MOUNT VERNON - The son of a saloonkeeper, Jack Benny (born Benny Kubelsky) began to study the violin at the age six, and his "ineptness" at it later become his trademark when in reality, he was a very accomplished player. When given the opportunity to play in live theatre professionally, he quit school and joined vaudeville. His radio and television series lasted nearly 40 years and his comedic timing, miserly character and claiming to be 39 no matter what age he was brought delight to audiences everywhere.
On Thursday April 14, Elixir presents a fun filled evening with Jack Benny as portrayed in first person living history style by Greg Patterson, a veteran of the Chautauqua stage and amazing talent in his own right. The program will open with a presentation by the Mount Vernon Players and Greg as Jack Benny will take the stage at ThePlace@TheWoodward [120 S, Main Street in downtown Mount Vernon, Ohio], a first floor theatre that is accessible to those with special needs.
The Chautauqua Series, the only year round monthly Chautauqua in the United States is a Knox County treasure and everyone can come as the programs are presented on a donation basis, with 100% of collection going to the performers. The doors open at 6 PM, the program starts at 7 PM, Jack Benny with hit the stage at approximately 7:45 PM and will entertain questions from the audience immediately after his presentation.
In order to pay expenses and provide these entertainment scholars compensation, Elixir is grateful to The Ariel Foundation for providing a grant to support the series in part.
For more information on this or future shows in the series, call 740-392-6102 or visit www.elixirpresents.com or www.VisitKnoxOhio.org and if you’d like a gentle reminder on the Sunday before each program by email, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.