The Laurie Beechman Website: News Archive

If you've been in extreme circumstances- it doesn't have to be cancer, it can be the death of a spouse, AIDS, anything- and you've been lucky enough to survive, it's incumbent on you to live the best possible life. What's the point otherwise?

-Laurie Beechman, as quoted in The Washington Post, 1996

Documentary Screening

On March 31 2003, there was an invitation only screening of "Listen to Her Heart: The Life and Music of Laurie Beechman", a new documentary about Laurie's life. See the 3/14 Playbill Online article or the website of director Gaylen Ross for more details.

As of Jan. 2005, there are no details available as to when or if this wonderful video will be available to the public.

Scholarship Benefit

On April 5 1999, the West Bank Cafe's Laurie Beechman Theater hosted a benefit for the Laurie Beechman Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Cincinnati--College Conservatory of Music. Currently scheduled to appear are Faith Prince, Donna Murphy, Sam Harris, Karen Mason, Loni Ackerman, Mary Testa, Ron Raines, Catherine Hickland, and Andrea McArdle. The $250 evening included dinner and a fund raiser.

New Scholarship Established

Laurie's mother, Dolly Beechman Schnall, has established The Laurie Beechman Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. This fund will go toward a scholarship for a student in the Musical Theater program. For more information, you can call the University of the Arts at (215)875-4826.

The Laurie Beechman Theater

Fall 1998 news: On Nov. 12, New York's West Bank Cafe, located at 407 W. 42nd St, rechristened its downstairs theatre "The Laurie Beechman Theater".

Caryn Kadavy Skates to Laurie

At the Anastasia Professional Figure Skating Championships which were televised on November 1, Caryn Kadavy skated her technical program to Laurie Beechman's version of "Climb Every Mountain" from the No One is Alone CD. This skating routine was featured again on The Brian Boitano Holiday Skating Spectacular (broadcast 1/1/98) ,The Ladies Professional Championships (1/3/98) ,The Canadian Professional Championships (1/11/98) and The Great Skate Debate (3/98).

Cats Related Appearances

On September 7 1997, Laurie represented the Cats cast by singing "Memory" at Broadway on Broadway, an annual free concert on Times Square. The event celebrated the best Broadway has to offer, featuring casts from current shows as well as a sneak peak of some of the fall's new shows. Laurie's final stint in Cats lasted from May- September, 1997.

On June 19 1997, in conjunction with Cats' historic record-breaking performance, Laurie was featured on NBC's Today Show, where she sang "Memory" as well as on The Rosie O'Donnell show, where she sang "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever." The Rosie O'Donnell segment was re-aired at the end of the March 11, 1998 show as a tribute to Laurie's memory.

MAC Award

Laurie Beechman and Sam Harris' July 1996 act at Rainbow and Stars won a MAC award in the category "Special Production!" The MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs) awards were presented on March 31, 1997. The other nominees for "Special Performance" were Erik & the Snow Maidens and Steve Ross & Judy Carmichael.

Nothing Like A Dame 1997

Laurie was one of the featured performers at Nothing Like a Dame '97 on Feb. 24, 1997 at the Marquis Theatre in NYC. This wonderfully entertaining and successful evening featured some of Broadway's most prominent female performers and benefited the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative of the Actors' Fund of America. Laurie touched upon the highlights of her past year, which also marked her 8th year living with ovarian cancer. She went on to stop the show with her heartfelt rendition of "Being Alive." She also appeared at the event in 1996, moving the audience with her account of learning to never to say "never" again ,as well as about all she had accomplished since she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. At that performance, she sang "If You Believe."

Laurie Featured At Bill Clinton's Inauguration

At the request of the Presidential Inaugural committee, Laurie Beechman was invited to perform at Bill Clinton's inauguration ceremonies on January 19. 1997. After a short introduction which included video of both Laurie and her husband, Laurie took center stage to close the show with a stirring rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone." She received a standing ovation, after which she had the honor of introducing President Clinton. The event was televised nationwide that evening on CBS. Laurie took a weekend off from starring in Les Miserables in Philadelphia in order to perform at this event.

Laurie Beechman And Sam Harris At Rainbow And Stars

In July 1996, Laurie Beechman and Sam Harris appeared for 2 weeks at New York's prestigious Rainbow and Stars. Their entertaining act won a 1997 MAC award for "Special Production." Even if you missed the show, you can still see Beechman and Harris duet on "Soon It's Gonna Rain/ Make Our Garden Grow/ One Hand, One Heart." This song (taped at Rainbow and Stars) is one of 18 cabaret clips featured on the video, Manhattan Nights. Other performers shown include Nancy LaMott and Karen Mason. Proceeds from the sale of the video benefit Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. For more information, call Broadway Beat at (212) 517-1763.

Mt. Gretna Performance

Laurie Beechman appeared at the Mt. Gretna Theater (near Lebanon/ Lancaster, PA) on Sept 7, 1996. Highlights of the 2 act concert included 5 excerpts from her new CD- a high point was a lovely, emotional duet with her sister ("If We Only Have Love"). Another interesting number was her "N.Y.C." solo from Annie, which segued into "Broadway Baby." Copies of her latest CD were on sale at intermission, 3 days in advance of the release date.

No One Is Alone CD Released

Laurie Beechman's most recent solo album was released September 10, 1996. Entitled No One Is Alone, the recording features songs of hope and inspiration from Broadway.The CD is available in record stores throughout the U.S. (Varese Sarabande VSD- 5623)