The play is ‘The Family Reunion’.

It’s about a psychiatrist, Lucille, who just gets divorced. She goes to her family cabin for Christmas, her family only sees each other once a year. When she gets there her only fear is telling her sister, Beatrice, the black widowed, sassy actress that she got a divorce. When she does, Beatrice sets her up a date for Christmas, when in the rush of the moment, Lucille’s husband comes back and she accepts a date with him as well. Now she has to choose between a nice considerate guy or her husband, whom she’s been married to for four years. It’s a story about finding love.

The dates are September Monday the 13th; Tuesday the 14th; and Wednesday the 15th. At 6 p.m. at Centennial High School. Tickets are $5 if you preorder or $7 at the door.

Centennial High School
10200 Centennial Parkway
Las Vegas, NV
89149

If you are in the area, be sure to stop by and support his art!

I was then lucky enough to kneel by her chair where she was sitting and talk with her for a while. She asked more questions about me then I could of her which I felt was very sweet and kind. I had met her 2 years prior at a book signing, but failed to mention that as I was so tongue tied at the time, all I said was ‘it is such a pleasure to meet you’. So, getting the chance to meet her a second time and talk in a more intimate space was a dream!

We’ve been missing Estelle and Bea for quite some time, now we have to add Rue to that lineup. I’ve been watching more Maude lately then anything and Rue’s participation in that show made it the one of a kind that it is known for. Rue and Bea had a special connection in life and we get to enjoy it on screen!

Miss you all.

Kev!
BeatriceArthur.com

We approach what would have been Bea’s 88th birthday tomorrow. However, just by clicking through the television Bea is still celebrated daily… hourly even! Just within the past 24 hours I saw, Maude on MeTV (yes shows outside of season 1), Biography channel’s 2006 biography of Bea, Golden Girls on multiple channels, and with a little given time random showings of Malcam in the Middle and Futurama to name just a few will be showing shortly.

Thanks to Betty White’s recent resurge into pop culture, Bea has also been more on the people’s minds lately. I’m personally so excited for Betty and I’m sure Bea would be too. Win Win.

Happy Birthday Bea! May 13 will always be sketched into our minds forever!

Kev!

It’s weird thinking about 2010. I already know that there won’t be any chance that I will get to surprise all of you with a new date, time and venue that Bea would be appearing at. Though I haven’t had the fortune of doing that in a while, she always managed to surprise us and every year I never gave up hope. That being said, we now have many years of her materials to sift through. Therefore, I declare, 2010 is the year to review the legacy of Bea Arthur.

I can’t think of a better way to start reviewing her life other then reading the words from a lucky guy that got to spend the last 6 years of his life with Bea. Not just for an occasional event here and there, but as her everyday personal assistant and eventual close friend. Click here, to read some of Dan Watt’s personal stories and what exciting project he has been working on (which he kicked off with Bea, herself!).

On another note, this web site turns 10 years old next month! I never would have imagined all that would have come out of this web site back then, but am so thankful for all the fans that I have met and special opportunities that I have received from it.

As always, keep your fingers crossed in hopes of some new media releases this year. ie. Maude Season 2 – 6 and Bea Arthur on Broadway on DVD or 3-D Blu-ray

Until next time!
Kev!
{ Kevin Buckstiegel }

This is a clip from an upcoming series by Merv Griffin, Lunching With A Legend, with Bea’s assistant Dan Watt via Insider. Hopefully, the full posting of the episode will appear on YouTube and/or at lunchingwithalegend.com eventually. Keep an eye out for it!!

Here is part of an email that I received from a fan, Rudy, who was able to attend and goes on to say ::

For me, as an Angela diehard particularly, the most moving moment was when, toward the end, she set up the playing of the clip of Bea on “Malcolm In the Middle,” which she described as a marvelous example of Bea’s magical touch she could bring to even a scene that was only four minutes long. Angela was the essence of restraint and professionalism all throughout the show until this moment – when she uttered the name of the show (“Malcolm In the Middle”) her voice suddenly buckled out. It made me start crying all over again. It was obvious that Angela meant to express her love for Bea by being the best damn host she could be. I’m absorbing old school professionalism like this while I can, because before long it will be a fossil.

I’m very sorry that you did not get to come, but I’d trade the experience for what you had anytime – seeing Bea.

Here are some news links for your enjoyment of the event ::

theatreaficionado.com

playbill.com

people.com

nypress.com

yahoo.com

villagevoice.com

nypost.com

cbsnews.com

gettyimages.com

Finally, if you can get the change to visit The Ali Forney Center website to learn more about Bea’s dedication and possibly donate to the cause. aliforneycenter.org

Until next time!
Kev!

Directed by Mark Waldrop, “Celebrating Bea Arthur” will feature remembrances and performances from the late actress’s family and friends, including Adrienne Barbeau (“Maude” co-star), Zoe Caldwell, Billy Goldenberg (Arthur’s longtime accompanist), Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof lyricist), Charlie Hauck (“Maude” head writer), Norman Lear (“Maude” producer), Clinton Leupp, Anne Meara, Rosie O’Donnell, Chita Rivera, Daryl Roth (Bea Arthur on Broadway producer), Jerry Stiller and Rue McClanahan (“The Golden Girls”).

Read more at broadwayworld.com and at broadway.com.

PS. Just announced was the 5th season of SNL where Bea appeared on! Release date for December 1! Read more here!

Read more here ::
miamiherald.typepad.com

More relating articles ::
www.advocate.com
blogout.justout.com

“The date for Bea Arthur’s memorial has finally been set. The show will take place at the Majestic Theater in New York on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 1pm. The afternoon will be hosted by Bea’s Bosom Buddy, Angela Lansbury who will be joined by Bea’s close friends, both professional and personal, as well as family.

The program will be a celebration of Bea’s life and career. All are invited and admission is free. Further information on the event is expected to follow shortly.”

Read more here!