‘Ethel Merman’s Broadway’ star Rita McKenzie dies at 76

Rita Mckenzie, best known for hosting the longest-running one-woman show in theater history. Broadway by Ethel Merman, He died at the age of 76. Her family revealed that the late actress had died after battling a long-term illness.

According DeadlineMcKenzie began Broadway by Ethel Merman in 1988. Along with the show, McKenzie appeared in other musicals, including Relentless! The Musical, Annie, Get Your Gun, Anything Goes! and The female odd couple. He was also the opening act for Milton Berle and his 90th Birthday Tour, Don Knotts, Norml Crosby, Donald O’Connor and Steve Allen.

Rita McKenzie became a producer with her husband for the pre-Broadway tour of Ruper Holmes. All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Holmes released a statement regarding McKenzie’s involvement in the production.

“During the development and rehearsals of the play, Rita’s knowledge as a professional theater expert and one of the warmest and most resourceful human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing was invaluable in sculpting the piece into the success it has become. reached,” Holmes said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“It is fitting that this tribute to an extraordinary woman bears the imprimatur of another extraordinary woman: the unforgettable Rita McKenzie.”

McKenzie is survived by her husband Scott Stander and her children, Jennifer and Derek; son-in-law Tom and daughter-in-law Vanessa; sister Nancy; brother-in-law Joe; and grandchildren Mason, Jackson and Thomas.

Rita McKenzie Revealed the Advice She Once Received from MGM Star Ann Miller

During a 2016 interview with Theater Scene, Rita McKenzie reflected on her career as a musical actress over the years.

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“This profession has taken me all over the world. Who would have thought, a girl from Wood-Ridge, New Jersey? she gushed. “I just knew I always wanted to do this, but I didn’t have a plan to go all over the world doing this.”

“There are so many wonderful surprises along the way and you have to try to always be open. “There is always something around the corner.”

Rita McKenzie also talked about the advice she received from Ann Miller, a tap dancing and MGM star. “[She is] someone I became friends with towards the end of his life. She called me Rita Pita and told me: “What you are doing now is the best thing you have ever done in your life and the next thing you do will be even better.”

“I always think about that and I always want to feel that. Always post what you want and it will come back to you.”

Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn

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