Mitzi Gaynor wins Emmy while performing in Boca Raton

BOCA RATON – Actress, singer and dancer Mitzi Gaynor has won a bevy of awards during a film, stage and TV career that spans more than a half century.

Shown from left are Christine Lynn, Mitzi Gaynor and John Gallo.

Coincidentally, while she was performing her “Razzle Dazzle: My Life Behind the Sequins” show to mark the first public performance at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University April 17 and 18, she was also winning another award.

Mitzi’s highly acclaimed public television musical documentary, “Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle! The Special Years” won the 2010 New York area Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Program/Special.

Gaynor presented an evening show April 17 and a late afternoon performance April 18.  The Emmy was presented April 18.

During the show, Gaynor told about her career beginning with her motion picture debut in “My Blue Heaven” with Betty Grable and Dan Dailey. As she walked around the stage in Bob Mackie-designed gowns, she also told of her 52 year marriage to Jack Bean, a producer and her personal manager.  He died of pneumonia in 2006, according to Wikipedia.

The show also included clips from her TV specials and films, in particular, the movie she is most closely associated with – “South Pacific.”

In that Rodgers & Hammerstein film, she portrayed nurse Nellie Forbush, and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award as best actress in a musical.

From here, Gaynor opens May 15 at Feinstein’s in New York City. She will also be a presenter at the 55th Annual Drama Desk Awards at Lincoln Center in New York on May 23.