SIN Entertainment

You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet

Jolson: The Musical comes to Toronto.

SUZANNE CHESSLER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

T

wo Jewish rags-to-riches stories
resonate through Toronto's Royal
Alexandra Theatre this sum-
mer.
Jolson: the Musical, a 25-song production
with the original English cast, recounts the
life of legendary entertainer Al Jolson, played
by Brian Conley.
The show is being brought to Canada by
Ed(win) Mirvish, whose business enterprises
include a discount store, restaurants and three
theaters — the Royal Alexandra and the
Princess of Wales in Toronto and the Old Vic
in London, England.
"I feel very privileged to be part of the the-
ater; it's such an exciting world," said Mirvish,
83, who bought the Royal Alexandra 35 years
ago after learning it was about to be turned
into a parking lot.
"I think Jolson is a great musical. Visually
and vocally, this show is sheer entertainment.
The audiences are filled with people of all ages.
"Jolson was a one-of-a-kind entertainer who
played the Royal Alexandra eight times. I saw
him the last time around in 1941, and this
show brings back great memories. Pm very fa-
miliar with all the songs."
Mirvish, who has been at the opening night
of all 450 shows coming to his first theater, al-
ways invites the cast to private dinners at his
playing in Toronto
restaurants. A few years ago, Jolson's second Brian Conley stars as Al Jolson in Jolson: the Musical,
wife, Ruby Keeler, also dined with Mirvish through Aug. 30.
with anecdotes about the show business personal-
during a trip to Toronto.
"I happened to mention that her father-in-law ities he's met.
"I've been familiar with the Nederlanders and
was my claim to fame," recalled Mirvish, who di-
vides each day with time at the discount store, the Fisher Theatre," said Mirvish, whose son,
David, devotes his energies to the family's theater
restaurants and theaters.
"I was born in Virginia when Al Jolson and his enterprises.
"When David Nederlander was in Detroit, I
father lived in Washington, D.C. At that time, there
was no rabbi in Colonial Beach, so Jolson's father, would visit the city and see the shows. In recent
a cantor, was asked to circumcise me. It's not ex- years, I don't seem to have time. Fm in England
every three months with the Old Vic Theatre."
actly dinner conversation, but it's the truth."
Mirvish does set aside time to talk to young peo-
The truth about Mirvish's life, as seen through
ple about making the most out of opportunities. He
describes what he did after losing his father at a
young age and being thrust into poverty.
"I try to point out that people are lucky to live in
a country like Canada or the United States, where
they can start with little formal education and no
money and still find the opportunity to improve
themselves," he explained.
"There are many places in the world where no
matter how hard people try, they can't get ahead
because the very country prevents it
Mirvish enjoys celebrating his birthday — and
his triumphs — with a party open to the public.
A Toronto tradition, the annual event included
60,000 guests last year.
Each July 20, he closes off the street next to Hon-
est Ed's, his huge discount store, and provides free
food, free prizes and free professional entertain-
ment between noon and 8 p.m.
Ed Mhvish, owner of the Royal Alexandra Theatre: Jolson's
This year, there could be stars from Jolson.
father was his "claim to fame."
"If Detroit Jewish News readers are in Toronto
on the 20th, they're invited to my birthday party,"
his own eyes, is told through two books.
The first — How to Build an Empire on an or- Mirvish said. ❑
ange Crate or 121 Lessons I Never Learned in School
12 Jolson runs through Aug. 3Q at the Royal
—is in its third printing. The second — There's No Alexandra
Theatre in Toronto. For information,
Business Like Show Business, But I Wouldn't Ditch
1
4613333.
call
(800)
My Day Job — is coming out this October filled

Find out in this week's
JN Entertainment section.

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