VARIETY SHOW AIMS TO ENTERTAIN ALL.

Byline: P. CATHERINE SHANKS Community Columnist

Some traditions are newer than the old hills we refer to in cliche and adage.

At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Temple Beth Haverim will present its fourth annual Celebration of Music and Comedy, which organizers hope will appeal to members of the Jewish community and the community at large. Proceeds will benefit music, educational and cultural programs at Temple Beth Haverim.

Cantor Kenny Ellis will provide the comedy for the show, which will take place at the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. With numerous film, TV, radio, stage, and club appearances to his credit, Ellis is sure to elicit more than a few chuckles and guffaws.

``Jewish comedy is pretty universal,'' said Ellis, who also organized and produced the event. ``Ninety percent of all humor is Jewish humor.''

Prompted by the synagogue to present an annual variety show highlighting Jewish wit, wisdom, and music, Ellis happily agreed to take on the task. For a man so enmeshed in his culture that he once thought Perry Como was singing ``It's a Matzoh Ball,'' rather than ``It's Impossible,'' putting together a Jewish variety show was almost as easy as breathing.

Ellis has enlisted a number of talented individuals to perform in the show. The temple children's choir will perform on its own and also provide back-up for the headliners. According to Ellis, the small group of 8- to 12-year-olds has been performing regularly at civic and social functions.

``It gives me pride,'' Ellis said. ``These adorable little kids are the most

fun group to work with.''

The cantor explained that a successful concert is one that enriches and entertains both audience and participants. He said that, ultimately, success is not necessarily measured monetarily.

``The whole idea is to have fun. If we make some money for the synagogue, that's great,'' Ellis said. ``It's important that people come in and enjoy.''

Soprano Rebecca Somberg, who has soloed with the Pacific and Garden Grove symphonies, will perform an assortment of songs in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish. Though most of the musical program will be in a language other than English, Ellis encourages the uninitiated to attend.

``There are people who go to things called operas, that are in another language,'' said Ellis.

``People who aren't Jewish say it sounds like Jewish opera, in a way,'' added the cantor, referring to Somberg as the perfect singer to showcase the music. ``The audience will just be astounded and flabbergasted by her talent.''

Last year, the concert took the form of a Bar Mitzvah party. Temple Beth Haverim celebrated its coming of age and 13 years in existence. Exciting future events were on the horizon.

Still basking in the communal warmth of its right of passage, on June 13 members of Temple Beth Haverim will dedicate the land for their new synagogue on Lady Face Circle, next to the new Agoura Hills City Hall.

Cantor Ellis said that the event will be a landmark occasion in a historic landmark site.

``June 13 is significant in our tradition,'' said Ellis.

Tickets for the Celebration of Music and Comedy are $19 to $76. For tickets and information, call Temple Beth Haverim at [phone], or the Civic Arts Plaza box office at [phone]. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster at [phone].

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Photo

PHOTO (Color) Cantor Kenny Ellis of Temple Beth Haverim leads a group in song. Though these students will not be performing Sunday, the Celebration of Music and Comedy will feature many talented singers.

Michael Owen Baker/Daily News