(DEAL PARK, NJ) -- The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) presents Linda Lavin and the Aaron Weinstein Trio in “My Life in Story and Song” on Sunday, February 26 for a concert and “gab session” at 2:00pm. Tickets prices range from $38-42 for premium seats, $35-39 for regular seats.
Linda Lavin became a household name in the 1970s when her hit sitcom “Alice” ran on CBS for nine years. Turning 80 in October, Lavin continues to do what she loves to do: perform! In addition to her decades-long television career, Lavin has been a staple on the New York stage since the 1960s, appearing in both musicals and plays.
Tony winner for her performance in “Broadway Bound,” Lavin was nominated for five other Tony Awards (“The Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “The Tale of the Alergist’s Wife,” “Collected Stories” and “The Lyons”). Her Tony-winning performance in 1987 reopened the door to the Great White Way for Lavin, and stellar reviews for her performances in “Gypsy” (1990), “Sisters Rosensweig” (1993), “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” (2000) and other plays continue to win her roles. Her last appearance on Broadway in “Our Mother’s Brief Affair” at Manhattan Theater Club garnered her excellent notices. Time Out called Lavin “a stage powerhouse” and a “actor-singer extraordinaire.”
Last month Lavin appeared in New York City Opera’s revival of “Candide,” at Lincoln Center, a star-studded cast directed by Hal Prince. The New York Times reviewed Lavin’s stand-out performance: “The splendid actress Linda Lavin stole every scene she was in…”
Lavin has been performing in cabaret and nightclubs and recently released a new CD, aptly called “Possibilities” (referring to the Charles Strouse song she introduced in the 1966 musical “It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman”). Going strong at nearly 80, Lavin will be sharing “My Life in Story and Song” at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, backed by jazzy, swinging Aaron Weinstein Trio.
Jazz violinist and showman, Aaron Weinstein, a frequent collaborator of Lavin, has worked with many legends in his life. Tony Bennett called him is “the Groucho of the violin,” and jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli said he’s “a perfect musician.” Weinstein has performed as a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, Blue Note, and abroad at jazz festivals in England, France, Switzerland, Iceland, and Israel.
Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Avenue in Deal Park (Ocean Township). APAC provides ample, free parking and is completely handicap accessible. Hearing assistive devices available.
Photo by Bill Westmoreland