One Night – with good lasting effects: Family services benefit
Betty Francis • Special to The Desert Sun • April 25, 2010

Back in 2008, when famed photographer, producer and all-round creative genius Michael Childers announced a show called “One Night Only” benefiting Jewish Family Service of the Desert, I thought that meant it would never be seen again.

Then I learned that Childers has used that title before, raising big money for a variety of charities in a variety of places — but with different performers and innovations that make every show one of a kind. The format is a professional ensemble cast, each performing one song or act at a dizzying pace. While the audience is still applauding an exiting performer, another one appears to capture their hearts all over again.

This year's One Night Only featured entertainment critic and author Rex Reed acting as emcee, narrator and singing performer. (He's good!) Each of the two dozen performers had impeccable Broadway, TV and Emmy-Tony award credits on his or her resume.

I loved every number, but the loudest audience reactions were to the riotous “Top Hat” comedy number by Carol Lawrence, the sexy “Blues in the Night” by Ann Hampton Callaway, “Old Man River” by Davis Gaines and “I Will Always Love You” by Nita Whitaker.

One of the most beloved names this year was Polly Bergen, who sang the final solo, “I'm Still Here,” and then remained center stage for the grand finale, “One Night Only” from “Dreamgirls.”

Bergen proudly admits to being 80 but has enough projects going to exhaust a 30-year-old. Most of the fans who gathered around her wanted to talk about her triumphs like “Cape Fear” or her Emmy-winning Playhouse 90 performance — or even her role on “Desperate Housewives.” But Bergen, along with her manager, Jan McCormack, wanted to talk about their more recent efforts to upgrade the Amber Alert program.

The people
This year's presenting sponsor was Wells Fargo, with heavy backup from honorary co-chairs and platinum sponsors Helene Galen, Barbara and Jerry Keller and Harold Matzner.

Gold sponsors included Annette Bloch, Angie and Harvey Gerber, David Lee and Mark Nichols, Dorothy and Mel Lefkowitz, and Barbara and Mike Resmo, along with media sponsors The Bottom Line and Palm Springs Life.

Producer sponsors were Mark Adams, Mary and Jerome Angel, Becky and Jack Benaroya, Leslie and Gordon Diamond, Jackie Lee and Jim Houston, JoAnn McGrath, Myra and Maurice Paperny, Linda and Manny Rider, Faye and Herman Sarkowsky and Thelma and Gilbert Schnitzer.
Co-chairwomen Barbara Fromm and Sherry Schor have worked together before and deftly applied their magic to every facet of the event. The behind-the-scenes star was director Ken Katz.

Tickets to One Night ranged from $75 to $375, with extra treats such as an after party at Piero's Acqua Pazza at The River for the top ticket holders and sponsors.

Another unique aspect this year was the earlier starting time of 6:30 p.m., which seemed to meet with unanimous approval.

For all the glamour, talent, fun and socializing, the reason for this event was funding for the many programs and services of Jewish Family Service, which works primarily in the area of family counseling but rises to the needs with whatever it takes in times of trauma or tragedy — without asking any questions about religious affiliation.

“We ignore religion and are also color blind, lifestyle blind and gender blind,” said Daniel H. Bass, executive director, with board president Judy Wallis nodding in agreement.

This year's One Night Only performance raised “enough to make life easier for 500 people,” Fromm said.

Other supporters included Jean Carrus, Jim Casey and Jason Altieri, Marjorie Victor, John Conboy, Cookie and Michael Miller, Cheryl McArthur, Sally and Mort Kirshner, Diane and Hal Gershowitz, Nancy and Dennis Ditlove, Joyce and Henry Freund, Lola and Walter Green, Drs. Terril and Bart Ketover, Donna and Cargill MacMillan, Melissa Morgan and Alec Longmuir, Bette and Bill Pattis and Phyllis and Gary Schahet.

ONE NIGHT ONLY
Thursday, April 8, 2010
McCallum Theatre
Palm Desert, California

Story and photos by Pat Krause

.

Jewish Family Service of the Desert presented the Fifth Annual One Night Only performance at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert near Palm Springs on Thursday, April 8. Local photographer Michael Childers conceived and produced every one of the One Night Only Performances. Emmy winners Tony winners, television and movie stars, and even an “American Idol” finalist performed. More than 20 performers took part in this spectacular musical extravaganza.

This was an opportunity to hear some of the finest voices in show business. Stage vocalists sang some of the best songs every written. Other well-know singers performed hits by famous composers. This event was a music lover’s delight for those who got to hear all those talented artists during one venue in a beautiful, intimate theater setting. The list of these talented people and the songs they sang are over the top.

Well-know music critic Rex Reed was the evening’s emcee. He started the evening telling of his Palm Springs experiences with our local stars that lived here. He said he was so happy to be asked to come to Palm Springs on a free vacation as emcee. After the intermission he performed the song, “Make It Another Old Fashion, Please” that showed another side of his talent.

Rita McKenzie and Dancers performed “There's No Business Like Show Business.” Tony Award-winner and guest actor on “Glee” sang “Something's Coming.” Singer, actor and dancer Phillip Attmore sang “Too Damn Hot.” TV actress and Emmy winner Nancy Dussault sang “These Foolish Things.” Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway sang “Sisters” with the help of a couple guys with feathers.

Callaway, an Emmy winner, sang “Journey the Past.” Fabulous actress, singer and dancer Carol Lawrence had a funny skit where she asked for six men from the audience to help her sing “Top Hat.” They actually lifted her and carried her offstage. It was a very funny skit that had the audience in stitches.

Lee Roy Reams sang a “Hello Dolly” medley. Callaway belted out a superb rendition of “Blues in the Night,” as she accompanied herself on the piano. Valarie Pettiford sang “Willow Weep for Me” and Davis Gaines, star of “Phantom of the Opera,” sang a thrilling version of “Ol' Man River” from “Showboat." A short Intermission followed his performance.

Emmy Winner and actress Marni Nixon sang “I Could Have Danced All Night.” Michelle Duffy sang Marilyn Monroe's famous hit “Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend” accompanied by four dancers dangling diamonds. Rancho Mirage resident Alix Korey is an actress and Broadway songstress and her song was “The Man That Got Away.” Multitalented Sam Harris is a singer, songwriter and actor among many of his credits. Sam sang “Don't Rain on My Parade” from “Funny Girl.”

Singer, movie and TV actor James Snyder sang “No Matter What Happens” from the show “Yentl.” “Grey's Anatomy” star Loretta Devine is also an actress in movies and was in the original production of “Dreamgirls.” She sang an emotional “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Singer and actress Nancy Whitaker sang a remarkable “I Will Always Love You,” “American Idol” finalist Von Smith sang “And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going.” Special guest star Polly Bergen, singer, actress and author, sang “I'm Still Here.” The finale brought out the whole cast singing “One Night Only” from “Dreamgirls.”

What a sensational list of singers, actors and dancers to performed here. Co-Chairs for the event were Helen Galen, Barbara Keller, Harold Matzner, Barbara Fromm and Sherry Schor. The director was Calvin Remsberg and Musical Director Ron Able played the piano for most performances. These people made this wonderful night happen along with many volunteers.

An after party at Piero's Aqua Pazza California Bistro finished this fabulous night of entertainment with great food and a chance to mingled with friends and cast members.

Stars, singers line up for annual 'One Night Only'
Bruce Fessier • The Desert Sun • April 2, 2010

Michael Childers is an acclaimed photographer of film, stage, journalism and fine art.

He did still photos for films ranging from “Grease” to “A Coal Miner's Daughter.” He created the mixed media for the off-Broadway musical “Oh Calcutta.” He was a founding photographer for Andy Warhol's Interview and After Dark magazines, and Graphis magazine named him one of the 100 most important photographers of erotic art.

For the last 15 years, he's also produced musical extravaganzas for charity. He called his first local benefit “One Night Only” when Lily Tomlin hosted it in 2002. But, eight years later, he's still at it. He'll present his biggest “One Night Only” Thursday at the McCallum Theatre to benefit Jewish Family Service of the Desert.

New York critic Rex Reed will host and sing a Cole Porter song in Childers' first-ever theme show, saluting “Hollywood's Greatest Music” with 21 Emmy and Tony award winning performers.

“I just wanted to do something different this year,” said Childers, who began producing his shows in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “I think every year from now on we'll have a theme.”

The headliners, in terms of having the most stage time, will be jazz and Broadway singers Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway. Liz will celebrate her birthday at the show and her sister, who sold out a January concert at the Annenberg Theater, wanted to help her celebrate. They'll perform solo numbers and a duet.

Rita McKenzie, who has portrayed Ethel Merman for more than 20 years, will open the show with Merman's classic “There's No Business Like Show Business.” Polly Bergen will close it with “I'm Still Here” from “Follies.”

In between, the acts include:

Dancer Phillip Attmore, performing Cole Porter's “Too Darned Hot.”

Loretta Devine, a “Grey's Anatomy” star who sings blues and R& B ranging from Bessie Smith to Aretha Franklin. She'll perform “I Believe In You.”

Nancy Dussault, a Broadway veteran and “Too Close For Comfort” star, singing “These Foolish Things.”

Davis Gaines, the record-breaking Los Angeles star of “Phantom of the Opera,” performing “Old Man River.”

Tony-nominated Danny Gurwin, singing Johnny Mercer's “An Affair To Remember.”

Original “Star Search” winner Sam Harris singing “Don't Rain On My Parade.”

“Wicked” star Megan Hilty, performing “Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend.”

Rancho Mirage resident Alix Korey, an off-Broadway star, singing Judy Garland's classic “The Man Who Got Away.”

Carol Lawrence, creator of Maria in Broadway's “West Side Story,” singing “Top Hat” from the film of that Marni Nixon, 80, singing two songs she dubbed for Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady”: “Wouldn't It Be Loverly” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.”

Broadway star Valarie Pettiford, singing the Sinatra classic “Willow Weep For Me.”

2009 “American Idol” semi-finalist Von Smith doing the “Dreamgirls” flag waver “And I am Telling You.”

James Snyder, a star of John Waters' musical “Cry Baby,” singing “No Matter What Happens” from “Yentl.”

Nita Whitaker performing “I Will Always Love You.”

John Lloyd Young, the Tony Award winning star of “Jersey Boys,” singing “Something's Coming.”

2009 ONE NIGHT ONLY REVIEWS

One Night Only Gives Extra
Barbara Ady
Special to the Desert Sun
May 10, 2009

“One Night Only” is what the famous photographer-producer Michael Childers calls his annual production at the McCallum Theatre, benefiting Jewish Family Services. But then Childers is known for delivering more than he promises.

In this case, “One Night Only” was actually two action-packed days and fun-filled nights. It began with a lavish VIP Cast Party at the beautiful estate (formerly Dinah Shore's) of David Lee and Mark Nichols. This house was built for large parties and the generous hosts opened their entire home to both celebrities and sponsors. Neighbor Jamie Kabler was in charge of tours of the fabulous estate.

Some of the event's key participants were director Stuart Ross, co-chairwomen Barbara Fromm and Sherry Schor; and honorary co-chairpeople Barbara Keller, Helene Galen and Harold Matzner.
Celebrities galore

The 18-member cast of “One Night Only” is a mix-and-match troupe of top professionals including Liliane Montevecchi, Sally Kellerman, Michele Lee, Valarie Pettiford, Rita Moreno, Bruce Vilanch, Freda Payne and a dozen other famous names who were able to make themselves available on the big night.

For the big show, each of the 18 performers hit their marks perfectly during a very fast-paced program with each performer appearing only once, and the next one popping onto the stage even before the applause died down.

The McCallum Theatre's sold-out audience raised $400,000 for Jewish Family Services of the Desert, thanks to generous underwriting by Platinum Sponsors Galen, Barbara and Jerry Keller, David Lee and Nichols, and Matzner, along with Gold Sponsors Annette Bloch, Georgia and Jerry Fogelson, Angie and Harvey Gerber, Jackie Lee and Jim Houston, and Dorothy and Melvin Lefkowitz. Other sponsors included Mary and Jerome Angel, Becky and Jack Benaroya, Jim Casey and Jason Altieri, JoAnn McGrath, Linda and Manny Rider, and Denny Seidenfeld and daughter René.

The frolicking of “One Night Only” actually continued after the performance with a huge after-party at Piero's Acqua Pazza at The River in Rancho Mirage.
Advertisement

Enormous amounts of excellent food, including Piero's signature meat lasagna, and adult beverages were consumed by a celebratory crowd of event supporters including Cookie and Mike Miller, Carol and Steve Nash, Ted Giatas, John Conboy and Gloria Greer, Diane and Hal Gershowitz, Bea and Dr. Neal Keats, Betty and Bill Pattis, Jackie and Marshall Gelfand, John Finkler, Lee Appel and Richard Victor, Steve Pougnet and Chris Green, Barbara Wisbey, Pat Krause, and Angela Allen.

JFS is a non-sectarian, nonprofit agency that offers a wide range of services to those in need regardless of age, income or lifestyle.

Information or donations: (760) 325-4088 or www.jfsdesert.org

Barbara Ady is a retired FAA, air traffic controller and pilot and is active in many desert charities. She can be reached at bady@dc.rr.com.

Michael Childers One Night Only
April 30, 2009
Stars on stage for Jewish Family Service
By Gloria Greer
Palm Springs Life

Michael Childers brought “One Night Only” back to the McCallum Theatre as a benefit for Jewish Family Service and the audience was thrilled with appearances by some of the most talented performers from Broadway, television, and films. In a fast paced show produced by Childers, directed by Stuart Ross with musical direction from Ron Abel, each entertainer gave his all with one memorable song or theatrical memory that brought cheers from the audience.

Appearing on stage were Bruce Vilanch, emcee, and, listed alphabetically: Brent Barrett, Loretta Devine, Davis Gaines, Rocco Fiorentino, Sally Kellerman, Alix Korey, Michele Lee, Vicki Lewis, Sean McDermott, Sharon McNight, Liliane Montevecchi, Rita Moreno, Freda Payne, Valarie Pettiford, Linda Purl, and Ty Taylor. Gary Shaw was announcer.

Helene Galen, Harold Matzner, and Barbara Keller were Honorary Chairs while Barbara Fromm and Sherry Schor were event chair and co-chair.

This was the fourth annual “One Night Only” produced by Childers and when you combine the talent that he lured to the McCallum Theatre for this benefit and his own exquisite taste, you have one of the best evenings presented in the Coachella Valley.

Photography by Sherri B. Mardones