Not that he needs the work, but Robert Klein’s many talents have made sure he’s never without a job.
Best known for his 30-plus years of stand-up comedy, Klein has also performed on Broadway, television, film and as a stage singer. That latter talent will bring Klein back to Western New York this weekend to perform with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Klein will be in town to take part in “They’re Playing Our Song,” a collection of Broadway hits performed by the comedian, composer Marvin Hamlisch and singer Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Having performed in the Broadway version of “They’re Playing Our Song” with Arnaz, Klein enjoys reprising the medley featuring songs from that musical a few times per year across the country.
“The BPO is a formidable ensemble,” said Klein, who has performed several shows with the orchestra over the years. “It’s so expensive to maintain orchestras of that caliber and size ... It should be a prideful thing for the Buffalo area to have an outfit like that.”
Speaking over the phone recently from his home in Westchester, Klein had great praise for Hamlisch and his work.
“He has the touch of genius, but his soul was never with classical,” he said. “He’s more of a Broadway guy.”
This weekend’s show is but a speck on Klein’s busy schedule. Now 66 years old, Klein has performed stand-up across the country the past three months in preparation for his ninth HBO special, which will be filmed later this year. He recently released a DVD compilation of his first eight HBO specials to accompany his first book, with a second book and CNN blog in the works.
Even with so much else going on, the Second City alumnus can’t stay away from music.
“I have always been a musical person, and I have always incorporated music into my performances,” he said. “It kept me from being bored.”
That work ethic has helped Klein stay in the public eye, although his image has changed over the years.
“There’s more affection after all these years. I’ve been on television. A lot of younger people know me from ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,’ ” he said, referring to his role in the Matthew McConaughey vehicle.
As for his comedy, landing a spot on HBO hasn’t lost any of its luster even after having done it so many times.
“They don’t give HBO specials to anybody. I actually think I’m better at it than I ever was,” said Klein, who said watching his older specials was a strange experience. “You see me go from embryo to geezer.”
Klein will be able to relive some of those embryonic experiences when he returns to the area, as he is a graduate of Alfred State College in Allegany County. He counts eating McDonald’s for the first time in Western New York among his fond memories of the area.
“North Tonawanda, East Aurora, Batavia — I remember all those names up there,” he said.
IF YOU GO
• WHAT: “They’re Playing Our Song” featuring Marvin Hamlisch, Robert Klein and Lucie Arnaz
• WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
• WHERE: Kleinhans Music Hall, 71 Symphony Circle, Buffalo
• MORE INFORMATION: Call 885-5000
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NIGHT LIFE: Robert Klein continues diverse schedule
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