• • A recent article in The Desert Sun [7 December 2005] announced that TV writer Allan Blye is taking his old singing act on the road to generate interest in the second season of his revised musical "Senior Class: Celebrating the Golden Years" (starting thia month at the Cinemas Palme d' Or in Palm Desert). Personable Gary Collins has replaced the more operatic Julius LaRosa, bringing new interpretations to his role as Frank. But all other cast members return, including Ronnie Schell, Steve Rossi, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Ruta Lee, and Marcia Rodd.
• • In his cast bio, Steve Rossi [who plays "Gus"] hits the highlights:
Appeared in "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby at age 6. Toured with Mae West in 1954. Became part of the Allen & Rossi comedy team in 1957, appearing on more than 700 TV shows, including an appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" right after The Beatles. Films: "The Jolson Story" and "The Last of the Secret Agents." Sold 2 million copies of "More," nominated for an Oscar. Currently: Rossi is celebrating his 55th year in show business.
• • Here's what he omitted: Mae West told him that his birthname Joseph Charles Tafarella was not marquee-friendly. Mae West re-christened the singer STEVE ROSSI during their 1950s Las Vegas tour, which ended when the Army drafted him.
• • [Extracted from a Desert Sun article by Bruce Fessier; email: Bruce.Fessier@thedesertsun.com - Tel: 760-778-4622.]
Source:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: Steve Rossi [circa 1957]
Mae West.
No comments:
Post a Comment