Starting October 6th and running unti December 22, 2001, Johnny Whitaker will be taking over The Shelton Theater, along with his co-stars "The Crack Pipe Players" in the hilarously funny spoof of late night talk shows, Nighty Nite San Francisco!

On a recent trip to San Francisco, I was treated to a special peek into the rehearsal of this laugh a minute side splitter. For those of you who are in the San Francisco area, or will be traveling to the area, it's not to be missed.

The play is about a talk show hosted by Sonny Pfrackelberry, and his sidekicks Mr. G., Jane Frazee, Mr. Goo-Goo, Rudy "Tutti" Grayzell, and The Thing With No Head. There are the usual interviews, with a zany twist, not to mention the announcement of the nightly winner of the "Win A Dream Date With Johnny Whitaker Contest", with the winner not only getting the chance to have a dream date with Johnny, but a chance at winning the big $10,000.00 prize...ok...so the winner doesn't really win $10,000.00, but they do get the chance to participate in the play opposite Johnny! That in itself is reason enough for anyone to see this play!

The Nighty Nite San Francisco cast, affectionately knowns as The Crack Pipe Players consists of 7 talented individuals.

Rana Davila: (JANE FRAZEE) Lovely Rana Davila grew up in the East Bay, where she was involved in the Belasco Theatre Company, where her roles included Rosie in 'Bye Bye Birdie' and Babe in 'Pajama Game.' Rana was most recently seen in the Venus Rising Company production of 'Into The Woods'. Rana graduated from N.Y.U. with a BFA in acting; Nighty Nite San Francisco marks her proud San Francisco debut.

Dave Dumanis: (MR.G) Fetching Dave Dumanis was trained at Studio A.C.T and at Bay Area Theater Sports, where he frequently performs live improv. Dave opened for Jim Carroll as a Spoken Word performer and appeared in Risky Business and Square Pegs. His novel, The Soft Pink And White Bunny Rabbit story is available from Amazon.com. In his other life Dave writes ad copy and does voice overs. This is his first play.

Rudy "Tutti" Grayzell: Legendary 'Rockabilly' recording star Rudy 'Tutti' Grayzell, was born in San Antonio, Texas. After forming his first band at 10 years old, by age 17 Rudy was touring the country with the then largely unknown Elvis Presley. It was Elvis who christened the young rockabilly star Rudy 'Tutti' Grayzell. Rudy has recorded for 5 major labels including famed Sun Records, Capitol, & Starday. Rudy is one of the last remaining stars from the golden age of Rockabilly and R&B, who's ranks included Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, and Richie Valens. Rudy lives in Portland and San Francisco. Nighty Nite San Francisco marks his first venture into stage acting.

David Hern: (Sonny Pfrackelberry) Dashing David Hern has appeared in such TV and film series as Freddie Kruger Nightmares, and Butterfly Revolution, as well as numerous TV commercials. He studied extensively at A.C.T., New York Theater Ensemble, and under the tutelage of Vincent Price, Bruce Glover and Allen Garfield. His theatre credits include: Playhouse West's "Wrong For Eachother" and Center Repertory's "Rumors". David's late father, Bernie Hern, portrayed Judge Schroeder on L.A. Law.

Albert Martin Starr: (Janitor, Ruffello) Exotic Albert Martin Starr is a San Francisco theater and film veteran since 1970, and although he has worked mostly as an actor, he has toiled as a director, playwright and production assistant. Most recently, Mr. Starr has participated in the last six productions of the Dominican University Players.

Johnny Whitaker: (Gary Coleman, Himself) Johnny Whitaker has been performing since the tender age of three. Johnny is best remembered for his starring roles in the TV series "Family Affair" and "Sigmund & The Seamonsters". His numerous film credits include "Napoleon and Samantha", "The Littlest Angel", "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming", and "Tom Sawyer." When not acting, Johnny operates a computer consulting business, Candlelight Enterprises and the syndicated Radio show "Dr. Zod and Johnny." Aside from this site, you can visit Johnny at www.drzodandjohnny.com.

Rider McDowell: (Writer-Director) Didactic Rider McDowell, a native of Princeton, N.J., has worked as an investigative reporter, novelist, and screenwriter. His efforts include the bestselling novel 'Wimbledon' and the holiday movie, 'Angel Of Pennsylvania Avenue,' which he has never seen since the producers ruined it. He lives in carmel with his wife Victoria, son Errol nd dog Duba.

I had the pleasure of seeing Nighty Nite San Francisco and was graciously granted permission to take a few pictures to share with the readers of this site. I truely enjoyed this production and came away with a smile smeared across my face for the rest of the night. Not only was I able to see this laugh-riot for myself, but I was also the lucky gal to win the dream date with Johnny! I was thrilled to have this chance to not only see Johnny and the rest of the cast perform live, but to take part in the show myself.

Below you will see some of the pictures from that night...

Your host for the evening...David Hern as Sonny Pfrackelberry

Albert Starr as the Janitor has a moment with Sonny Pfrackelberry (David Hern)

Rudy "Tutti" Grayzell in a contemplative moment.

The effervescent Rana Davila as Jane Frazee

Dave Dumanis as Mr. G.

Byrne Hansson as The Thing Without A Head

Johnny Whitaker as Gary Coleman being interviewed by Sonny Pfrackelberry!