Actor-singer-impressionist Christine Pedi, currently appearing as self-described “guest diva” in the spoof musical Spamilton, will pay tribute to the late Broadway lyricist Betty Comden in a solo concert titled Wonderful Songs, planned for May 3 at Feinstein’s/54 Below nightclub in Manhattan.
Pedi told Playbill that she chose the May 3 date because it is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Comden (1917–2006), who, in collaboration with Adolph Green, wrote lyrics to Broadway and film hits including On the Town, Wonderful Town, Peter Pan, The Will Rogers Follies, On the 20th Century and Bells Are Ringing.
Pedi said her playlist will include “I Rise Again,“ “Babette,” “A Little Bit in Love,” “If You Hadn’t But You Did,” “You Mustn't Feel Discouraged,” “Thanks a Lot, But No Thanks,” ”Never Never Land,” and others.
In addition to co-producing Spamilton, a parody of Hamilton and other current Broadway shows by Gerard Alessandrini (Forbidden Broadway), Pedi has appeared in the Off-Broadway production at Stage 72 (formerly the Triad), and is in Chicago through March 19, helping to open it there.
Pedi‘s impression of Liza Minnelli, “Sh*t Liza Minnelli Says,” was a viral hit on YouTube:
Pedi also hosts two shows on Sirius XM radio. She programs the “On Broadway” stream on channel 72 Monday through Friday 9 AM to 3 PM ET. She also hosts “Dueling Divas” with Seth Rudetsky 9 AM to 2 PM ET with Seth Rudetsky.
