1/31/2022
Performances and Artists
Tony-nominated vocalist and actress Ann Hampton Callaway to perform Peggy Lee’s sizzling and romantic hits on April 3
If any Southern Nevadans think they’re unfamiliar with Tony-nominated vocalist, actress and songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway, they can think again.
“If people haven’t heard me live, they have heard me in their cars and on TV,” says Callaway, whose vast talent spans Broadway, film, television and recording.
She wrote and sang the theme song for famous TV series “The Nanny,” for instance, she recorded the love song for Queen Latifah film “Last Holiday,” and she’s recorded over 50 albums as a soloist and guest artist. She even recently appeared in the film “The Good Shepherd” alongside Matt Damon, Robert De Niro and Angelina Jolie, with her music featured in the movie.
“I love how music and film help each other,” she explains. “I want to write and sing more for film.”
And acclaimed for her songwriting, Callaway has penned numerous songs for icons like Barbra Streisand.
“Barbra’s star quality is truly dazzling. I would say she is the only person in show business I am still intimidated by,” Callaway concedes.
Now, Callaway will use her glittering vocals to celebrate another woman as multitalented as her.
Callaway will perform a special concert on April 3 in Myron’s at The Smith Center to honor six decades of tunes from late music-and-Hollywood legend Peggy Lee, best known for sizzling hits like “Fever” and “Big Spender.”
“This show is as intimate and personal as it gets,” Callaway says. “It is a one-woman show honoring a woman who has inspired me throughout my life.”
The Star Power of Peggy Lee
Following Peggy Lee’s 100th birthday in 2020, Callaway found Lee a fitting choice as the next icon to highlight in her series of shows honoring beloved artists.
“(Peggy Lee) was cheated of her centennial celebrations (due to the pandemic), so it will be exciting to celebrate her brilliant career as a singer, actress and trailblazing songwriter,” Callaway says.
Callaway plans to highlight Lee’s epic career, which included earning a Grammy for her own hits and penning tunes for other greats like Duke Ellington.
Nicknamed the Female Frank Sinatra, Lee performed and recorded with music titan Benny Goodman, composed the tunes for Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” and even earned an Oscar nomination for starring in 1955 film “Pete Kelly’s Blues.”
Callaway will perform a wide range of melodies from Lee’s versatile musical career, including swinging jazz melodies she recorded with Goodman, showstopping songs like “Fever” and rich love ballads like “Johnny Guitar.”
“People will swoon at the gorgeous love songs, marvel at the brilliance of Peggy’s (self-written) songs, and are certain to get ‘Fever’ from the whole night,” Callaway promises.
Surrounded by Stars
Callaway’s own career has often brought her close to stars of Lee’s caliber.
Robert De Niro made a last-minute decision to feature Callaway in “The Good Shepherd,” she recalls, and gave Oscar-nominated costumer designer Ann Roth just a day to create Callaway’s costume.
“Bob, as he insisted on me calling him, was very sweet and at one point introduced me to the stars of the film,” Callaway says. “Matt Damon was even more handsome in person, and Angelina was a sultry sphinx when she sauntered up to me and purred her hello. I wanted to say, ‘please adopt me!’"
Her favorite ventures include writing and starring in her own Broadway production, “Swing” – though she always returns to performing live in intimate venues like Myron’s.
“Nothing quite compares to the shimmering intimacy of a great venue like Myron’s,” Callaway says. “It’s perfectly designed for the artist and the listener to have a supremely personal musical experience.”
SEE THE SHOW
“Ann Hampton Callaway – Fever! The Peggy Lee Century” runs April 3 – for tickets, CLICK HERE.