GO CHIEFS! — Last month we told you Gary Friedman was the highest bidder in an auction to attend the NFL Draft in New York City as a guest of the Chiefs. He and his wife Patti flew to New York for the draft, held May 8-10. As the Chiefs’ representative, Friedman carried the draft pick’s hat on the red carpet and was to hand NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell the team jersey the commissioner traditionally gives to each of the first-round draft picks. But the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick, Dee Ford, a defensive end from Auburn, wasn’t in New York so Friedman didn’t get to meet him. He did, however, have a first-class
experience. He met the commissioner, several top Chiefs executives and his hotel room was even upgraded to a suite by none other than Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid. The Friedmans even had some free time in New York and managed to squeeze in two Broadway plays. In the category of “isn’t it a small world,” Friedman happened to meet the fan representing the Houston Oilers, who coincidentally is Cherice Gerson’s brother. All in all, he said it was a trip he will never forget!
HACKETT MILLER’S HIT COMING TO K.C. — Theater League of Kansas City presents Hackett Miller’s hit musical, “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts May 27 through June 1. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.theaterleague.com/kansascity/sandy-hacketts-rat-pack-show/.
“Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show” recreates what it would have been like to see legendary icons Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop live onstage together.
The hit musical is produced by Hackett Miller, the jointly led production company of producers Lisa Dawn Miller and her husband Sandy Hackett. Miller is the daughter of the late legendary songwriter Ron Miller and also stars in the show as “Frank’s One Love,” a character based on Sinatra’s great love, Ava Gardner. Hackett is the son of legendary Jewish comedian Buddy Hackett, who portrays “God” in the show via voiceovers he recorded prior to his death in 2003.
FIRST FRIDAY IN THE CROSSROADS — Several members of the Jewish community are hosting a fundraising event benefitting KC Care Clinic (formerly The Kansas City Free Health Clinic) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 6 at Outpost Communications, 1919 Baltimore. It features local photography exhibit “Positive Images,” reflecting the Clinic’s outreach program “Project I Am.” Meet the internationally acclaimed photographer Duane Cramer at 5 p.m. for a pre-event conversation. The Cheap Dates featuring band members Dee Pack, Steve Cole, Max Barry, Jimmy Rosenbloom, Toni Dodd and Jeff Daniels, will perform. There is no charge for the event; for more information contact Matt Anderson at 816-777-2764.
