Arts & Entertainment
Comedian Tom Dreesen and Girls Like Us at Theatre at the Center in Munster
Tom Dreesen and Girls Like Us will appear on the main stage of Theatre at the Center at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 18.
Munster, IN - After performing on the TATC stage for the first time in 2015, and entertaining audiences with three sold-out shows, comedian Tom Dreesen is back to headline again in 2016. Dreesen's performance will combine his classic style of stand-up comedy with the sounds of the sensational girl group, Girls Like Us. Tom Dreesen and Girls Like Us will appear on the mainstage of Theatre at the Center at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 18.
Dreesen is best known for his comedy and friendship with the late Frank Sinatra, entertaining crowds by his side for many years. He is described as "One of the most respected family comedians of our time" by Variety Entertainment Editor, Sean Leary. Dreesen has made over 500 appearances on national television as a stand-up comedian, including more than 60 appearances on The Tonight Show.
"I'm just a regular guy from the neighborhood and I've been blessed to do what I get to do to make people laugh and entertain, while still earning a living doing it after all these years," says Dreesen, who is originally from Harvey, Ill. and counts David Letterman and Clint Eastwood among his favorite friends for swapping stories.
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He began his career as the comedy stage partner of Tim Reid, who later earned fame on the popular sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati."Advertisement
He says one of his biggest breaks came in 1975, the first time he sat on Johnny Carson's couch on "The Tonight Show."
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"Sitting next to Johnny Carson, I would think it was as if God had said: 'Tommy, I'm going to put a load on you the first half of your life, a real load. But if you survive, the second half is on me,' " Dreesen recalls.
His Sinatra stories shared from the stage always amaze fans, all gathered from his years as the opening act for Sinatra in Las Vegas and on tours around the country.
"As I explain in this stage show, I grew up listening to Sinatra as far back as when I was still shining shoes in a bar in Harvey," Dreesen says.
"I still remember the first time I heard him on the jukebox in that bar. The song he was singing was 'A Quarter til Three.' I never dreamed one day I'd be one of his close friends. It was because of Frank that I became friends with the legends I'd meet while spending time with him in Palm Springs. On any given night, I'd be there and find out I'd be having dinner with Gregory Peck, Robert Wagner, Kirk Douglas and others."
As for Dreesen's personal comedy mentors of the past, he says Red Skelton, Jack Benny and Richard Pryor are the trio that rank at the top.
"Comedy is hard, but they all made it look so easy," Dreesen says.
A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Dreesen has also created an outstanding legacy through his philanthropic efforts, lending his talent to more than 100 charities and performing for US troops all over the world, including recently appearing at several bases in Iraq.
He is excited to return to Theatre at the Center, and for this visit, joined by Girls Like Us, comprised of the immensely talented Laura Freeman, Beckie Menzie, and Marianne Murphy. Their song tribute repertoire includes greats like Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon and with a nod to the strong influence that girl groups have had on the music industry throughout the years.
“We will start with the songs of the Andrews Sisters and take the audience on an exciting and memory-packed musical journey,” Freeman says.
Together, Tom Dreesen and Girls Like Us will entertain audiences in a one of a kind comedy and musical experience not to be missed!
Individual tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for students. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more. Parking is always free at Theatre at the Center. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com About Theatre at the Center Founded in 1991, the 400-seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.
Photos courtesy of Theatre at the Center
