Tommy Tune Plans Benefit Performance of Steps in Time

Tony Award winner Tommy Tune’s new autobiographical road show Steps in Time will play a special benefit performance at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College on September 21. The gala event, starring Tune himself with support from the Manhattan Rhythm Kings, will benefit the Friends in Deed organization’s Crisis Center for Life-Threatening Illness. The production is directed and choreographed by the star.

Steps in Time follows Tune’s half-century long career in show business. Tune began his career as a Rialto dancer, appearing in shows like Baker Street, A Joyful Noise and How Now Dow Jones. After stepping into the spotlight in Seesaw, which earned him his first of nine Tony Awards, Tune continued his career as an actor, winning additional Tony Awards for his choreography (A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Grand Hotel, My One and Only, The Will Rogers Follies) and directing (Nine, Grand Hotel, The Will Rogers Follies). The triple-threat crossed into film as well, working on such flicks as Hello Dolly, The Boyfriend, Mimi Bluette and Hollywood Blvd. Tune is also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts.

The Manhattan Rhythm Kings are known for their performances of popular American music from the 20s, 30s and 30s. The trio appeared on Broadway as Moose, Sam and Mingo in Crazy for You, reuniting with Tune a decade later to create the song and dance review White Tie and Tails. The Kings have shared the stage with Bob Hope, George Burns, Leonard Bernstein, Judy Collins, Bette Midler, Gregory Hines and Garrison Keillor over the course of their career, and have appeared at Radio City Musical Hall alongside the famed Rockettes.

Friends in Deed was founded in 1991 by Mike Nichols and Cynthia O’Neal. Their Crisis Center for Life-Threatening Illness works to transform the lives of thousands of critically ill patients by providing free programs, services, support and more to anyone diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, cancer or life-threatening physical illnesses. Friends in Deed also provides support and help for friends and family members effected by illness.