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.
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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 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