When it comes to show-stopping entertainment, you name it, John Davidson has done it. And the “it” is just what audiences will see when this multi-talented dynamo takes the stage at Western Carolina University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Starting out 52 years ago, fresh from a degree in theater arts at Denison University, in Granville, Ohio, Davidson co-starred in the Broadway show, “Foxy,” opposite the legendary Bert Lahr.
From there the credits for the everlastingly youthful singer and actor multiply exponentially. For example:
Theater: Lead in Broadway revival of “Oklahoma;” lead in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s original “State Fair;” lead in regional and national productions of such hits as “The Music Man,” “Camelot,” “Carousel,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Chicago,” Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” “Will Rogers Follies;” his very own theater for three years in Branson, Mo.
Movies: Starring or supporting roles in “The Happiest Millionaire,””The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Airport 80” and others.
Television: Three years as host of “Hollywood Squares;” “The John Davidson Show” for two years; 80 appearances on “The Tonight Show” – the only singer to achieve that milestone; regular host of “The Kraft Music Hall,” “That’s Incredible!” and “The $100,000 Pyramid”; even a dramatic role on “Streets of San Francisco.” And that’s not all.
Nightclubs: Introduced to Las Vegas audiences by Jack Benny in 1966, he has headlined at the Las Vegas Hilton, the MGM Grand, Caesar’s Palace, the Riviera, the Desert Inn, the Golden Nugget and Harrah’s.
In recent years, he has written and starred in his autobiographical musical, “Father/Son (& Holy Ghost),” derived from growing up as the offspring of two ordained American Baptist ministers in Pittsburgh,PA.
Davidson and his wife, Rhonda, whom he met in Branson while she was singing with Vicki Carr, even found the time to create a popular game, Borderline, that educates children in world geography.
He has three achieving children in John, Jr., a business consultant; Jennifer, a professional ice skater; and Ashleigh, who appeared with her father on the national tour of “State Fair” and, while still a high school honors student, has her sights on a career in the arts.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 828-227-2479 or online at http://www.wcu.edu/fapac. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for Senior Citizens and $5 for Children/Students.
