By Mary Ann Bourbeau
OCEAN TOWNSHIP – As the son of iconic entertainers Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé, David Lawrence’s childhood was not normal by any means.
“My brother and I were exposed to people and experiences that most people don’t get to experience,” he said. “It’s one thing growing up the child of a celebrity, but it’s entirely different when both parents are celebrities.”
As a child, Lawrence spent a lot of time on tour with his parents and in the presence of some of the greatest singers of the era, such as Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., who was such a close family friend that he was known simply as “Uncle Sam.”
“We grew up thinking this was the norm,” he said.
Today, Lawrence works as a composer, songwriter and producer. He was nominated for an Emmy for his work on Disney’s “Descendants.” His work in TV and film includes “Liv and Maddie,” “Freaky Friday,” the “High School Musical” trilogy and the “American Pie” movies. He has worked with musicians Dianne Schuur and Earth Wind and Fire, served as musical supervisor for “Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows” and orchestrated the Off-Broadway musicals “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” and “Tapestry.”
His latest project is a tribute to his parents. On May 21 and 22, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center will present the East Coast premiere of “A Toast to Steve & Eydie,” starring Lawrence and Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte. Music director Russ Kassoff will conduct a 20-piece swing band for this evening of jazz, pop and standards from the Great American Songbook, all with the original orchestrations.
“I’m at a point in my life where, because my mom is gone and my dad is ill, I want to promote their legacy,” said Lawrence. “I initially wanted to do this with them, so it’s bittersweet. But I know I’m doing this with their blessing. I feel that every day.”
Steve and Eydie’s careers spanned over five decades on television, in Las Vegas and on Broadway. They are known for hits such as “I’ve Got to Be Me,” “This Could Be the Start of Something Big,” “Too Close for Comfort” and “Blame it on the Bossa Nova.”
“It was a very elegant era, with tuxes and gowns,” said Lawrence. “That era is gone. People don’t write those kind of arrangements anymore. It’s kind of like a lost art.”
Gravitte has appeared on Broadway in “They’re Playing Our Song,” “Les Misérables” and “Zorba” and won a Tony Award for “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway.” She regularly performs with symphony orchestras and has recorded four solo albums, the first of which was produced by Lawrence.
“When we met, Debbie and I just clicked,” he said. “She’s so much like my mother – her humor and obviously her voice. She’s sassy and funny and has the same fiery energy.”
They have performed this tribute show only once before, this past January at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California. Comedian Carol Burnett came backstage after the show and was weeping.
“She told us, ‘You completely got them,’” said Gravitte.
It’s not the first time Lawrence and Gravitte have portrayed Steve and Eydie, though. They were cast as the couple in the 2000 movie “Isn’t She Great” starring Bette Midler and Nathan Lane. In 2018, they reproduced their 1960s show, “Golden Rainbow,” for one night at 54 Below in New York City.
“A Toast to Steve & Eydie” will contain not only their iconic songs but the humor and playful banter that was common in their act.
“I was lucky enough to meet Steve and Eydie,” said Gravitte. “I’m still in awe of them. Our show is a love letter to them both. I don’t want to give too much away, but at one point in the show, we’ll step into being them.”
“A Toast to Steve & Eydie” will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 21 and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22. Tickets are $52-56. For more information, call 732-531-9106, ext. 14 or visit axelrodartscenter.com.
This article originally appeared in the May 12 – 18, 2022, print edition of The Two River Times.
