Legendary and iconic actress, Ruta Lee, has been taking her audience on a tour of classic stage and screen with “Consider Your Ass Kissed.” During her LA Engagement on the Debbie Reynolds stage at the historic El Portal Theater.
As Chairman Emeritus of the Thalians (http://www.thalians.org/), Ruta was thrilled to announce from the stage that this years "Mr Wonderful” award (Designed by Walt Disney) will be presented to singer and song writing icon, Neil Sedaka, with special performance by award winning artist and icon of stage and screen, Ann Jillian. The event will be held at the Bel Air Country Club on Dec 6th, 2025
Past recipients of the Mr Wonderful and Ms Wonderful Award (http://www.thalians.org/honorees/) have included: Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Gene Kelly, Ann-Margret, Sammy Davis, Shirley MacLaine, Carol Burnett, Mickey Rooney, Carol Channing, Debbie Reynolds, Clint Eastwood, Sally Field, Smokey Robinson, Liza Minnelli, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.
ABOUT THE HONOREE: Singer. Songwriter. Composer. Pianist. Author. Neil Sedaka’s impressive sixty year career ranges from being one of the first teen pop sensations of the 50’s, a tunesmith for himself and other artists in the 60’s, an international superstar in the 70’s, remaining a constant force in writing and performing presently. This is all thanks to the countless songs he has written, performed, and produced that continue to inspire artists and audiences around the world. Neil has made many television appearances throughout his career, including being one of the first musical guests on “Saturday Night Live”, two NBC prime-time TV Specials & FOX’s hit Television show American Idol, as a guest judge. Clay Aiken would perform Neil’s “Solitaire”, which saw an inevitable release, reaching #4 on the Hot 100 Singles chart, was one of the Top Selling Singles of 2004 and reintroduced Neil to a new generation of fans. The accolades showered on Neil Sedaka have been numerous. Sedaka has been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, has had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn, and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I Do It For Applause”, Neil’s latest studio album of twelve new Sedaka songs and the official release of “Joie De Vivre”. “The album is the culmination of sixty-four years of writing”, says Neil. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Neil took to social media, performing daily mini-concerts of his entire body of work for his loyal devoted fan base, while introducing his timeless songs to a new audience. This will no doubt add to his legend – that of a consummate musician, an extraordinary vocalist, and an ageless songwriting talent. For more info visit https://neilsedaka.com/
Ms Ruta Lee (bio below) is available to discuss both her one woman show and the upcoming Thalians tribute to Neil Sedka. There aren’t many who can give you first hand info on personal friends such as Milton Berle, Lucille Ball, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Tyrone Power, Debbie Reynolds, Roy Rogers, Marlene Deitrich, Andy Griffith, Audrey Hepburn, and all of the Rat Pack, among numerous others.
