January 17, 2002
Debbie Reynolds ~ The Unsinkable Shining Star!
BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - On Sunday, February 17,
7:00 p.m., the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage
will feature mega star Debbie Reynolds. Internationally loved
for her thirty movies, Broadway performances, TV appearances
and nightclub shows, Debbie will dance and sing into your hearts.
Debbie Reynolds's film career began at MGM after
she won a beauty contest at age 16 impersonating Betty Hutton.
Most of her film work has been in MGM musicals, as perky, wholesome
young women. Gene Kelly selected 20 year old, Debbie Reynolds
to be his partner in Singin' in the Rain (1952). But she wasn't
a dancer. Fortunately, for all of us, she was a quick study.
Twelve years later, it seemed like she had been around forever
but she was only 31 when she gave an Academy Award nominee performance
in Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964).
In her career and personal life she has been "Unsinkable"
ever since. Debbie celebrates her 53rd year in show business.
She continues to use her dancing skills with stage work. Nearly
all the money she makes is spent toward her goal of creating
a Hollywood museum. Her collection numbers more than 3000 costumes
and 46,000 square-feet worth of props and equipment.
Debbie's off-stage/screen life is active and versatile.
She survived losing her first husband to Elizabeth Taylor and
second husband who lost his and her fortunes. She has two children,
Carrie Fisher and Todd Fisher and is a grandmother. She is a
life-long supporter and fundraiser for the Girl Scouts and founder-president
of the Thalians, a charity for emotionally disturbed children.
Tickets for Debbie Reynolds' performance at the
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage are available
by calling (269) 927-1221. Students (kindergarten through college)
and senior adults (60 and over) receive a 10 percent discount
off single ticket prices. Special group rates are available
to parties of 20 or more. These groups receive 15 percent savings
on ticket prices. For further information about group rates
and special arrangements, call the Group Coordinator at (269)
927-8100 x5022. The Boulevard Inn & Bistro is sponsoring
Debbie Reynolds' performance.
The 1,505-seat Mendel Center Mainstage Theater
offers state-of-the-art acoustics and comfortable seating in
elegant surroundings. Other amenities include free, lighted
parking; handicap accessibility (inside and out) and array of
special services, and friendly ushers and support personnel.
The Mendel Center is located within 30 minutes
of Niles and 40 minutes from Kalamazoo or South Bend. Located
on the Napier Avenue campus of Lake Michigan College, the Mendel
Center is one mile east of I-94 on Napier Avenue (Exit 30) in
Benton Township, Michigan.
Box office hours: 10:00 - 2:00
