TheEdAdvocate
TEACHING STUDENTS ABOUT BRUCE VILANCH
BY MATTHEW LYNCH (and Mister D)
DECEMBER 14, 2023

Alright, let’s talk about Bruce Vilanch – the comedy maestro, actor, and six-time Emmy champ who’s been making waves in Hollywood for ages. With his lightning-fast wit and one-of-a-kind style, he’s been part of some of the biggest shows in Tinseltown. But hey, there’s more to him than just jokes and laughter. Vilanch‘s also been a force for positive change, using his talent to make the world a better place. So, when you’re teaching students about this guy, you’re not just talking about humor – you’re showing them how creativity can spark real change.

Early Life and Career

Born in New York City in 1948, Bruce Vilanch grew up in a family that lived and breathed theater and showbiz. Embracing his identity as a gay man from an early age, he found his voice through comedy. His journey kicked off as a journalist covering entertainment, but soon he was writing for big TV shows like “Donny & Marie” and “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.” I think Bette Midler is his biggest muse. as mine. and helped jump strat this new career he found. May not be true. but please just abide with me. if you can.

As his career took off, Vilanch became the brains behind major events like the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Tony Awards. And hey, he’s not just a wordsmith – he’s also a Broadway star, gracing the stage in the smash-hit musical “Hairspray.”

Teaching Students about Bruce’s Advocacy

Sure, Bruce‘s known for his humor, but his heart’s just as big. A fierce supporter of LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, he’s used his humor to raise millions for charitable causes. So, when you’re teaching students about him, you’re not just talking about making people laugh – you’re showing them how laughter can change the world.

In the classroom, get students digging into Bruce‘s work with organizations like amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research) and the Trevor Project. How did his humor help these causes? Let them explore and learn.

The Art of Punchlines: Teaching Students Comedy Writing

Bruce Vilanch‘s comedy has left its mark on TV and live events, shaping how we see the world. Introducing students to his style can fire up their interest in writing and help them find their own unique voice.

Why not set up a comedy writing workshop? Get students dissecting some of Vilanch’s best jokes and figuring out how they work. By inspiring them to craft their punchlines, you’re not just teaching comedy – you’re nurturing creative minds.

Role Model for Overcoming Adversity

Growing up can be tough, and students face all kinds of challenges. Bruce Vilanch‘s journey as an openly gay man in Hollywood, unapologetic about who he is, is a powerful example of resilience.

Sharing Bruce’s story with students can be a reminder that it’s okay to be yourself, no matter what. It’s a lesson in self-acceptance and embracing others for who they are.

I loved the guy who really wrote this, I just took it and rewrote it in my own style then had AI smooth out the grammar. I used these kinds of techniques in college to help me pass English, Speech. Philosophy. and Psycho;ogy papers by talking about Bette, Bruce, and the Harlettes in some way that would fit within the subjects I needed them too, as examples of somerhing. Made A’s. Can’t Beat That. So I fell in love with this topic. Hope you enjoyed….Mister D

The post Teaching “Bruce Vilanch 101” first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Summary:

This is a collection of Jewish cultural stories and moral lessons centered on the multi-level meaning of Hanukkah, celebrated through a combination of music from The Nutcracker with revised lyrics, and traditional Hanukkah melodies. Presented by an ensemble cast of capable singers and dancers (two of whom co-wrote the show), this amusing, educational G-rated production is best appreciated by Jewish families with young children.

The MeshugaNutcracker! is a full-length musical comedy that features the wonderfully silly sensibilities of the folklore of Chelm (the fictional town of fools) underscored by an invigorating, Klezmer-ized orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite”, now with original lyrics that celebrate Chanukah. Judah Maccabee’s triumphant saga and accounts of perseverance during the Holocaust as well as the celebration of the first Chanukah in the new state of Israel emerge with a genuine sense of wonder as the Chelmniks tell eight stories that pay tribute to the holiday. Add in dancing dreidels, singing sufganiot, and surprise guest stars and you have the perfect recipe for a holiday gathering. Some might call it crazy…we call it The MeshugaNutcracker!

Released December 19, 2017

Trailer:

Official Website:

Click Here

Audio CD:

Streaming:

The post Bruce Vilanch In Another Musical “The MeshugaNutcracker!” (2017) first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

TICKET RELEASE:  An Evening with Bruce Vilanch ~ Mon Sep 17, 2012 – 5:00 PM

Location: Ohio Union – Information Center – 1739 N. High St.

Rain Location: None

Dates & Data: Actual event is Sunday, October 14th at 7:00 pm.

2 tickets per BuckId.

All Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) events are for OSU Columbus students with a valid BuckID only. This event is presented by the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) and is brought to you by your Student Activity Fee.

Ohio Union Room 2098
1739 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43210
614.292.3117
ouab@osu.edu

Related articles

• An Evening with Bruce Vilanch: Sunday, Oct 14, 7:00pm at Ohio State University, Enarson Hall, Columbus, OH
• Bruce Vilanch To Be Featured In “At Home Abroad” Brought To The Stage By Unsung Musicals Co.
• Trailer: Bruce Vilanch, Dawn Wells, Rip Taylor, And Lee Meriweather Check Into “Hotel Arthritis”
• Scrooge & Marley Teaser Vid: Upcoming Movie Asks What If Scrooge Was Gay?

The post TICKET RELEASE: An Evening with Bruce Vilanch ~ Sunday, October 14th at 7:00 pm first appeared on We Got Bruce!.