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INVISIBLE THEATRE - PRESS RELEASE Press Contact: Cathy Johnson or Susan Claassen Administration: (520) 884-0672 Box Office: (520) 882-9721 1400 N. First Ave, Tucson, AZ. 85719 [email protected] www.invisibletheatre.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Invisible Theatre continues its 43rd Anniversary Season

With

MY BUDDY

A loving tribute to legendary comedian,

Starring

SANDY HACKETT

March 8 and 9, 2014

(February 1, 2014, Tucson, Arizona); Legendary Comedian Buddy Hackett is brought to life in this live musical, theatrical production, told by the person closest to him… his son, Sandy Hackett. Directed by

Lisa Dawn Miller, MY BUDDY reveals personal, never-before-heard stories about Buddy Hackett holding court with some of his friends: , , , , ,

Phyllis Diller, , , , , , , ,

Alan King, , and countless more. MY BUDDY will make you laugh, make you cry and put you in the mood for a kosher hot dog and a beer in the story that has never been told until now - the life and times, the joy and pain, of comic genius Buddy Hackett.

“HACKETT is Back!” The Times

Sandy Hackett is the recipient of the 2014 Goldie Klein Guest Artist Award. This award was established in 1988 as a way to pay tribute to Goldie Klein, mother of IT's artistic director,

Susan Claassen. Every year a guest artist at the Invisible Theatre is selected. Past recipients have included such illustrious artists as Ann Hampton Callaway, Steve Ross, Rain Pryor,

Norma Jean Darden, Jeffrey Haskell, Amanda McBroom, Lynn Redgrave, and Valarie Pettiford.

(more) MY BUDDY Starring Sandy Hackett

Made possible in part through the generous support of The Milton and Elizabeth Kahn Fund of the L&R Lawrence Family Foundation

WHEN: Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 8:00 pm Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 3:00 pm

WHERE: Berger Performing Arts Center 1200 West Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85745

TICKETS: $35 each For tickets or information, call the Invisible Theatre Box Office at (520) 882-9721. Tickets are also available online 24/7 through OvationTix at www.invisibletheatre.com. Visa, M/C, Discover and American Express are accepted.

Additional discounts are available for groups, seniors and students. Rush tickets are available for purchase at half-price one half hour prior to performance time and are subject to availability.

RUNNING TIME: Two hours with one intermission

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES - CONTAINS VERY STRONG LANGUAGE.

A REALLY “HAPPY HOUR ” SPECIAL EVENT!

March 9, 2014 at 5:30 pm $50 ($30 tax -deductible)

2870 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ, 85718

Reservations are limited,

so for a “guilt-free” feast of Jewish specialties

call the IT at (520) 882-9721

(more) 2 SANDY HACKETT Writer/Producer/Creator/Star

At a young age, Sandy Hackett was inspired by his father, legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett, to enter the world of comedy. Buddy was a patient teacher and role model. This was the foundation from which Hackett began his development, growth and versatility as a performer, producer, writer and entertainer.

At age eleven, Hackett accompanied his father for a scheduled appearance on the "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In." It was there that he caught the eye of the show's producers and made his first professional television debut.

Hackett graduated with a degree in Hotel Administration from UNLV where he also served as UNLV’s Director of Entertainment. He produced "The Sahara Showcase of Talent" at the Las Vegas based Sahara Hotel & Casino for four years before it was renamed "Sandy Hackett's Talent Showcase" and ran for another decade. Additionally, Hackett hosted and produced the show at Sahara Reno, Sahara Tahoe and The Mint and Dunes Hotel & Casinos. During this time, Hackett presented over ten thousand acts, including many first-time Las Vegas appearances by Andrew "Dice" Clay, Howie Mandel, Gary Muledeer, The Unknown Comic, Tony D'Andrea, Kenny Kerr, George Wallace, and many others.

For the next 40 years he led his people through the desert in search of the Promised Land, stopping at Comedy Clubs to learn his craft and entertain the masses. His father came to see him one night and asked him to come share the stage with him. It was a dream come true for the younger Hackett. He accepted and then got to travel and learn from the master of comedy for the next 10 years as his opening act, road manager, stage manager, navigator and best friend.

Throughout the 1990’s, Hackett successfully ran his own comedy club in Laughlin, Nevada. An accomplished agent, manager, event planner, and buyer of talent, he became the Entertainment Director for Sun City Summerlin, booking talent for an incredible 400+ shows in two years at the Starbright Theater.

Hackett, together with his beautiful and talented wife, producer/director/singer, Lisa Dawn Miller, have created and produced “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” the most successful, unique, original live theatrical production of its kind. The show tours nationwide and has received great critical acclaim.

Hackett and Miller reside in Los Angeles with their two beautiful children, Oliver (13 years old), an incredible young, singer/actor (who has already shared the stage with Stevie Wonder), and 7 year old Ashleigh, an amazing young actress/comedian who has already shared the stage with her father. www.mybuddyhackett.com

(more) 3 BUDDY HACKETT

Legendary Comedian, Buddy Hackett (1924-2003), paved the way for every comedian today, shaping and influencing generations of comedy. For over 60 years, Hackett entertained audiences around the world. Having appeared on with Johnny Carson more than any other comedian, Hackett was one of the most adored entertainers of his time. There will never be another like him.

The institution of Hackett speaks for itself. A brilliant film career, Buddy starred in some of the most successful movies of his time, “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” “Music Man” and of course, the Disney classics, “” and “The Little Mermaid.” Hackett starred in hundreds of television shows throughout the decades including his critically acclaimed performance as in “Bud and Lou” opposite, Harvey Korman.

He first burst on the scene with his now classic “Chinese Waiter” routine, which put him on the comedy map as the new funny kid on the block. Buddy Hackett’s tremendously versatile talent helped him conquer everything from the Catskills to Las Vegas, from Broadway to Hollywood and everywhere in between.

Hackett was an idol and mentor to his comedy peers and countless young comedians and entertainers. Hackett’s contributions to the entertainment industry are, like his charitable and humanitarian contributions, enduring and profound. Buddy received a star on the legendary . Hackett also received a star in Palm Springs and was honored with the Award, posthumously, from Disney for his contributions to the Magic of Disney. Buddy Hackett is the father of Sandy Hackett.

(more)

Buddy and Sandy Hackett

(more) 4

THE INVISIBLE THEATRE

The Invisible Theatre (IT) of Tucson, a 501 C 3 organization, is dedicated to producing quality theatre and arts education experiences for all facets of the community in an intimate setting that showcases local professional talent and guest artists. IT takes its name from the invisible energy that flows between a performer and audience, creating the magic of theatre. Started in 1971 as an arena for local playwrights, the theatre has expanded its programs to include adaptations of classics and recent Off- Broadway plays and musicals, while continuing to encourage new playwrights through both full productions and stage readings. Under the leadership of Managing Artistic Director Susan Claassen, Associate Artistic Director James Blair, and Associate Producer Cathy Johnson, IT is strongly committed to community service and outreach programs. The company's current season includes a six play Main Stage season, many special events, Project Pastime – an educational theatre program for the mentally challenged including a video workbook and seminars that encourage community dialogue. The Invisible Theatre, the recipient of the first Arizona Theatre Association Award for Best Producing Theatre Company, is a member of the Theatre Communications Group and has long enjoyed both local and national recognition for its strong leadership role in the arts community. Productions take place in an intimate 80-seat converted laundry building. IT celebrates this season with an even greater commitment to professionalism, artistic excellence, accessibility, freedom of expression, diverse programming and creative challenge – thus making the Invisible Theatre a very visible force in Tucson's cultural community.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: The Berger Performing Arts Center is fully accessible to patrons using wheelchairs or with other mobility challenges. Seating areas to accommodate persons using wheelchairs are located in the theatre. If patrons require special seating they should inform the Box Office at (520) 882-9721.

ABOUT THIS PRESS RELEASE: This mailing list is for members of the professional media and allied organizations who have requested e-mail press releases from The Invisible Theatre. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail press releases or if there is someone else with your organization that should be added to our list, send a message to [email protected] with your request, or phone (520) 884-0672.

ONLINE MEDIA MATERIALS: Digital images of Buddy and Sandy Hackett are attached and are also available at our Media Center, www.invisibletheatre.com. Photo credit: Photos courtesy of the Hackett Miller Company, Inc.

Invisible Theatre 1400 N. First Avenue at Drachman Tucson, AZ 85719 Box Office – (520) 882-9721 Administration – (520) 884-0672 Fax – (520) 884-5410 www.invisibletheatre.com

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