![Photos from Gilda Radner and "Bunny Bunny"](http://www.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/c8/d7/show_0.jpg "Photos from Gilda Radner and "Bunny Bunny"")
The name Gilda Radner is synonymous with comedy. Just the mention of her name invokes images of Rosanne Rosannadanna, Baba Wawa, and Weekend Update. She is on the list of most iconic women in comedy – among names like Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, and Tracy Ullman. She was one of the original women in comedy, the first female to be cast on Saturday Night Live, and one of the original Not Ready for Primetime Players. She sadly passed away at the age of 43 from Ovarian Cancer, but her legacy lives on. Ask any comedienne working today and they will tell you that Gilda Radner remains as one of the most iconic women in comedy. Ever.
Alan Zweibel was one of the original writers for Saturday Night Live, and he formed a fast friendship, and an intense, emotional relationship with Gilda. He captures the essence of their deep friendship in the play titled Bunny Bunny. The play follows the two overgrown kids through their lives until Radner’s untimely death. The title references a childhood ritual of Gilda’s. She would say these two words her father taught her in order to keep the shadows and monsters away. Gilda’s father died when she was young, but she continued to evoke these words at the start of every month.
Stories on Stage will be presenting this emotional and true story as read by the delightful Maggie Roswell. Roswell is best known as the voice of Maude Flanders, Helen Lovejoy, Ms. Hoover, and LuAnn Van Houten on The Simpsons. This Emmy Award winning actress will be bringing the words of Alan Zweibel and Gilda Radner to life for this very special performance. Roswell certainly acknowledges the impact that Gilda Rader has on comedy today, “Gilda’s humor was embraced by millions. Primarily, because she had a vulnerability to all of her characters. She never was mean spirited. That is why so many generations have loved her. Tracy Ullman is a phenomenal talent...but many of her characters have too much of an edge. Therefore an audience does not identify with them. Although she is admired for her talent she does not exude warmth and that is what Gilda Radner had in spades.”
Gilda’s humor was embraced by millions. Primarily, because she had a vulnerability to all of her characters. She never was mean spirited.
So who does Roswell look up to, in the comedy world? “Carol Burnett is my all time favorite. I was lucky enough to meet her when I starred in the Tim Conway Show with Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. She is another example of someone whose characters the John Q Public could identify with..she is also a warm caring human being...and that shows through everything she does.”
But the women of Saturday Night Live and specifically Gilda Radner have had an impact on comedy that is undeniable. Comedy has always been a male dominated field, and women in comedy today have to thank the people that paved the way for them. Carol Burnett, Tracy Ullman, Gilda Radner, and the other women of Saturday Night Live have had an impact on comedy today that is undeniable. As Roswell aptly noted, “Gilda and all the women on SNL have to work twice as hard as the men. Most of the men have been given film deals...The women...not so much...why is that?”
No matter the reason, any fan of comedy can appreciate the contribution and talent of Gilda Radner. Stories on Stage is presenting a unique opportunity to hear this amazing play as read by another extremely talented and well known actress. Roswell will be accompanied by Broadway actor Aaron Serotsky (performing as Alan Zweible) for two performances only. Make your plans now, go online and purchase your tickets today, and be sure to catch this exciting performance. You can thank me later.
Stories on Stage presents
Bunny Bunny
Gilda Radner: A Sort of Love Story
A story of humor and heart-break. “If it isn’t one thing, it’s another.”
Saturday, January 15
1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Su Teatro @ the Denver Civic Theatre, 721 Santa Fe Drive.
Single tickets are $25 Adult/ $15 Student
Online at www.storiesonstage.org or by phone at 303-494-0523
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Tickets that also benefit the local chapter of Cancer Support Community can also be purchased via www.cancersupportcolorado.org for $50. A $25 donation going toward this local affiliate whose origin was Gilda's Club Denver! The mission of CSCC is to "ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community" Join us, either way ($25 or $50 tickets!) as we team with other community organizations to provide the Gilda-inspired support to anyone in the Denver Metro area touched by cancer (patient, family or friends!)
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