Ben Vereen is ‘Steppin’ Out’ at Catalina Jazz Club

By Darlene Donloe

Contributing Writer

HOLLYWOOD — Ben Vereen is a legendary song and dance man who has been entertaining audiences with his patented energetic style for decades.

At 76, the Tony Award-winner and Drama Desk Award-winner with a larger-than-life personality isn’t slowing down. Even though he’s been performing since he was a teenager, Vereen still has ‘Magic to Do.’

Verenn will perform two shows only Feb. 24 and 25 at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood with his popular stage show Steppin’ Out With Ben Vereen.

The show is filled with songs, stories and humor that takes the audience on a journey with tributes to Broadway, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Stephen Schwartz and a splash of reggae and rock ‘n’ roll. The show features hit songs such as “Magic to Do” from “Pippin,” “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” from “Wicked,” and “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” 

The show also will feature a special American sign language interpretation by Jeanette Lee.

Vereen is known for his high-energy performances in “Pippin,” “Wicked,” “Fosse,” “I’m Not Rappaport,” “Hair,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Grind,” “Jelly’s Last Jam” and “A Christmas Carol.” He recently took time out of rehearsing to talk about his upcoming show.

DD: How long have you been doing your show, ‘Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen? How has it changed over the years?

BV: Different versions of “Steppin’ Out” have occurred for a long time; prior to this I called my show, “An Evening With Ben Vereen”, but “Steppin’ Out” is always fresh, informative, inspirational, fun and filled with love.

DD: Why should audiences come to see Ben Vereen perform?

BV: Audiences will be inspired, motivated and entertained.

DD: What happens to you when you go on stage and how do you prepare to take the stage?

BV:  Before each performance, I meditate. This is quiet time. Then I warm up vocally and physically. My musical director David Loeb brings in a keyboard and we sing and then I stretch on the floor.

DD: What’s the difference in how you approached and performed a show when you were younger compared to now?

BV: When I was much younger, I didn’t think about preparation as I do today. I think it’s different now. Young people are going to the gym, vocalizing, going to dance class, staying in shape and eating right.

DD: When did you know definitely that you were meant to do what you’re doing?

BV:  Good question. … I was fortunate enough to sing in church, on the streets, and to be surrounded by the best of the best of teachers — especially Rachel Yokum. I was encouraged, and I began to believe I had talent.  My mentor Sammy Davis Jr. was a beautiful soul who opened my eyes to believe in oneself.

DD: As you age, what does that do to a performer of your stature?

BV: I want to work harder, give more, and especially encourage the youth. My thing is the arts and education and master classes. I believe the arts can improve everyone’s life.

DD: You are considered a legend. Is that a heavy crown to carry?

BV: It’s an honor and it is important to stay in the right frame of mind to carry the torch forward. On whose shoulders do I rest upon — Sammy Davis Jr. — and I hope I can encourage the same for others – to find their mentors.

DD: Which one of your acting roles has meant the most to you and why?

BV: Hard to answer that. I always say employment is the most important role/element. But, of course, working with Bob Fosse and Stephen Schwartz on “Pippin” and with Alex Haley on “Roots’ come to my mind. I am grateful.

DD: Having done it all, what’s left?

BV: Everything is left. I want to record an album/CD. I want to increase awareness of the arts and their social values. I would like to have another television series. I loved being in “B Positive,” the TV series on CBS. Chuck Lorre is a genius. And, of course, to return to the Broadway stage.

DD: Life has been rough lately. What is the responsibility of a performer, and is the responsibility different when you’re a Black performer?

BV: Our responsibility to be authentic is no different whatever the color of your skin, your sexuality, your nationality. I believe in Black Lives Matter but I also believe all lives matter. You are correct in stating, “life has been rough lately.” … Every day, there is violence. What will it take to end this? Our children are innocent and they are dying. I say teach peace and love.

DD: In the midst of the world’s madness, how do you center yourself?

BV: I pray. I pray that we as human beings will come together in love because that is the answer, the only answer, and of course in peace as I mentioned before.

DD: Why is it important to use a special [American sign language] interpretation by Jeanette Lee (Mrs. Sweden World 2022) through the hands of a child of deaf adults?

BV: It is important to give back. The deaf community deserves to enjoy live entertainment and I intend to give it all I have. When I met Jeanette, I was so inspired. She is … a teacher and her teachings to me have given me the luxury of hope and gratitude.

DD: How does your passion for educating and inspiring children about the arts manifest?

BV: By going within and discovering your inner self.  When I teach, my students and I work together to discover why they chose that monologue or song and how to express themselves, not by acting but by reacting.

DD: Tell me about your appearance in the video/recording of the new song, “We Sing For Ukraine,” with proceeds from this song benefiting both UNICEF and Abundance International. Why did you participate? What are your thoughts on what’s happening in Ukraine?

BV: This war between Ukraine and Russia is reaching its one-year anniversary. Never should have started and as days go by, the loss becomes greater. Who is thinking of the children? I recorded “We Sing for Ukraine” to raise money for the orphans of this dreadful and senseless war. At the end of the day, no one wins. It’s the grace of loss that keeps me going and giving.

DD: Anything you want people to know that I didn’t ask you?

BV: For Black History Month, I am excited to partner with Blue Faery – The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association on the “Love Your Liver” campaign to raise awareness about liver cancer in the African-American community. This is important for African Americans to take care of themselves. Our bodies are our temples. I am grateful to be able to participate in such an important campaign.

‘Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen’ at Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Feb. 24-25 at 8:30 pm. For information, www.TicketWeb.com or 323-466-2210.

Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.