David Cassidy In The News
At 50, David Cassidy still a song and dance man
March 8, 2001
By Eileen Fisher
The Connecticut Post
C'mon, get happy.
David Cassidy is. At age 50, the former teen heartthrob from the '70s series "The Partridge Family'' may no longer wear the shoulder-length Keith Partridge hair or those body-hugging jump suits, but he's doing what he loves to do -- entertain. (And he still has those boyish good looks and megawatt smile.)
In a recent mellow telephone interview from his Las Vegas office, Cassidy talked about his concert this Saturday at Foxwoods. He had only good things to say about his four years on "The Partridge Family'' and the 30-year career that followed.
"I have a great feeling [because] I've been able to do what so few people have done -- acting, producing, directing," said Cassidy, referring to his busy life since his phenomenal success at age 19. "It's been a great life. I love to entertain people. That's what I like to do. That's the most fun."
Bringing his show to Connecticut is like coming home for Cassidy, he said. After all, he lived in Ridgefield for five years before moving to Las Vegas four-and-a-half years ago with his wife, songwriter Sue Shifrin-Cassidy, and 10-year-old son, Beau.
Cassidy is the son of actor Jack Cassidy and actress Evelyn Ward so show business was in his blood. He has starred in several Broadway productions, including "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and in 1994 shared the stage with half-brother Shaun Cassidy in "Blood Brothers."
"It was unforgettable working with Shaun and Petula [Clark]. The whole experience working in the theater was so well-received by the audience," Cassidy said. "It's the last thing Shaun ever acted in. He's a successful television producer and writer now.
"I would love to go back to Broadway. I was born in New York and raised there until I was 11. My heart lies there," he said.
Like James Brown, Cassidy may be the hardest working man in show biz since moving to Vegas. In 1996, he opened at the MGM Grand in the $75- million extravaganza "EFX." In 2000, he began an 18-month run at the Rio in his own creation, "At the Copa," written with Don Reo. At the same time, he was producing "The Rat Pack is Back."
In 1999 Cassidy was voted Best All Around Performer in the Review Journal's Best of Las Vegas.
After closing "At the Copa" a month ago, he decided it was time for something different.
"I really wanted to go and do some concerts. I played some concerts on my off weeks. They were so successful and so enjoyable to see how people responded to my old stuff and my new stuff, I wanted to seize the opportunity," he said.
"For this show [at Foxwoods] I'll be doing material that will span 30 years of my life. From my early stuff to the most recent stuff from At the Copa,' " he added.
At the time of this interview, Cassidy was still working on the details of the Foxwoods show. He'll definitely play guitar and couldn't say enough good things about the fantastic musicians in his 13-piece band and his three back-up singers. Comparing their sound to Tower of Power, he guarantees the band will blow the audience away.
Before the tour began, Cassidy fans could log on to his Web site and vote for the songs they wanted most to hear. Topping the list were songs from his 1998 album Old Trick, New Dog, including "Ricky's Tune." Then there are tunes from his first solo album in 1971, Cherish, a chart-topper that sold three-million copies.
"Of course, I'm going to do some of my biggest songs like I think I love you.' I still like to sing that," he said. "Coming back to it is so great. Wow, what great songs these are."
Cassidy will be touring all year, appearing at various Harrah's Hotels across the country. He is scheduled to perform at the Westbury Music Fair in New York on Aug. 16.
Also, on his list of things to do in 2001 is a new record deal and the 2nd annual David Cassidy Day At The Races in Saratoga, N.Y., Aug. 4. Racing thoroughbred horses has been his secret passion for 25 years, he said.
"It's a great balance for me in show business," said the singer.
Son Beau seems to have inherited his parents' musical talent, said Cassidy, but will he follow in his famous father's footsteps?
"Beau plays around with piano and guitar. He's got a fantastic singing voice and a fantastic ear," he said. "I hope he enjoys whatever he chooses to do."
David Cassidy will appear at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Route 2, Mashantucket, in the Fox Theater, at 9 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $38.50 and $55. Call 1-800-200-2882.
