SUN CITY – If the shoe fits, Sun City resident Sheila Gillis definitely wears it. As Celtic Club Member and Ted O’Sullivan Show Part II writer, producer, director, she wears a lot of shoes. But when you’re following in the footsteps of Ed Sullivan himself, it would take that to put on a big “shoe” like The Ted O’Sullivan Show Part II, staring Paul Runkel as Ted O’Sullivan, among his many famous guests, not the least of which includes Marilyn Monroe.
Ted O’Sullivan show stoppers (left to right): Judy Mercer as Marilyn Monroe, Paul Runkel the star Ted O’Sullivan, and Jo Leonardo as little Topo Gigio. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
Gillis, through the Celtic Club and Lifestyles Department, premiered the Ted O’Sullivan Show last year to widespread success around Sun City, selling out every seat and creating a memorable experience that called for another go-around this year.
What: Variety show and offshoot of the Ed Sullivan Show, featuring famous and historical guests reprised by actors.
Presented by: The Celtic Club and Lifestyles Department
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, August 10 and 11
Where: Drendel Ballroom
Tickets: Available at CAM Desk
Reserved Seating: Once tickets are purchased visit Prairie Lodge in front of the CAM Desk on Thursdays June 16, 23, 30 or July 7, 14, 21, 28 or August 4 to reserve seats.
More info: Contact Sheila Gillis at 847-961-6615.
At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, August 10 and 11 in Drendel Ballroom, audiences can expect a non-stop, unforgettable performance from some of the best talent both inside and outside Sun City, as Ted O’Sullivan travels through time to bring you some of the greatest names that never appeared on the Ed Sullivan Stage.
“It’s a remake of the Ed Sullivan Show,” Gillis explained. “He’ll [Ted Sullivan] have traveled through time, looking for the best talent out there.”
Needless to say, the Ted O’Sullivan Show promises big laughs, high entertainment, and great acting both serious and comedic. Gillis said the show is comprised of music, singing, dancing, and acted segments. Popular commercials from Ed Sullivan’s days will speckle the duration, along with an intermission that’s as funny as the show itself.
“It’s a huge variety,” Gillis said. “I thought it would be a great type of show for this community. Ed Sullivan was the hugest show in the 50s and 60s. It’s something everybody out here would remember.”
Gillis said she thought the Ed Sullivan show found the best talent out there and was versatile enough to always present acts that everyone would like, which was what she was trying to accomplish with the Ted O’Sullivan Show.
“That’s what I tried to do with this show, find something from different times that everyone would like and have fun with,” Gillis said. “It’s all about the fun. No matter what, it’s all about the fun.”
Sun City resident Jo Leonardo plays popular kids pop culture icon Topo Gigio in the Ted O’Sullivan Show Part II. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
When Gillis describes the Ted O’Sullivan Show as a really big “shoe,” she’s not kidding. Between a cast of 50 characters on top of crew and miscellaneous helpers, she said about 70 people work to put the show together.
Gillis also said that after the laughs are over and the show’s a sellout, all the proceeds will be used to buy Christmas gifts for underprivileged children.
“Because of the talent and variety,” said Gillis, “it [The Ted O’Sullivan Show] is going to be one of the best shows out here.”
