gives me so much energy and satisfaction. That's why I love working with Jan, it's not work, it's sheer enjoyment."
Mickey and Jan have been married for nearly 30 years, and live in California. Mickey credits her with helping to continue his career as an octagenarian.
"If it weren't for Jan, I might not be working today. She insisted that I keep working from the day we met 34 years ago. It's been keeping me active and young. I was at an all time low in my career, and Jan encouraged me to get up off the canvas and keep going, even when I didn't feel like it."
Jan, an actress and singer herself, adds: "I couldn't ask for a more loyal husband. I would like to think that I had a small part in shaping his career in these later years. We both had been wanting to work together for years, and we both made it happen."
Mickey and Jan have just finished a television movie called Stallions, and they were recently awarded a joint star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jan says she was "thrilled" with the accolade.
"It's one thing to be married to Mickey, it's another to be privileged to share a star with this immense talent."
Mickey's talent was recognised with an honorary Oscar in 1983, and he was nominated for Academy Awards several times. But, he says, there was one role he wished had been rewarded with the gold statuette.
"The Human Comedy was such a touching role and dramatic story. If you are able to rent the film, you might get an idea of how much I loved playing the part of Homer Macauley."
When they are not working together, Mickey and Jan live a quiet life in their California home.
Mickey says: "When we are at home we have our birds and dog to soothe our nerves, and give us comfort. I love my home so much. I love to sit and look out our bedroom window and watch the boats go by on our lake, and see the playful ducks and geese in our yard, and take our dog, Digby for a walk. It brings me such joy to share all this with my wife Jan.
"She is the love of my life. I feel as though I have never been married before."
Mickey Rooney has lived a real Hollywood life, but does he have any regrets? "None," he says firmly.
Rooney: 'I can't wait to hear the boos'
Just two hours in Sunderland was enough to get Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney looking forward to spending Christmas in his new adopted home.
The veteran performer was at the Sunderland Empire yesterday to launch the line-up for this year's panto, Cinderella.
It has not taken the 86-year-old double Oscar-winner long to fall in love with the city where he is to make his panto debut in December alongside his eighth wife Jan.
He said: "We've only been in the city a couple of hours and we're already so excited.
"Being here in this beautiful glorious theatre is thrilling and the city is fantastic. To be here is such an experience for us."
Mickey, who will play Cinderella's dad Baron Hardup, said: "It's going to be just wonderful. It's my first time on this stage and I can't wait to hear all the boos and hisses.
"We love trying new things, that's what this business is all about and this is the thrill of a lifetime."
The show is set to be A Family Affair with not only love birds Jan and Mickey starring on the stage, but their son, Chris, and grandchildren Harrison, three, and Hunter, five, could also have a part in the play.
Jan, who will play the Fairy Godmother, said: "This is what pantos are all about – the children. It's such a unique experience and we want everyone to come and see it and be happy and gleeful.
"I don't know what they'll be playing yet but they will be on stage with us when they are here over Christmas.
"This is the first time for us and it's great that our grandchildren will be able to share it with us.
"Pantos are a tradition of Christmas over here and we're losing a little bit of that tradition in the States."
Although he has more than 350 films under his belt, Mickey, who made his first stage appearance as an 18-month-old baby during his dad's Vaudeville act, said he reckons panto will come out on top.
"The live reaction from the audience really spurs you on," he said. "Once you've done a film you've done it but when you're on stage it's new every night.
"To hear a live reaction is great and especially with this show, which is especially for the children."
But when pushed to pick a favourite film from his hundreds, Mickey put Boy's Town and National Velvet, which he starred in next to Elizabeth Taylor at the top.
He added: "And all those wonderful musicals with Judy Garland."
And his favourite moment? "When I got to kiss the Queen's hand in Washington the other day. It was magic."
Actor Mickey Rooney joins Irish celebration of Boys Town
Actor Mickey Rooney joins U.S. group at Irish celebration of Boys Town
By Cian Molloy
9/17/2007
Catholic News Service (www.catholicnews.com)
DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) – Veteran Hollywood actor Mickey Rooney joined a U.S. delegation at the Irish celebration of the 90th anniversary of the founding of America's most famous orphanage, Girls and Boys Town.
The orphanage was founded by Irish-born Father Edward Flanagan; celebrations were held Sept. 11 in Ballymoe, the nearest village to Father Flanagan's birthplace of Leabeg.
Rooney, 86, said that although he had acted in many films he was best known throughout the world for his role in the 1938 movie, "Boys Town," which starred Spencer Tracy as Father Flanagan.
Father Flanagan was born in 1886 and emigrated to the United States in 1904. After completing bachelor's and master's degrees at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland, he entered St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie, N.Y. Following hisordination in 1912, he served first in O'Neill, Neb., then in Omaha. He founded Boys Town, now Girls and Boys Town, in Nebraska in 1917.
Under Father Flanagan's direction, the orphanage he founded grew to be a large community with its own boy-mayor, schools, chapel, post office, cottages, gymnasium and other facilities where boys between the ages of 10 and 16 were educated and learned a trade.
"People here are very proud of Father Flanagan," Father Frank Egan of Ballymoe, a member of the Missionaries of Africa, told Catholic News Service. "It's not just in America where he had an impact; there are Boys Towns all over the world. I'm a White Father and I served in South Africa and I know one of the priests who is chaplain to a Boys Town there.
"The American visitors seemed to enjoy their trip -- they were with us for two days, and as well as visiting Father Flanagan's homestead, they also made a pilgrimage to the local Mass rock, where Mass was celebrated secretly in penal times," he said. "Mickey Rooney made a great speech, which included a 'homily' on marriage -- but he himself has been married seven times!"
The U.S. delegation included the current director of Girls and Boys Town, Father Steven Boes, and other staff. The delegation was returning a visit after Bishop Christopher Jones of Elphin, Ireland, led a group from his diocese to Nebraska to visit Girls and Boys Town.
"I came away from that visit in July with a feeling of guilt," said Bishop Jones. "In many ways in Ireland generally, we have forgotten about this Irish priest who contributed so much to the life of the church in the United States and around the world.
"My visit in July coincided with the Boys Town convention of alumni, where there were some 500 alumni present, and every single one that I spoke to said 'Boys Town saved my life,'" he recalled.
Bishop Jones, who grew up near Leabeg, said he knows "about the poverty" Father Flanagan faced as a boy.
"I also know that while the people had very little they had a strong faith and shared what they had with one another," he said.
As an actor, Mickey Rooney has always stood tall
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As an actor, Mickey Rooney has always stood tall |
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May 18, 2001 The Mick is coming to town -- well, not quite to our town, but close enough. Mickey Rooney is heading the bill in a variety show scheduled for tomorrow night at 8 in the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. And now I am recalling an interview with Mickey before he starred in a two-hour live drama, which graced CBS in the 1980s, titled "Leave 'Em Laughing." In it, Mickey played a real-life clown, a gentle humanitarian named Jack Thum -- that was his real name -- who with his wife raised 37 stray children, in addition to a daughter of their own. When Jack Thum died, it was acknowledged by Walter Cronkite on his newscast, and solemn tribute was paid in Chicago by the ringing of the city's church bells. With clowns, orphans and, ultimately, a devastating illness, this could have emerged as the stuff of treacle, the contrivance of sentimentatily. But the sentiment was honest, the restraint measured, the emotions touched, not manipulated. And Mickey delivered a characteristic performance, all truth and reality and energy coming out of his pores. A sardonic note flavored the bittersweet quality exhibited throughout, such as Mickey, as Thum, saying: "Why is it that bartenders think everyone wants to confide in them?" And here was Jack Thum telling a whiskery joke to wrench laughter from a child stricken by silence: "A mountain lion had eaten Roy Rogers' boots. One day Dale Evans saw the mountain lion and she said, 'Pardon me, Roy, is that the cat that chewed your new shoes?' " The mouth that soaredFascinated by the inner workings of the acting profession, I asked Mickey in our interview how he had developed into such an extraordinary actor. Where, I wanted to know, was the wellspring of the biting conviction he pours into each role so that his characterizations emerge with his own personal stamp. As he considered the question, Mickey was momentarily silent. And then the words popped out in his brisk fashion: "The one thing I know about myself is that I have an innate feeling for feeling. I'm uninhibited. I cut loose. I take off. I become the character I'm playing and I soar." Oh, how he soars, and whatever the role may be it is all there, the acting magic, expressed in his face. However much this face of his has been lived in, it is a face that invariably brightens a stage and rivets your gaze on a screen. It is a jack-o'-lantern of a face. It is a face with no hiding places. You are always stunned by his depth and power, his nuances of emotion. Mickey, the son of vaudeville performers, began as a kid trouper at age 5 and he has always been a star, always a celebrity, always a theatrical figure. A typical theatricality attended the circumstances of his birth. He was born Joe Yule Jr. (his father came from Scotland) on Sept. 23, 1920, on a dining table in a rooming house in Brooklyn, and he was delivered by a Chinese doctor. In his autobiography, "Life Is Too Short," Mickey wrote that "the Chinese doctor patted me on the bottom and said, 'OK, kid, you've been resting for nine months. Now get to work.' " Olivier's oracleThink now of "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" and "The Human Comedy" and "Requiem for a Heavyweight," three superb films, and a TV gem called "The Comedian" and a riotously funny Broadway show about the glories of burlesque called "Sugar Babies," and his brilliance comes alive in your memory. In World War II, Mickey served in the Army in what was termed the Jeep Theater, traveling 150,000 miles to entertain more than 2 million of our troops overseas. Does Mickey Rooney belong in the pantheon of foremost actors? Not too many years ago, as you may be aware, Laurence Olivier was asked on a talk show to appraise Mickey Rooney as an actor. "The greatest actor of them all," said Sir Laurence. The show's host said: "Better than you, sir?" "Quite," said Olivier. "Quite." Joe Stone, the Bard of Borrego and that community's former honorary mayor, had been saying that for years. A person can argue the point with Joe Stone, but how would anyone dispute the master, Olivier? It was said about Olivier that he was the kind of actor who grabbed you by the throat and never let go. Another fine actor, Edward Herrmann, said about Olivier: "You are always waiting to be surprised by him." It is like that, still, with Mickey Rooney.
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Rooney to switch on Sunderland's lights
Rooney to switch on Sunderland's lights
A HOLLYWOOD legend has agreed to switch on the Christmas lights in a North-East city. Oscar winner Mickey Rooney, who is to make his panto debut at Sunderland's Empire Theatre this year, is to switch on the city's Christmas lights on November 22.
The veteran actor, starring as Baron Hardup in Cinderella from December 8, will be joined by his wife Jan and the city's mayor Coun Les Scott to throw the switch at the civic centre.
Councillor Mel Speding, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "To have such a legendary star switch on Sunderland's Christmas Illuminations is a great honour for the city.
"We are looking forward to welcoming Mickey and Jan and their appearance in Cinderella will be the perfect finale to a year of celebrations for Sunderland Empire's Centenary".
Mickey and Jan Rooney Join The Rainbow Team
Mickey and Jan Rooney join the Rainbow Puppets for a Pirate Party
Movie legend Mickey Rooney and his wife Jan have just added their voices to the Hampton Blackbeard Pirate Festival slated for June 2 and 3. Mickey Rooney is part of the brand new Rainbow Puppet Production musical “A Pirate Party” that will premiere at the festival at 12:30 pm on Saturday, June 2. Additional performances will be held at 3:30 pm on Saturday and again at 3:30 pm on Sunday, June 3. The performances are free and part of the Little Swashbuckler Stage located in the Carousel Park beside the Virginia Air and Space Center on Settlers Landing Road in Downtown Hampton, Virginia.
Mickey Rooney is fresh off the success of his role in the December blockbuster “A Night at the Museum” starring Ben Stiller. Rainbow Puppet Productions caught up with Mickey and his wife in Winston Salem, North Carolina where they are filming a new movie.
This is not the first time Mickey and Jan have worked with Rainbow Puppets. They starred in the company’s 100th Anniversary Production of “Toyland!” According to show creator David Messick, “I called Mickey and his wife the day ‘Museum’ opened to tell them how much we enjoyed it. We then discussed future projects and they agreed to participate. We recorded their part for ‘A Pirate Party’ and for two more projects that will come out in the future.”
“Mickey plays Captain Mick and joyously pokes fun at his image as a multi-award winning legend. His wife Jan plays Polly the Parrott who even more joyously eggs Mickey on. Mickey and Jan own two parrots and Jan told a wonderful story of how Mickey will be downstairs while she’s upstairs. Mickey calls, ‘Hey, Jan!” and the parrot replies, ‘What do you want?’ Jan, of course, never hearing Mickey and Mickey trying to carry on a conversation with the parrot!”
The show is a happy salute to beach movies of the 1960’s. There are villains (this time pirates), surfer boys, a beautiful mermaid, a talking octopus, and a legendary movie star. It doesn’t make a lot of sense but it will be a lot of fun with the audience joining in on a pirate shout-out contest and a big dance at the finale.
Additional voices are provided by longtime Dr. Madblood cast member Craig T. Adams, anime vocal artist Kara Dennison and Rainbow vocal artists Tim Tharrington and Steve Scheffler. Scheffler also served as audio producer for the show, leaving for the Rooney session with about five minute’s notice.
Settings are created by Rainbow Puppeteer Kathie Davis. The highlight is four-foot high talking Blackbeard head that tells the story of one of history’s most infamous pirates. Puppets are by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Jill Harrington and the Prince Puppets. She has created a surfer and mermaid puppet that will swim into the audience as part of the performance. The be-jeweled octopus puppet is by Hampton Master Puppet Maker Laura Huff. Costumes are by Regina Smith.
The score by David Messick includes new song “A Pirate Party” and several “lost” songs from his 30 years of writing children’s musicals. There’s “The Pirate Song” that features a Victor Herbert melody that’s over 100 years old with all- new lyrics. The song was intended for “Toyland” but was not included in the final performance. There are two beach songs from a 1985 project he co-wrote with Larry Barker. www.rainbowpuppets.com
