Lincoln, Neb.--Relive all the magic and laughter of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show with the talented artists who were featured guests during Johnny’s extraordinary 30-year late-night run.
This special one-time event is hosted by Seinfeld writer Pat Hazell with live performances by Master Magician Lance Burton; comedians Wil Shriner and Carol Leifer; Singer Marilyn Maye; Variety Acts Mike Caveney & Tina Lenert; and the full UNL Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Greg Simon, plus amazing highlights of Johnny’s most memorable moments and characters. Come join us in celebrating Nebraska’s favorite son on his centennial birthday.
Presented in partnership with Carson Entertainment Group, Carson Tonight 100: Johnny’s 100th Birthday will be at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at https://liedcenter.org.
In addition to his legendary career in comedy, Carson was a native Nebraskan whose impact continues to be felt across the state and at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Carson was a founder of the Lied Center for Performing Arts, providing the final gift allowing for the construction of the building in the late 1980s. His legacy also carries on across UNL through the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, the Carson Theater at the Lied Center, and more.
About the Featured Performers
Pat Hazell
Pat Hazell is one of the original writers for NBC’s Seinfeld, a Tonight Show veteran, and a critically acclaimed playwright. Showtime declared Pat one of the five funniest people in America. His 30 years of experience as a writer, performer and producer have made him a go-to guy for genuinely funny Americana humor.
Hazell’s one man show, The Wonder Bread Years, a comic salute to the baby-boomer generation aired on PBS, where they referred to him as "America's Foremost Pop Culture Anthropologist.”
As the Chief Creative Officer of Sweetwood Creative, he is responsible for creating and producing the national tours of the original productions: Bunk Bed Brothers, The Wonder Bread Years, The Good Humor Men, Grounded For Life, A Kodachrome Christmas and Pat Hazell’s Permanent Record.
Hazell recently released his first comedy album called Pat & Mic LIVE and he host the popular podcast Creativity in Captivity available on all platforms.
Mike Caveney
The Hollywood Reporter described Mike Caveney as “...one of the funniest magicians in America.” His unique talents have taken him from Japan to Russia, from Monte Carlo to Borneo, Australia, China, throughout Europe, South America and most of the 50 States. He is a life member of Hollywood's Magic Castle where on two occasions he was voted Stage Magician of the Year. Mike has performed on the legendary Orient Express, at the London Palladium, and seven times at the World Congress of Magicians. He has appeared on NBC’s World’s Greatest Magic special, The Tonight Show, and The Late Late Show with James Cordon.
Tina Lenert
Tina Lenert combines silent comedy with a touch of magic to produce a most unusual and enchanting act with her imaginary friend “Mr. Mopman” who magically leads her away from a lonely life to find happiness. She is a regular performer and life member of Hollywood's Magic Castle, where she was voted Stage Magician of the Year. For years Tina has toured Europe and Asia extensively, appearing in major theatres including Berlin's Wintergarten, the London Palladium and a performance for the Royal Family in Monte Carlo. Tina has been featured on television in over ten countries. In the United States she has appeared at Harrah's Reno and Atlantic City, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas as well as being featured on the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and CBS and NBC specials.
Carol Leifer
Carol Leifer is a prominent writer, producer, and stand-up comedian known for her extensive work in the comedy industry. She has written for numerous iconic shows like Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Saturday Night Live and is currently the co-executive producer for the Emmy-winning HBO series Hacks. She is also a successful stand-up comedian, having performed on shows like Late Night with David Letterman and even opening for Jerry Seinfeld and Frank Sinatra. In addition to her comedic and writing career, Leifer has authored the book "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying."
Wil Shriner
Wil Shriner loves to make people laugh and, after years behind the camera, has decided to return to the comedy stages where his career began. His clean and off beat take on life continues to entertain audiences on the top network television shows and in all major theatrical venues from coast to coast.
Shriner has made over 50 TV appearances with David Letterman, Jay Leno, Bill Maher and Johnny Carson as he continued to do his stand up comedy act sharing the stage with the likes of Joan Rivers, Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Foxworthy, Kevin Nealon, Loretta Lynn, Tom Jones, John Denver, Tony Bennett and Jay Leno.
In front of the camera, Shriner co-stared opposite Joan Allen in the Academy Award nominated "Peggy Sue Got Married," directed by Francis Ford Coppola. He has also made dozens of appearances on television shows like HBO's "Dream On" and NBC's "Search and Rescue" and "Amazing Stories."
Over the years, Shriner has hosted hundreds of hours of television, including his own Emmy-nominated talk show, "The Wil Shriner Show," , and, more recently, HGTV's "That's Home Entertainment" and "On Location." He was also a regular correspondent and guest host for five years on ABC's popular daytime show, "Home." He has also hosted live shows on ABC, CBS, NBC, A&E, HGTV and a number of Disney specials.
Lance Burton
Lance Burton is widely considered by his peers to be the greatest stage magician of the past century. Lance burst onto the national stage on October 28, 1981, by making his first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. So impressed was Carson while watching the rehearsal that he allowed Lance to do an unprecedented 12-minute routine. Through the course of Burton’s career, he was invited back for a total of 10 appearances while Johnny Carson was host, and another 10 appearances with Jay Leno. He racked up appearances on David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, The View, The World’s Greatest Magic and Hollywood Squares. Lance had a series of annual TV specials on NBC and in Las Vegas he performed an astounding FIFTEEN THOUSAND shows in his 30-year career.
Marilyn Maye
The legendary Marilyn Maye holds the record for the most guest appearances by a singer on the The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, with 76 show-stopping features that led Johnny to dub her the “Super Singer.” A timeless icon who has been entertaining audiences for over eight decades, Manhattan’s Queen of Cabaret is thrilled to be part of celebrating Johnny Carson’s 100th birthday. Maye is a consummate entertainer who breathes new life into classics, carrying the torch from her peers who originated tunes of the Great American Songbook. Expect to hear entertaining stories of her time on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
The Houston Chronicle termed her “A National Treasure,” and the Smithsonian Institution chose her recording of “Too Late Now” for its Best Compositions of the 20th Century permanent collection, alongside artists including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland. Maye regularly performs for capacity crowds at NYC’s 54 Below and made her Carnegie Hall solo concert debut in 2023.
About the Lied Center for Performing Arts
The Lied Center is Nebraska’s Home for the Arts. Located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Lied presents the world’s most iconic artists and major regional, national and international performances that entertain and inspire audiences. We offer something for everyone, including the best of Broadway, symphony orchestras, dance, music, theater and family programs. Artists at the Lied have ranged from Itzhak Perlman and Wynton Marsalis to the American Ballet Theatre and St. Louis Symphony. The Lied also is committed to educational outreach: Nearly 100% of visiting artists work with students in the days leading up to their performance. Visit us at https://liedcenter.org.
