Michael Kidd Rides Again! is the title of Dancers Over 40's upcoming tribute to the late, Tony-winning choreographer Michael Kidd, which will be held April 6 in Manhattan.

Hello, diva lovers. Hope you caught the wonderful tribute to John Kander and Fred Ebb on "The Kennedy Center Honors" program this past Wednesday evening on CBS. If all TV could be this moving, I'd never leave my apartment! But, truly, what a classy, heartfelt tribute to these two Broadway legends. Kudos to whomever thought to include live performances from both Tony-winning Cabaret Emcees, Alan Cumming and Joel Grey. How exciting it was to watch Cumming sing "Willkommen" and then see Joel Grey appear out of nowhere to finish the song. If that wasn1t enough, the Tony-winning star of the most recent production of Chicago , Bebe Neuwirth, brought her own unique style to "All That Jazz" and was then followed by the incandescent star of the original production, Chita Rivera. And, how could such an honor be given to Kander and Ebb without the star of their first Broadway musical and the woman who has brought their music and lyrics into more homes around the world than anyone, Liza Minnelli? Although Minnelli1s voice appears to be in poor shape, her love for these two men made any vocal problem irrelevant. Wonderful tributes were also bestowed upon Bill Cosby, Willie Nelson, Shirley Temple Black and Andre Previn. A class act! . . . As we enter 1999, some of this column1s favorite ladies return to the stage. Let1s hope it1s a banner year for divas (and diva lovers)!

Hello, diva lovers. Hope you caught the wonderful tribute to John Kander and Fred Ebb on "The Kennedy Center Honors" program this past Wednesday evening on CBS. If all TV could be this moving, I'd never leave my apartment! But, truly, what a classy, heartfelt tribute to these two Broadway legends. Kudos to whomever thought to include live performances from both Tony-winning Cabaret Emcees, Alan Cumming and Joel Grey. How exciting it was to watch Cumming sing "Willkommen" and then see Joel Grey appear out of nowhere to finish the song. If that wasn1t enough, the Tony-winning star of the most recent production of Chicago , Bebe Neuwirth, brought her own unique style to "All That Jazz" and was then followed by the incandescent star of the original production, Chita Rivera. And, how could such an honor be given to Kander and Ebb without the star of their first Broadway musical and the woman who has brought their music and lyrics into more homes around the world than anyone, Liza Minnelli? Although Minnelli1s voice appears to be in poor shape, her love for these two men made any vocal problem irrelevant. Wonderful tributes were also bestowed upon Bill Cosby, Willie Nelson, Shirley Temple Black and Andre Previn. A class act! . . . As we enter 1999, some of this column1s favorite ladies return to the stage. Let1s hope it1s a banner year for divas (and diva lovers)!

The surrey with the fringe on top is coming your way: The film version of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma! will return to cinemas around the country beginning Nov. 1.

In 1999, James Joyce's The Dead makes its world premiere Off-Broadway.

Happy birthday, Kelli O'Hara!

Plus: Stars from the world of opera are joining forces for a Thanksgiving variety show.

Playbill looks back at the actors, directors, choreographers, and other theatre legends who died in the past year.

Students and graduates from Marymount Manhattan College will also take part in concert events.

This week in the life of Seth Rudetsky, Seth shares tales from his interviews with Weed and Rodgers and Hammerstein expert Todd Purdum from Seth Speaks, plus what critics said about now-classic musicals.

The veteran actor was a favorite of Sondheim, Prince and Fosse, and played Ben Stone in the original Follies.

Playbill.com offers a behind-the-scenes look at the celebratory brunch hosted for former cast members of Hello, Dolly!, in honor of the award-winning musical's 50th anniversary.

Playbill.com offers a behind-the-scenes look at the celebratory brunch hosted for former cast members of Hello, Dolly!, in honor of the award-winning musical's 50th anniversary.

Al Freeman, Jr., and actor of dignity and range who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, when opportunities for African-American stage actors expanded greatly, died Aug. 9. He was 78.

KAREN MASON
It certainly seems like it’s going to be Karen Mason’s year. After receiving wonderful notices for her comedic turn in what promises to be this year’s biggest hit, Mamma Mia, Mason is set to release her latest CD, “When the Sun Comes Out” on Jerome Records (in association with Zevely Records). The former standby to the stars in Sunset Boulevard has recorded many of the songs that were a part of her recent, wonderful cabaret act at Arci’s Place in New York City, and like her live show, the CD is a pure joy. What has always made Mason such a great cabaret performer (besides the voice) is her innate comedic ability: She is able to inject a note of comedic irony while singing a dramatic piece, and, conversely, she can make an otherwise lighthearted song have a weightier emotional impact.

KAREN MASON
It certainly seems like it’s going to be Karen Mason’s year. After receiving wonderful notices for her comedic turn in what promises to be this year’s biggest hit, Mamma Mia, Mason is set to release her latest CD, “When the Sun Comes Out” on Jerome Records (in association with Zevely Records). The former standby to the stars in Sunset Boulevard has recorded many of the songs that were a part of her recent, wonderful cabaret act at Arci’s Place in New York City, and like her live show, the CD is a pure joy. What has always made Mason such a great cabaret performer (besides the voice) is her innate comedic ability: She is able to inject a note of comedic irony while singing a dramatic piece, and, conversely, she can make an otherwise lighthearted song have a weightier emotional impact.

DIVA