Written and performed by comedian and acclaimed celebrity impersonator, Michael Airington, and featuring voiceovers from Master of The Hollywood Squares himself, Peter Marshall, the legendary comedian is brought back to life in a one-man show based on his 1976 live theater production THE PAUL LYNDE SHOW
Using Lynde’s own words, performance pieces and comedic monologues, Airington brings to life the actor’s comic genius, taking the audience on a fun and laugh-filled trip through the highs and lows of Lynde’s turbulent life. From his childhood as an overweight kid to his big-screen debut in New Faces of 1952, through his Broadway turn in Bye Bye Birdie to his 13 legendary years as the center square on The Hollywood Squares, Airington makes the man all the more unforgettable to a whole new generation of audiences and fans alike.
Airington has performed in character as Lynde since 2004, with sold-out and critically-acclaimed one-man shows in Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs and most recently, headlining the show at BALLYS on the Las Vegas Strip. Throughout the years, many of Lynde’s friends have helped Airington perfect the character, including Peter Marshall, Cloris Leachman, Kaye Ballard, Karen Valentine, Jan Forbes and the late Andy Williams. Additionally, the show is produced with the full approval and cooperation of the estate of Paul Lynde.
An Evening with Paul Lynde Show will bring existing fans back to the glamour and style of a bygone era where he was on their TV sets every night, but also resonate with new fans.”
The inimitable “master of the slow burn,” Lynde is best remembered as one of America’s most honored comedians, and was one of the most sought after popular stars on network TV during the ‘60s and ‘70s. His witty, wisecracking one-liners and novel line delivery made him one of Hollywood’s funniest and best loved entertainers. He starred in such hit television series as The Perry Como Show and as Uncle Arthur in Bewitched, and such movies as Son of Flubber, Send Me No Flowers, and as the voice of Templeton the rat in the beloved Charlotte’s Web.
About Michael Airington:
Actor, writer, voice artist, comic and producer Michael Airington has been creating and inhabiting a multitude of memorable characters and voices since he was a young boy, first gaining national notice as a teen. While some of his greatest triumphs have occurred as his alter ego “Ester Goldberg,” Airington’s versatility, quick wit and talent take center stage in any production. He has the unique ability to evoke beloved stars of the past, while always keeping it fresh and relevant—and skewering the pompous along the way.
Airington had always wanted to do a show about Paul Lynde so he created An Evening with Paul Lynde – a tribute to an early comic inspiration. This show received outstanding reviews when it played in various clubs and theaters in Hollywood as well as accolades from former Lynde co-stars from The Hollywood Squares such as Rose Marie, Cloris Leachman, and host Peter Marshall, who actually contributes his voice to the show
Airington began his career as a teen performing in clubs around the country as the opening act for country singer Mel Tillis, and later opened for Brenda Lee, Tony Martin, John Denver, Jackie Vernon and the legendary Rosemary Clooney. Other stage work includes his successful revue Michael and the Maids, which included impressions, stand-up and songs.
