Bad Boot Productions Announces Lewis Grizzard Tribute Show 2000

Business Wire, April 4, 2000

Entertainment Editors

CHARLESTON, S.C.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 4, 2000

Six years after the untimely death of beloved author/humorist/columnist Lewis Grizzard due to heart complications, widow Dedra Grizzard and former manager and good friend Steve Enoch (Bad Boot Productions) have mounted a moving and entertaining tribute show starring Bill Oberst.

The shows will kick off May 27th through June 10th at this year's Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Physician's Auditorium at the College of Charleston, S.C. (tickets - 888/386-8497).

Oberst, a celebrated humorist/impersonator, who has brought to life John F. Kennedy, Mark Twain and Abraham Lincoln, will be telling jokes and sharing Grizzard's legendary wit in the first half of the performance. He literally will be standing in Grizzard's shoes, Lewis' favorite pair of well-heeled Gucci loafers he wore sans socks before it was fashionable. "They really are BIG shoes to fill!" jokes Oberst, "This is the kind of little detail that actors really get off on."

The second half of the show, Oberst will be reminiscing as Grizzard and commenting on his columns, which were syndicated to over 450 newspapers. These Spoleto performances are intended to kick off Oberst's touring.

In addition, Bad Boot Productions has just launched the Lewis Grizzard official website (www.lewisgrizzard.com), which presents three different Grizzard columns weekly, features personal photographs, a tribute and home page, merchandise page and even Lewis' cartoons. The site is also intended to raise money for Grizzard's alma mater, The University of Georgia, targeted to build a teaching laboratory, filled with Lewis' memorabilia, designed to benefit journalism students at the University. "It's ironic we've created a website in Lewis' name. To my knowledge he never touched a computer in his life," explains Enoch. "He always typed the content for his columns and books on a manual typewriter. He wouldn't believe this, but I'm sure he'd be pleased."

The Oberst-Grizzard show has already been market tested to enthusiastic response. Enoch says, "The audience is stunned at how good the show is and how uncanny Bill's resemblance to Lewis is." Dedra adds, "This tribute tour and website are purely fan-motivated and intended to help fill the void Lewis left behind. I hear from fans daily who really miss him. This is a way to keep his memory - and humor, alive."

For additional information on Lewis Grizzard, visit his website at www.lewisgrizzard.com. For booking information, contact Sherry Conner, 800/377-6424. For additional press materials, including photos and interview requests, contact PLA Media 615/327-0100.