"Phantom" Actress Performs at Bickford This Weekend

Gay Willis, who starred in the Broadway musicals, "Showboat," and "The Phanton of the Opera," grew up in North Carolina, so her first exposure to Broadway was not through live performance, but film adaptation.

"She grew up learning her music theatre repetoire from the movies," said Stephen Kantrowitz, assistant artistic director at the Morris Museum, where Willis will perform on Sunday, March 6. "She learned her musical theatre history from the film adaptations from Broadway shows. So she's put together an afternoon of songs from her favorite Broadway musicals."

"Hooray for Hollywood: Celebrating the Golden Years at the Movies!" starring Willis will feature performances of a variety of songs from film musicals.

"She's a fabulous singer," said Kantrowitz. "She has a glorious voice. It's something that has a little bit for everyone. Anyone that has a love of movie musicals will find something to listen to. She's going to do some songs that Julie Andrews did, some Mary Poppins, a whole wide range of things."

Willis is most known for her role as Magnolia in "Showboat," but has also played Christine in "The Phantom of the Opera." According to her website, Willis completed more than 1000 performances as Magnolia in "Showboat" on Broadway.

"We've worked with Gay in the past," said Kantrowitz, who has also directed a show in which Willis performed. "She mentioned that she is doing this show, 'Hooray for Hollywood', and we thought it was a perfect fit."

"Hooray for Hollywood" starring Gay Willis will be held on Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. at the Bickford Theatre. Tickets range from $20 to $30 and can be purchased by calling 973-971-3706. Baritone James Michael and pianist David Maiullo will also perform.

More events this weekend:

Bucky Pizzarelli and Diane Perry Performance
Where/When: At The Folk Project's The Minstrel Concert Series at the beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 4.
Why Go: Because Bucky Pizzarelli, now in his 80s, plays jazz guitar with a 7-string, is influenced by legendary gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, and has played with Reinhardt's companion Stephane Grappelli, as well as Les Paul and Benny Goodman.
Pricing: $7 on the way in and whatever you think the performance was worth on the way out

Traditional Irish Music at the Library
Where/When: At the at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4.
Why Go: Because the band, Dicey Riley, has been performing in Morris County for more than twelve years, playing traditional Irish music from jigs to ballads to "drinking songs." Refreshments will be served.
Pricing: $10 at the door will benefit the library


Where/When: At the Community Theatre in Morristown at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 4.
Why Go: Because Ebersole is a two-time Tony Award winner, and she will be performing romantic music this Friday.
Pricing: Tickets range from $37 to $62 and are available on the Community Theatre website.

Science Film: Planet Earth, Deserts
Where/When: At 1:00 p.m. at the on Saturday, March 5.
Why Go: Because you enjoy the series Planet Earth and would like to see it on the big screen at the museum.
Pricing: Free with museum admission


Where/When: Around the Morristown Green in Morristown on Saturday, March 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Why Go: Because this is a chance to mingle with all of those people you haven't seen since high school, to meet new friends, or to rediscover relationships from the past. Plus, a wristband will get you discounts at participating bars and restaurants like the Dublin Pub, The Famished Frog, Hennessey's Washington Bar, and Sona Thirteen.
Price: $10 donation, which goes to the Morristown High School Alumni Association.

Morristown Jewish Center - Beit Yisrael Sisterhood
Where/When: At the on Sunday, March 6 at 12:30 p.m.
Why Go: Because you're a woman who enjoys playing Mah Jongg, as those are the only criteria for being allowed to play.
Pricing: $25 includes entrance into the tournament, refreshments and a chance at prizes.