Anita Gillette, star of stage, screen, television and cabaret, recently completed two nights at Birdland with Me & Mr. B, a celebration of Irving Berlin. Gillette met Berlin in 1962 working on the Broadway musical, Mr. President, and the two became life-long friends. NiteLife Exchange celebrates Gillette and Mr. B with Six Questions:
- Nitelife Exchange (NLE) – What motivated you to perform in cabaret?
Anita Gillette (AG) – I had never done it and I wanted to add that to my list of achievements!
2. NLE – What was it in particular that drew you to create a tribute show to Irving Berlin?
AG – The man himself was a true friend and I have been wanting to honor him and tell everyone about our time together because we always had so much to talk about over the years.
3. NLE – What do you like to do on your spare time?
AG – Look for antiques.
4. NLE – After such a full and rewarding career, is there anything on your bucket list you’d like to accomplish?
AG – See my grand kids grow to the heights I know they will.
5. NLE – What was it like to step on a Broadway stage for the first time?
AG – At first, frightening, then exhilarating!!!
6. NLE – How did you and Penny Fuller come to create your very successful “Sin Twisters” act? Who came up with the title?
AG – We were both invited to a Christmas party at Len Cariou’s. We were both alone. I had lost my husband 3 years before and still reeling but trying to get with the social whirl in New York. We had known each other but were always up for the same jobs and traveled in different circles so never became friends. However, I was always being mistaken for her! We started a conversation and she told me that SHE had always been mistaken for me! So with wine glasses in hand, we slid down a wall in the hall a crowded apartment and started talking. We loved each other! Then, we both thought we should be on a stage at the same time so people might SEE our differences. She came up with the name — her mother had used it — and thusly, SIN TWISTERS was born!
For future dates and performances by Anita Gillette, visit her official website!
Anita you are such a great tslent! Loved you in everything I hwve seen. My fav of course Moonstruck and Shall W Dance. You were Amazing at Birdland and so glad to know you through our LOVLEY friend Richard Skipper! Rosey Apuzzo xxoo