Theater group 'Puttin' on Ritz'

Jerome Kern once said, "Irving Berlin has no place in American Music — Irving Berlin is American music."

The fact that Berlin's song, "God Bless America," hit the Top 10 on pop music charts in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks is evidence of the Russian immigrant's effect on the American psyche, points out Robert Ray, who will produce and direct "Puttin' on the Ritz." The revue celebrating Berlin's music opens Friday at the Footlight Players.

"In case someone wonders why we would do an Irving Berlin revue in 2008, it should be noted that this composer turned religious holidays into American holidays with his songs such as 'Easter Parade' and 'White Christmas,' which are not at all dated," says Ray, adding that "White Christmas" is said to be the most recorded and biggest selling yuletide song of all time. It was introduced in the film "Holiday Inn" in 1942, and then in 1954, Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney starred in "White Christmas."

A new musical stage version of the film "White Christmas" opens at the Marriott Marquis Theatre on Broadway just in time for the holidays.

Most of all, for those who love music and dance, Berlin wrote the entertainment industry's anthem, "There's No Business Like Show Business," famously belted out by Ethel Merman, who never needed a microphone.

Berlin, who lived to be 101, often saw his songs recycled, going from vaudeville to Broadway to films. For example, those who remember Marilyn Monroe's sultry rendition of "Heat Wave" in the 1950s may have heard the song earlier sung by Ethel Waters and Ethel Merman. "Shaking the Blues Away" was a vaudeville hit for Ruth Etting and scored big for both Doris Day and Ann Miller in the movies.

Ray also points out that Berlin was never shy about expressing his political opinion.

Partly as an attack on racism, in 1933, Berlin invited Cotton Club star and black singer Ethel Waters to appear in his new Broadway revue, "As Thousands Cheer." He gave Waters equal billing with the white performers. Ray notes, "Berlin demanded, against the wishes of the cast, that Ethel Waters take her curtain call along with the other stars."

A singer, dancer and actor, Ray made his Broadway debut in the 1980 hit revival of "Oklahoma!" That same year, he won the NYC Cabaret Award for "Best Newcomer." Through the decades,

Ray performed on stage with familiar names such as John Davidson, Christine Ebersole, Michelle Lee, Sandy Duncan and Helen Hayes among others.

After his career in the Big Apple, Ray moved to Atlanta, where he recently produced and directed "The 75th Anniversary of the Fox Theatre" event. He also has directed for the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Theater in the Square and Alliance Theater.

After buying a home on Folly Beach five years ago, Ray produced and directed three revues for the Piccolo Spoleto Festival: "Too Marvelous for Words," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "2 for Broadway."

"I love working with theater in Charleston, and I'm so glad to be directing at the Footlight Players," says Ray.

Other cast members are Marsha Dupree, Lisa Paige and Shawn Megorden.

Megorden's latest CD is "Cover Girl," and she has signed with Vivid Sound Corp. to manufacture the CD in Japan.

Dupree is lead vocalist for Atlanta's "Top Party Band" and starred in "Jerry's Girls" for the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. Her latest CD is "Sweet Soul."

Paige has starred in dozens of solo and group revues at Libby's Cabaret in Atlanta over 15 years. She was in "Cirque du Cabaret" directed by Ray, and has recorded two CDs.

Damon Goff is the conductor and pianist. Local musicians rounding out the trio are Brian Reed on bass and David Patterson on drums.

A fundraiser for the Footlight Players has been coordinated by the Hat Ladies, a group of women who have gathered wearable art, sculpture and hats to be sold. Some of the articles may be purchased outright, and others will be up for auction. Articles will be on display at the theater, and bidding ends Nov. 2.

Reach Dottie Ashley at 937-5704 or dashley@postandcourier.com.