Who else but Renee Taylor can command a stage at the Wallis Annenberg theatre in Beverly Hills for 90 minutes, and have the standing room only-audience in stitches? The Emmy Award-winning writer/actress looks back on her life which included memorable roles in Hollywood, Television (“The Nanny”) and as a Broadway Babe. But her most winning role as a Diet Maven (as profiled in her tome – “My Life on a Diet”) was the most hilarious.
This self-described “Diet Junkey” delivers anecdotes from such legends as Marilyn Monroe (who she knew from her days at the actors studio) and Barbara Streisand, whose a grape a day plan brings about success. We had the pleasure of being a pal to Renee and saw the original production in her Beverly Hills home, with her late husband, actor Joe Bologna directing. The play went to New York and was highly acclaimed off-Broadway at the Theatre at St. Clements. It won a nomination for Best Comedy and is now on a national tour. Some of Renee’s buddies and former co-stars in the audience included adorable Joely Fisher, Richard Benjamin, Paula Prentis, Streisand’s ex, Elliot Gould, and, of course, her “daughter” in “The Nanny”, Fran Drescher.
After the show, we were treated to a light supper and birthday cake to celebrate the Birth of a Comic Genius and a recent inductee into the Bronx Jewish Hall of Fame, probably Renee’s favorite award!
It may be too late to see “My Life on a Diet” in Los Angeles – but keep April 24 open for the launch of Brit Week at the Wallis Theatre. You will see a salute to the most famous club in the world = The Cavern Club in Liverpool – the birthplace of The Beatles. We have had the pleasure of attending Brit Week in LA for years, and hope to see our pals Michael York and the aforementioned Joely Fisher who performed last year.
For further info, please contact The Wallis Center for Performing Arts, or check out their website: TheWallis.org. You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy Renee Taylor’s humor and certainly not being born British should deter you from enjoying Brit week in LA.
