Saturday, October 15, 2016
By John Benson
When you’re a child of a high-profile movie star couple seeking your own career in show business, respect is often hard to come by. Just ask Rumer Willis, daughter of Hollywood actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, who over the last few years has overcome adversity on her way to making inroads in the family business.
After winning Season 20 of “Dancing with the Stars” and later making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” the actress-singer-dancer is readying the release of her debut album sometime next year. In the meantime, Willis is hitting the road with her “Over The Love Tour,” which comes to Northeast Ohio for a Monday show at the Kent Stage in Kent.
“When I was putting the tour and set list together, I was thinking what’s something that everybody felt that doesn’t discriminate on what you look like, who you love, where you are from or how much money you have,” said Willis, calling from Los Angeles. “I thought love is kind of a universal thing.”
Willis will be performing a chanteuse-style variety show featuring timeless standards ranging from cabaret and jazz to classic R&B, rock ’n’ roll and pop. In addition, Willis is showcasing original material, including her sister Scout’s song “Little Wolf.”
“It’s one of my favorites,” Willis said. “She’s an incredible writer. I love her lyrics. They’re really like poetry. The song is about love. I tried to pick songs that kind of fit in with the whole vibe of the tour, the different feelings of being in love or out of love.”
Regarding being in love or out of love, the discussion delved into to her Facebook relationship status and lack of subtlety.
“I am happily single,” Willis said. “In fact, I’ll be performing my new song ‘Go Away Boy.’ I just think it’s one of those songs you can listen to if you’re driving in the car. It’s a great song for a road trip. It has a great beat with cool lyrics. It’s one of those fun songs you can really scream to in your car.”
As far as the not-so-subtle song title, she said with a laugh, “I think most of my friends would say I’m not one to be the most subtle with certain things.”
Something else not understated is Willis’ “Dancing with the Stars” experience, which she said taught her a tough lesson.
“I think at the end of the day, you can’t quote the value of yourself on other people’s opinions, good or bad,” Willis said.