UNLV in tune with return of Broadway legend

Friday, Oct. 22, 2004 | 8:55 a.m.

As he talked, he admired his view -- a far cry from the flatlands of Wichita Falls, Texas, where he was born in 1939, and Houston, where he grew up as the son of a restaurateur.

The 6-foot-6-inch-tall hoofer has been a New Yorker since graduating from the University of Houston and arriving in the Big Apple on St. Patrick's Day, 1964.

The day after his arrival he had a role in the road company production of "Irma La Douce" and a year later was a featured dancer in "Baker Street" on Broadway.

Tune (his real name) has been busy ever since, dancing, choreographing, directing shows and enjoying life -- winning nine Tony Awards along the way.

For about two years he starred in "EFX" at the MGM Grand, from 1999 to 2001. Tune replaced David Cassidy (who replaced Michael Crawford) and preceded Rick Springfield (who was the lead when the show closed in December 2002 to make way for the new Cirque du Soleil production, "KA," which premieres in November).

Tune and the Manhattan Rhythm Kings will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall.

"I'm up here on top of the world in my penthouse, singing the 'Penthouse Serenade,' " quipped the angular Texan.

Although he was born in the West Texas town of Wichita Falls, he and his family moved to Houston in East Texas when he was 1.

Today he is pure Yankee.

"New York is such an exciting place, hugely exciting," Tune said. "We are so stacked on top of each other here that our creative energy ricochets around and off each other. It's a very dense culture."

He found his 2 1/2 years in Las Vegas, which is becoming denser by the day, exciting as well.

"I had a ball while I was there," said Tune, who lived on Mount Charleston during his tenure at the MGM. "When I was there five major hotels opened."

Saturday will mark his first performance here since leaving EFX.

"The opportunity simply hasn't presented itself," Tune said. "I love it there -- it's a city dedicated to entertainment."

And Tune has dedicated himself to entertaining most of his life.

During his career, in addition to his Tonys he has received eight Drama Desk Awards; two Obie Awards; Dance Magazine's Award for Lifetime Achievement; the 1990 American Dance Award (presented by the National Academy of Dance); the 1990 Drama League Musical Theatre Award for Direction and Choreography; the Astaire Award in both 1990 and 1991; George Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement; the University of Texas' distinguished Alumnus Award and the Jean Cocteau International Style Award.

He was also named to the Top 10 International Best Dressed List of 1992.

Tune and the Rhythm Kings have been performing together, between productions and other gigs, for more than 20 years.

"I found them on the street," Tune said. "They were street entertainers on Broadway. I came out of the subway one day, by the River Garden Theatre, and a crowd surrounded them. They were singing, tap dancing, playing instruments. People were clapping. I left my card in their hat and they called me."

They have been a team ever since, performing all over the world.

"We really enjoy each other's company," Tune said.

The only time they aren't performing is when they have different engagements, such as his two years with "EFX" when he performed in 10 shows a week.

Tune says now he and the Rhythm Kings often perform with world-class symphonies.

"We have so much material we can put together a performance crafted for each location," he said.

At UNLV, Tune and his team will be backed up by university music students, which he is looking forward to. He says he likes to give students the opportunity to gain experience with professional performers.

"My charts are very complicated," Tune said. "If I was just a singer it would be different, but once you add dance to it, it is more difficult.

"The all-student orchestra is a great idea."

When he isn't performing, Tune is busy directing and choreographing Broadway musicals.

"I prefer creating new musicals as opposed to doing revivals," Tune said. "The thrill is in creating."

He says he has directed and choreographed his entire life.

"When I was a kid I had 'The Patio Revue,' " he said. "I whipped the kids into shape to raise money for the milk and ice cream fund."