Bowzer's Rock 'n' Roll Party
The stunning disparity between mild-mannered Jon Bauman and his creation and alter ego, the inimitable "Bowzer", has raised a lot of eyebrows in the entertainment industry. That's because Jon's portrayal of "Bowzer", leader of "Sha Na Na" for fourteen years, was so convincing that the casual observer was certain this hilarious, gangly greaser actually stalked the streets of Brooklyn when he wasn't appearing with the group. Later, when Jon Bauman washed the grease right out of "Bowzer"'s hair, he surfaced as one of the most multi-dimensional performers in show business today, with careers as host, producer, writer, performer, actor, musician and social activist!
Jon, like "Bowzer", was born in Brooklyn, but there the resemblance ends. Jon was something of a child prodigy at the piano, and started classical lessons at age seven. He attended the Juilliard School beginning age l2 and ultimately graduated Magna Cum Laude from prestigious Columbia College in New York.
In l969, Jon joined several of his Columbia classmates in "Sha Na Na" and created the character of "Bowzer". With "Bowzer" the dominant character on stage, Jon was a major force in leading the group to their successful TV series. At its peak, "Sha Na Na" was the #1 syndicated show in America, and was also seen in 32 foreign countries. He also appeared with the group in the phenomenally successful movie, "Grease", and sang the "Born To Hand Jive" number on the "Grease" album, still one of the world’s biggest selling soundtrack albums of all time.
While remaining the star of "Sha Na Na", Jon branched out on his own starring on programs ranging from "The Barbara Mandrell Show" to "Super Password", and guest hosted such shows as "An Evening at the Improv”. When Jon left "Sha Na Na" in the mid-80's, he began to explore his many talents even further. In a l80-degree turnaround from "greaser" to game show host, he hosted the "Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour", the nationally syndicated "Pop 'N' Rocker Game" and the prime-time reality series "We Dare You". Jon then spent two years as one of the original "VJ"'s on the music channel, "VH-1". Jon next wrote and hosted LBS Comunications' twelve-part series "The Story of Rock 'n' Roll”, and also became co-host of KHJ's "L.A. In The Morning", having broadened his skills to an issue-oriented talk show.
Jon Bauman freely gives what's left of his time to several charities, notably Cerebral Palsy-Spastic Children. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife of 31 years, Mary, and their two children, Nora, 23, and Eli, 21. Nora just graduated and Eli is a sophomore at Columbia, where Jon went to college.
| October | Playing | Phone Book | Internet book | |
| Saturday | 28 | AUCKLAND St.James Theatre |
09 379 7979 | Ticket Direct |
| Monday | 30 | HAMILTON Founders Theatre |
07 958 5858 | Ticket Direct |
| Tuesday | 32 | NAPIER Municipal Theatre |
06 835 1059 | Ticketek |
| November | ||||
| Wednesday | 1 | PALM. NORTH Regent Theatre |
06 357 9740 | Ticket Direct |
| Thursday | 2 | NEW PLYMOUTH TSB Theatre |
06 759 0021 | Ticketek |
| Saturday | 4 | WELLINGTON Opera House |
04 384 3840 | Ticketek |
| Monday | 6 | CHRISTCHURCH Town Hall |
03 377 8899 | Ticketek |
| Tuesday | 7 | DUNEDIN Regent Theatre |
03 477 8597 | Ticketek |
| Wednesday | 8 | INVERCARGILL Civic Theatre |
03 211 1692 | Ticket Direct |
All performances are at 8.00pm. Link to the Booking Office web site for your City’s prices.
GROUPS: Make up a group of 8, sit near the front and have fun. Save $$$$.
For Ticketek group savings – email Roger on specialty@ticketek.co.nz or call him on 09 307 5058.
For all Ticket Direct bookings you can save $$$ on group bookings by speaking to your local Booking Office.
