Chevalier on Broadway - an American tribute
He referred to himself as a "sunshine singer" and
brought
sunshine to millions around the world during his long career.
He was hailed as "France's Greatest Goodwill Ambassador."
He was the highest paid entertainer in the world in the 30's.
Maurice Chevalier was
arguably the greatest international entertainer of the 20th century. His story is a spicy "rags to riches" epic
which starts in a very poor section of Paris called Menilmontant, but evolves into a long, history-making career of almost
70 years in which he is celebrated and revered the world over. This double-CD consists of two simulated "live" on-stage
performances of Maurice in two acts. Act One takes place at the Henry Miller's theater in NYC in 1947, when he returns
to the US after a twelve-year absence. He refers to his Hollywood career, tells us interesting facts about his life and loves,
and pays a tribute to his movie partner, Jeanette MacDonald, with whom he made four hit movies. Act Two takes place at Lincoln
Center in Philharmonic Hall in 1967 when he is touring 80 special cities worldwide, giving his farewell performances to his
many adoring fans. He talks about his first and second Hollywood careers, tells funny stories, and regales his audience with
his hits, including those from his best-known movie, the highly-acclaimed, Academy Award winning "Gigi."
Don Sheppard portrays Maurice Chevalier,
with Musical Director Khris Dodge conducting the Chevalier
on Broadway "pit orchestra." All arrangements and orchestrations are by Khris
Dodge. The Director is Glenda Morgan Brown. Book is by Don Sheppard and Glenda Morgan Brown. The Sound Engineer is Jim Brady. Recorded and mixed at Jim Brady Recording Studios in Tucson,
Arizona.
We are very honored to have received a very warm and enthusiastic response
from Maurice Chevalier's personal assistant and manager for the last 20 years of his long career, François Vals. François and his wife Madeleine toured with Maurice and his pianist throughout the
world. François and Madeleine now live on the northwest coast of France.
