PRESENTING — "John O'Hurley, A Man With Standards," at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

JANUARY 7, 2020 — LA MIRADA, CA

La Mirada Theatre For the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Boulevard, presents “Seinfeld” star and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant John O’Hurley in “A Man With Standards,” for one night only — Saturday, January 18, 2020.

John O’Hurley is best known as the pompous catalog-company entrepreneur John Peterman on “Seinfeld,” the #1 syndicated television show in the world, for which he won a Screen Actor’s Guild Award.

Most recently starring in the comedy feature “Swing Away,” John was NBC’s “Father of the Pride," and a first-season contestant on the ABC hit “Dancing with the Stars” (making it to the finals!); he was the former host of “Family Feud,” and was also soap opera’s most interesting character on "General Hospital" as well as the go-to doctor on “The Young and the Restless.”

He is one of the most recognizable voices on TV, co-hosting the annual “National Dog Show” on Thanksgiving Day and appearing in dozens of animated productions, including Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob Square Pants” and the "Flintstones." O'Hurley has made an array of guest appearances on TV series episodes such as “Baywatch” and “Mad About You” and you may have also seen him hosting either the “Miss America” or “Miss World” Pageants. In May 2011, O'Hurley received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He’s also a man of musical standards with lyrics that speak of truth and emotions delivered with a full-bodied baritone.

He was born, he says, at a very young age in Kittery Maine. Then at three years old, John announced to his family, “I am an actor.” In first grade he proudly portrayed a marigold in his first play and his career grew from there. Tackling all genres of show business, his stage credits include starring roles in the national tours of “Chicago” (with over 1500 performances), “Spamalot,” ”Pirates of Penzance,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “Brigadoon.” He credits his eclectic career to the values learned from his family and from the ethos of times past.

“I was lucky enough to grow up by the sounds of the standards, and I was lucky enough to grow up in the presence of gentlemen who had standards.” This forms an hour-plus show reminiscent of the days of poise, grace and fine taste that is as sentimental as it is humorous, with sharp timing in stories delivered so eloquently that they sound casual. His patter is seamless, with anecdotes leading into songs and carrying his audience with him as he looks back on special moments. He tells of his mother’s humming, not singing, just humming, and learning to sing her favorite song, “Moon River” when he was eight years old. He paints a portrait of his parents’ Saturday nights of “dinner and dancing,” his mother with her hair “done” that afternoon, and his parents dressed up in their “going out” clothes. And with a light swing, he turns back the clock more than a half-century to songs of the day. Songs like “Beyond the Sea” and “Let There Be Love.”

His music idol was Frank Sinatra, who once invited O’Hurley to a celebrity golf outing and a private party later. There was a pianist playing and it was expected that singers step up and entertain Sinatra. Robert Goulet sang a couple of songs, Don Rickles cracked a few barbs, and then O’Hurley was called. He chose two songs written by Joe Raposo, a nostalgic “There Used to be a Ballpark,” and “You Will Be My Music.” Questionable choices perhaps — O’Hurley sings Sinatra! But what a reaction from Ol’ Blue Eyes!

O’Hurley’s first CD, “Peace of Our Minds,” a collaboration of his piano compositions with world-renowned cellist Marston Smith, debuted #13 on Billboard. He is a New York Times bestselling author with three titles, including “The Perfect Dog,” which is becoming a stage musical. Most recently, John has a recurring role on the Lifetime series “Devious Maids,” opposite Susan Lucci.

Yes, this voice actor, singer, and comedian has truly done it all! Now with “A Man With Standards,” O’Hurley dazzles audiences with his gift of gab measured with just a slight edge of sarcasm, maybe even a touch of self-deprecation, in a show which, like O’Hurley, has a little bit of everything!

Don’t miss "John O’Hurley, A Man With Standards," with a one night only performance on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 8 pm at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue where the 91 and 5 freeways meet. Parking is free.

Tickets range from $15 - $52 (prices subject to change) and can be purchased at www.lamiradatheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310.

Group discounts are available. $15 Student Tickets are available.

Chris Daniels

Arts Reviewer

The Show Report