NYC: MAC SEMINAR: CABARET 101 AT WHERE EAGLES DARE
FEATURED CABARET ORGANIZATION EVENT
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MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) continues its popular primer seminar Cabaret 101, on the basics of producing a successful cabaret show on Wednesday, June 24th at 6:30 pm at WHERE EAGLES DARE's Blackbird Room (347 West 36th Street, NYC). Moderated by Hector Coris, panelists signed on so far are Tracy Stark, Lisa Moss and Sue Matsuki. No cover for members of MAC - $10 for non-members.
Friday, June 19, 2009
NYC: ALGONQUIN SALON THIS SUNDAY: "FATHER OF THE BRIDE!"
NYC: ALGONQUIN SALON THIS SUNDAY: "FATHER OF THE BRIDE!"
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2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Mark Janas' Algonquin Salon usually takes place on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in the lobby of THE ALGONQUIN HOTEL (59 West 44th Street, NYC - 212-419-9331 - ). The Salon is a weekly event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel. Salon Secretary Peter Napolitano reports that on Sunday, June 21st, hosts/pianists for the evening will be Annie Lebeaux and Bill Zeffiro. Co-host will be Peter Napolitano. To celebrate Father's Day and June, the "wedding month", this will be a special evening of material celebrating fathers, brides, grooms, weddings and wedding music. Any song about, or from a show with, fathers and/or a wedding, would fit. Also any song you've heard (or sung!) at a wedding would be welcome. Remember, any material, on or off-theme, is always welcome at the Algonquin Salon. There is no cover and no minimum.
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2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Mark Janas' Algonquin Salon usually takes place on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in the lobby of THE ALGONQUIN HOTEL (59 West 44th Street, NYC - 212-419-9331 - ). The Salon is a weekly event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel. Salon Secretary Peter Napolitano reports that on Sunday, June 21st, hosts/pianists for the evening will be Annie Lebeaux and Bill Zeffiro. Co-host will be Peter Napolitano. To celebrate Father's Day and June, the "wedding month", this will be a special evening of material celebrating fathers, brides, grooms, weddings and wedding music. Any song about, or from a show with, fathers and/or a wedding, would fit. Also any song you've heard (or sung!) at a wedding would be welcome. Remember, any material, on or off-theme, is always welcome at the Algonquin Salon. There is no cover and no minimum.
ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": MUSIC OF BILLY ECKSTINE
ON RADIO: "EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW": MUSIC OF BILLY ECKSTINE
CABARET ON THE RADIO - TV - WEB
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On Sunday, June 21st, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and on the Internet at http://www.wbai.org/, usually heard from 9:00 to 11:00 pm and hosted by David Kenney will feature the music of Billy Eckstine. Some of the songs from his career that you will hear: "Stormy Monday Blues" with Earl Hines & His Orchestra; Billy Eckstine's "Mr. B's Blues"; "Passing Strangers" in duet with Sarah Vaughan; "Blue Moon" (Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart) ; "Everything I Have Is Yours" and "Once More With Feeling" with Billy May. Each week David presents the usual blend of big-band jazz, swing, standards, showtunes, contemporary cabaret and celebrity interviews plus MEGA-MEDLEY MADNESS. For more information contact: oldisnew@earthlink.net. You are also invited to e-mail your comments and suggestions for future shows. You can listen to past shows at any time by going to the WBAI Archives at http://www.archive.wbai.org/ .
CABARET ON THE RADIO - TV - WEB
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On Sunday, June 21st, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and on the Internet at http://www.wbai.org/, usually heard from 9:00 to 11:00 pm and hosted by David Kenney will feature the music of Billy Eckstine. Some of the songs from his career that you will hear: "Stormy Monday Blues" with Earl Hines & His Orchestra; Billy Eckstine's "Mr. B's Blues"; "Passing Strangers" in duet with Sarah Vaughan; "Blue Moon" (Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart) ; "Everything I Have Is Yours" and "Once More With Feeling" with Billy May. Each week David presents the usual blend of big-band jazz, swing, standards, showtunes, contemporary cabaret and celebrity interviews plus MEGA-MEDLEY MADNESS. For more information contact: oldisnew@earthlink.net. You are also invited to e-mail your comments and suggestions for future shows. You can listen to past shows at any time by going to the WBAI Archives at http://www.archive.wbai.org/ .
ON RADIO: "AT THE RITZ!" SATURDAYS & STREAMING AUDIO 24/7
ON RADIO: "AT THE RITZ!" SATURDAYS & STREAMING AUDIO 24/7
CABARET ON THE RADIO - TV - WEB
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Regular weekly live broadcasts of the AT THE RITZ! radio program can now be heard on WVOF 88.5FM on Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Producers and hosts Jeffrey C. Williams and Lynn DiMenna announce a new, convenient way to hear their weekly show, especially for folks outside of WVOF's local listening area. Simply go to http://www.attheritz.org/ and in one click you can enjoy AT THE RITZ! streaming 24/7 anytime! The Saturday shows are rebroadcast throughout the week along with some internet only music. AT THE RITZ! features cabaret, jazz, Broadway and similar sophisticated music along with celebrity interviews and commentary.
CABARET ON THE RADIO - TV - WEB
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Regular weekly live broadcasts of the AT THE RITZ! radio program can now be heard on WVOF 88.5FM on Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Producers and hosts Jeffrey C. Williams and Lynn DiMenna announce a new, convenient way to hear their weekly show, especially for folks outside of WVOF's local listening area. Simply go to http://www.attheritz.org/ and in one click you can enjoy AT THE RITZ! streaming 24/7 anytime! The Saturday shows are rebroadcast throughout the week along with some internet only music. AT THE RITZ! features cabaret, jazz, Broadway and similar sophisticated music along with celebrity interviews and commentary.
NYC: AFTER PARTY WITH SPECIAL GUEST ADINAH ALEXANDER
NYC: AFTER PARTY WITH SPECIAL GUEST ADINAH ALEXANDER
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At THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - http://www.westbankcafe.com ) on Fridays at 10:30 pm, 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Brandon Cutrell & 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Alysha Umphress host AFTER PARTY, a free-wheeling open-mic with guest stars from Broadway and Cabaret, Ray Fellman at the piano and others serving up drinks and taking turns at the mic. Guest performers from Broadway, off-Broadway and cabaret drop by each week to sing, chat and join in the fun. This week AFTER PARTY special guest is Broadway's Adinah Alexander. No cover, no minimum.
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At THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - http://www.westbankcafe.com ) on Fridays at 10:30 pm, 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Brandon Cutrell & 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Alysha Umphress host AFTER PARTY, a free-wheeling open-mic with guest stars from Broadway and Cabaret, Ray Fellman at the piano and others serving up drinks and taking turns at the mic. Guest performers from Broadway, off-Broadway and cabaret drop by each week to sing, chat and join in the fun. This week AFTER PARTY special guest is Broadway's Adinah Alexander. No cover, no minimum.
GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS NEXT 10 DAYS
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GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS NEXT 10 DAYS
$25 WORTH OF DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE IN NEXT 10 DAYS!
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NYC: DEZUR KENNA AT MAMAS IN "IN THESE SHOES"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Dezur Kenna premiers her new show "In These Shoes" to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) for four performances in June - Thursdays, June 25th at 8:30 pm and Sunday, June 28th at 5:30 pm. Dezur created roles in ERIK AND THE SNOW MAIDENS (Anna Dorothea) at EIGHTY-EIGHTS and in INDIGO RAT (Fraulein Ulrike Spinwrecker) at Rose's Turn. Musical director is Steven Ray Watkins and the show is directed by Lennie Watts. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: BOB O'HARE SINGS OF HOME AT MAMA'S
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Bob O'Hare sings about "home" at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) on Monday, June 22nd at 6:30 pm. The show is a musical exploration of the concept of "home", with songs by Flaherty and Ahrens, Bernstein, Bucchino, Carnelia, Coleman and Leigh, Arlen and Mercer, Kander and Ebb and others. Musical director is Tom Nelson, with direction by Eric Michael Gillett. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: JENNA ESPOSITO SINGS THE SONGS OF CONNIE FRANCIS
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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"Cabaret's Sweetheart" will be singing the songs of "America's Sweetheart" in Jenna Esposito's brand new show celebrating the songs of Connie Francis at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, June 23rd through July 14th. A 2008 and 2009 MAC award nominee for female vocalist, Jenna made her NYC cabaret debut in August, 2004 and has since performed shows at the Duplex, Danny's Skylight Room, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and the Metropolitan Room. Jenna is also the host of Metrojam the Metropolitan Room's open mic, which takes place on the first Friday of every month. In the show, Jenna sings the songs of "America's Sweetheart," Connie Francis including favorites such as "Where The Boys Are," "Stupid Cupid," and "Who's Sorry Now," as well as some lesser-known gems. Directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Fortune Esposito. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: "KEEPING MY COMPOSURE: SONGS OF BRETT KRISTOFFERSON"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $6 OFF THE COVER
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MAC-Award nominated songwriter Brett Kristofferson presents "Keeping My Composure" for one night only at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ) on Friday, June 26th at 8:00 pm. In this revue, Kristofferson presents his complex, entertaining and intriguing songs featuring some of NYC's best cabaret and theatre performers. Scheduled to perform: Christina Bianco (Forbidden Broadway), Brandon Cutrell, Natalie Douglas, Jenna Esposito, Rob Langeder, Miles Phillips, Molly Pope, Dominic Sheehan-Stahl, Angela Shultz, Liz Strickland, Lennie Watts and Jonathan Whitton. Hector Coris directs the evening with musical direction by Brett Kristofferson. As a composer/lyricist, Kristofferson's work has been heard in numerous venues around New York City. Brett has served as music director for Urinetown, Gypsy, Bat Boy, Into the Woods, and Carnival at the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan. Other recent credits include Guys and Dolls for The Interprovincial Music Camp in Ontario, Canada, Merrily we Roll Along for Wingspan Arts Summer Conservatory, the world premiere of Theater Boys (Fresh Fruit Festival), and the national tour of Girl's Night. There is a $15 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: VICKIE PHILLIPS IS "MUSICALLY INCLINED"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $6 OFF THE COVER
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Broadway Bound Productions presents "Musically Inclined", a program of songs that include Lieber & Stoller, Rodgers & Hart, Dory Previn, Gerry Dieffenbach and Bob Ost, featuring award winning singer/actress Vickie Phillips at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) on Wednesday, June 24th at 9:15 pm. Also included in the show is an original song written for Vickie by Ost and Dieffenbach, A Song Is Like a Friend. The show is written and directed by Bob Ost. Music director is Gerry Dieffenbach. There is a $12 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $6 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: MARCUS SIMEONE WITH "EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Bistro & 2009 MAC Award winner Marcus Simeone brings a brand new show to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) for two more performances - Sunday, June 28th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, July 11th at 7:30 pm. The show, "Everything Must Change" is all about the beautiful songs that changed lives through the music and lyrics of Johnny Mercer, Jimmy Van Heusen, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Bobby Darin, Carol King and more. The songs are a unique and visionary mix of familiar and rarely heard songs celebrating the insistence of change as seen through the eyes of this acclaimed and exciting singer. As an artist and a person, Marcus Simeone has experienced exceptional life-alterting experiences over this past year, contributing to the development of this show. Marcus will be accompanied by a band led by musical director Barry Levitt. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.$15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: LAST TUESDAYS WITH TERESE GENECCO & LITTLE BIG BAND
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $10 OFF THE COVER
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Scobar Entertainment presents LAST TUESDAYS at IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB (1650 Broadway, NYC - 212-582-2121 ) on Tuesday, June 30th featuring Bistro Award and 2008 & 2009 MAC AWARD WINNER Terese Genecco & her 7-Piece Little Big Band. Terese and her band will be appearing the last Tuesday of every month in an open-ended run. The band for this performance will include Barry Levitt on piano, Jon Burr on bass, Joe Abba on drums, Joe Passaro on percussion, Kenny Lavender on trumpet, Jeff Lederer on sax and Mark Miller on trombone. Special guest star Barry Lloyd (San Francisco's Crown Prince of Cabaret!) will also appear with the band in both sets. There is a $25 cover plus a $10 food/drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS NEXT 10 DAYS
$25 WORTH OF DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE IN NEXT 10 DAYS!
===============
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NYC: DEZUR KENNA AT MAMAS IN "IN THESE SHOES"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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Dezur Kenna premiers her new show "In These Shoes" to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) for four performances in June - Thursdays, June 25th at 8:30 pm and Sunday, June 28th at 5:30 pm. Dezur created roles in ERIK AND THE SNOW MAIDENS (Anna Dorothea) at EIGHTY-EIGHTS and in INDIGO RAT (Fraulein Ulrike Spinwrecker) at Rose's Turn. Musical director is Steven Ray Watkins and the show is directed by Lennie Watts. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: BOB O'HARE SINGS OF HOME AT MAMA'S
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
---------------
Bob O'Hare sings about "home" at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) on Monday, June 22nd at 6:30 pm. The show is a musical exploration of the concept of "home", with songs by Flaherty and Ahrens, Bernstein, Bucchino, Carnelia, Coleman and Leigh, Arlen and Mercer, Kander and Ebb and others. Musical director is Tom Nelson, with direction by Eric Michael Gillett. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: JENNA ESPOSITO SINGS THE SONGS OF CONNIE FRANCIS
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
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"Cabaret's Sweetheart" will be singing the songs of "America's Sweetheart" in Jenna Esposito's brand new show celebrating the songs of Connie Francis at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, June 23rd through July 14th. A 2008 and 2009 MAC award nominee for female vocalist, Jenna made her NYC cabaret debut in August, 2004 and has since performed shows at the Duplex, Danny's Skylight Room, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and the Metropolitan Room. Jenna is also the host of Metrojam the Metropolitan Room's open mic, which takes place on the first Friday of every month. In the show, Jenna sings the songs of "America's Sweetheart," Connie Francis including favorites such as "Where The Boys Are," "Stupid Cupid," and "Who's Sorry Now," as well as some lesser-known gems. Directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Fortune Esposito. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: "KEEPING MY COMPOSURE: SONGS OF BRETT KRISTOFFERSON"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $6 OFF THE COVER
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MAC-Award nominated songwriter Brett Kristofferson presents "Keeping My Composure" for one night only at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ) on Friday, June 26th at 8:00 pm. In this revue, Kristofferson presents his complex, entertaining and intriguing songs featuring some of NYC's best cabaret and theatre performers. Scheduled to perform: Christina Bianco (Forbidden Broadway), Brandon Cutrell, Natalie Douglas, Jenna Esposito, Rob Langeder, Miles Phillips, Molly Pope, Dominic Sheehan-Stahl, Angela Shultz, Liz Strickland, Lennie Watts and Jonathan Whitton. Hector Coris directs the evening with musical direction by Brett Kristofferson. As a composer/lyricist, Kristofferson's work has been heard in numerous venues around New York City. Brett has served as music director for Urinetown, Gypsy, Bat Boy, Into the Woods, and Carnival at the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan. Other recent credits include Guys and Dolls for The Interprovincial Music Camp in Ontario, Canada, Merrily we Roll Along for Wingspan Arts Summer Conservatory, the world premiere of Theater Boys (Fresh Fruit Festival), and the national tour of Girl's Night. There is a $15 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
---------------
NYC: VICKIE PHILLIPS IS "MUSICALLY INCLINED"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $6 OFF THE COVER
---------------
Broadway Bound Productions presents "Musically Inclined", a program of songs that include Lieber & Stoller, Rodgers & Hart, Dory Previn, Gerry Dieffenbach and Bob Ost, featuring award winning singer/actress Vickie Phillips at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) on Wednesday, June 24th at 9:15 pm. Also included in the show is an original song written for Vickie by Ost and Dieffenbach, A Song Is Like a Friend. The show is written and directed by Bob Ost. Music director is Gerry Dieffenbach. There is a $12 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $6 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: MARCUS SIMEONE WITH "EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE"
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
---------------
Bistro & 2009 MAC Award winner Marcus Simeone brings a brand new show to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) for two more performances - Sunday, June 28th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, July 11th at 7:30 pm. The show, "Everything Must Change" is all about the beautiful songs that changed lives through the music and lyrics of Johnny Mercer, Jimmy Van Heusen, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Bobby Darin, Carol King and more. The songs are a unique and visionary mix of familiar and rarely heard songs celebrating the insistence of change as seen through the eyes of this acclaimed and exciting singer. As an artist and a person, Marcus Simeone has experienced exceptional life-alterting experiences over this past year, contributing to the development of this show. Marcus will be accompanied by a band led by musical director Barry Levitt. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.$15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: LAST TUESDAYS WITH TERESE GENECCO & LITTLE BIG BAND
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $10 OFF THE COVER
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Scobar Entertainment presents LAST TUESDAYS at IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB (1650 Broadway, NYC - 212-582-2121 ) on Tuesday, June 30th featuring Bistro Award and 2008 & 2009 MAC AWARD WINNER Terese Genecco & her 7-Piece Little Big Band. Terese and her band will be appearing the last Tuesday of every month in an open-ended run. The band for this performance will include Barry Levitt on piano, Jon Burr on bass, Joe Abba on drums, Joe Passaro on percussion, Kenny Lavender on trumpet, Jeff Lederer on sax and Mark Miller on trombone. Special guest star Barry Lloyd (San Francisco's Crown Prince of Cabaret!) will also appear with the band in both sets. There is a $25 cover plus a $10 food/drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
THE 2009 ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL - THE SECOND REPORT
THE 2009 ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL - THE SECOND REPORT
by Frank Ford
NOTE: This same report - with photos added - appears on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website as well.
The Second Week of the 2009 Adelaide Cabaret Festival started with a bang. Nine shows on offer in five venues filled to capacity! This is partly due to the generosity of law firm, Minter Ellison's sponsoring "Bring A Friend Free" on Wednesday nights. After the first ten days of the Festival one is already astounded by the variety and quality of the cabaret acts Campbell has conjured up.
There was the thrill of being present at that rare moment when a star is born. That star is 23 year old Hugh Sheridan. He was dazzling as he performed the life and times of Anthoney Newley in his show Newley Discovered. Sheridan's stage presence and stage charm is stunning as he portrays Newley's life through song, dance and character acting. The segues are seamless. He captured the spirit of Newley's character with the use of the simplest of props, by changing hats or coats. Alone on stage backed only by three musicians he held the stage and the audience by his theatrical magic.
Personality, one of Newley's biggest hits suited Sheridan perfectly and seemed to personify this young star. He sang Goldfinger, Candy Man but it was What Kind of Fool Am I that poignantly related to Newley's many falls from grace and Sheridan embodied the song with heart wrenching feeling. Sheridan traced the bumpy journey of Newley's rise to fame and fortune through to despair with amazing aplomb.
The calibre of his performance was that of a star of great experience.
And this is the young fourteen year old who at the second Adelaide Cabaret Festival after listening to a "What is Cabaret?" discussion, came up to me and said he wanted to be a cabaret star and could he do an act in the next festival? Well, Hugh got both of his wishes eventually.
Newley Discovered was expertly devised by director Dean Bryant, musical director Phil Scott and David Campbell.
On the same stage on the same nights we were treated to another gem. The eternally shining star of New York cabaret, the 84 years old, and not out, Julie Wilson... and as she emphasized "I'm not dead yet!" Julie is the lady of Peter Allen's song Quiet please there is lady on stage... but this lady also has plenty of punch as she delivered knockout versions of The Lady is a Tramp, Stormy Weather and Sondheim's Boy, Can That Boy Foxtrot.
Julie recalls highlights of her career with songs to match; special occasions with Billie Holiday and with Cole Porter who cast her as Bianca in Kiss Me Kate. The audience fell silent in awe of this living legend and in appreciation that there was ...a great lady of the stage on stage.
In stark contrast, drag show Gentlemen Prefer Blokes exploded in the Playhouse starring Courtney Act and Trevor Ashley and a fake drag, Virginia Gay. Virginia stepped in to rescue the show when Courtney broke a leg in a skiing accident. Virginia, ever so Gay, did such a great job they decided to keep her in the show, and how couldn't they with a real name like that! Best drag queen name ever. What must have her parents been thinking.
The threesome flaunted their considerable talents in a spirited song and dance routine of Three Little Girls from Adelaide via Little Rock as Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe and her double. Other screen stars suffered similar fates as this revue style drag show sped on at breakneck speed.
Interlaced with film clips of their hilarious adventures, by referencing famous movies and encountering local theatre celebrities along the way, they re-captured the sheer fun of the silent movie knock-about comedies of yesteryear.
I feared an avenging bolt of lightning when two post-op "trannies for Jesus" preached "pray the gay away".
By the end I was dizzy with delight as was the elderly couple seated next to me, a show for all ages (almost).
Hayden Tee fresh from starring in Opera Australia's My Fair Lady is an accomplished musical theatre performer who charmed the audience with his mellifluous voice through songs of his show Generation whY?
Starting with "coincidences" in his past, he interwove songs through the discovery of his Maori heritage in search of his own identity. Family shots and video clips provided a visual background for his story telling. Images of the darker side of generation Y's view of the world, tended to obfuscate the simple, heart warming story of the emergence of the artist within Tee. He is a consummate artist that gives the audience an honest, quality, feel-good experience.
Cabaret Decadanse gave a brilliant, naughty French twist to the Festival's offerings. This puppet cabaret act featured an outrageous, gorgeous, sexy cavalcade of femme fatales who seduced us all. Two puppeteers manipulate each puppet while a masked glamour puss MC's the show in a babble of French, Spanish and English. Most extraordinary was the way the two puppeteers were completely visible at all times, their arms and legs become part of the puppet's gestures and even dance actions. One puppeteer provided the shapely legs in fishnet stockings to dance a show stopper version of I Can't Do It Alone from Chicago. A puppet resembling 'a lady of the night' gave a whole new raunchy meaning to the Beatles' It's A Hard Day's Night. A great selection of musical numbers added to this roller coaster fun ride. A wonderfully wild show!
As if Campbell is stating that cabaret should never become too respectable, following on from Decadanse was The Twink And The Showgirl. What looked like might be an X-rated show turned out to be a frolic without frocks with lots of cute numbers. Especially The Twink, Vincent Hooper arriving on stage in the briefest and tightest of hot pants and wowing us with a vocal range not heard since they stopped making castrati. The master pianist Phil Scott tinkled and twinkled away in more ways than one. In the engaging interplay between junior and senior the lines were drawn between the attitudes of two different gay generations. Phil nostalgically reminisces of the times when show tune sing-alongs occurred in gay piano bars. The spiky banter between them shocks and delights the audience into hysterics. Vincent's beautiful voice and Phil's stunning virtuosity on the piano creates a gay time for all.
On another night, in the same very intimate venue, we shared the space with Tyran Parke in A Little Knight Music... & other melodic quests as he fantasizes through song his Don Quixote-like search for his place in the world of musical theatre. Along the way he does actually meet luminaries of the genre such as Stephen Sondheim. Tyran sings with great conviction, songs from Sunday in the Park With George, Evita and of course song from Man of La Mancha. Tyran's quest was successful. His warmth, stage charm and gentle humour made for a most enjoyable evening of cabaret musical theatre.
I managed to catch the Dad And Dave show with David Campbell and his Australian rock legend father Jimmy Barnes and David's half-sister Mahalia. One of Campbell's stated aims as artistic director is to "urge well known performers to embrace the medium of cabaret". Barnes' fans rushed for tickets and thus Campbell's strategy brought a whole new audience stream to the Cabaret Festival and the audience heard a very different Barnes give many beautiful renditions of songs that are not in his usual repertoire such as Nina Simone's My Baby Just Cares For Me. Mahalia looking very much six months pregnant somehow managed to whip up a storm in the gospel In The Upper Room. David sang Peter Allen's Tenterfield Saddler which I heard at one of his first concerts years ago and his version still has no equal. So beautiful, was the way Dad's family were thoroughly enjoying themselves, backing each other up with harmonies and cheeky banter. After several encores they finally managed to escape an adoring audience.
Gutenberg! The Musical was a 'tour de force' for New Yorkers David Somerville and Simon Vander Stap as they try to sell their musical to pretend producers in the audience. Just as in real life, the composer and a couple of actors play all the roles trying to convince backers to put up money for their show. And as usual the performers gush with enthusiasm for their product. In a mind boggling speed juggling act, the two performers play 40 characters with the aid of named caps. One false change of caps and the already convoluted plot would be tied in a killer knot. This musical spoof about Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press is a revisionist version of history unequalled, with scant consideration for facts in order to fit the plot into the Broadway musical mould. The two exuberant performers Doug and Bud do a hard sell through song and dance routines at such a pace it leaves the audience gasping for breath. The show was clever, highly-skilled, fun entertainment.
Robyn Archer, Australia's stella cabaret artist has given us diverse, challenging and always outstanding offerings over the years of the Cabaret Festival. There was much anticipation for her new show, a history of French Cabaret, Que Reste-t' il? Starting with the early days of cabaret at the end of the nineteenth century she conjured up the milieu of Le Chat Noir, the Parisian venue where artists and a mixed clientele enjoyed the bitter sweet songs depicting the often hard times of their lives. Robyn eased us into this now obscure period by firstly reading the lyrics in English before singing the songs. The composers certainly didn't mince their words and the vitality of the cabaret genre shone through. Much admired and drawn by Toulouse Lautrec, composer Aristede Bruant's satirical lyrics described the other side of the Belle Époque as being not so Belle for the average person.
The show continued with songs from Jouy, Le Grand and Gainsbourg up to more modern times with Damia, Montand, Trent, Jacque Brel and of course of Edith Piaf. Archer endowed the songs with such intense feeling and meaning that you were transported to another time and place. Skilfully, Archer contrasted these songs with audience participation in fun ditties giving the program change of pace and variety. Musical director Michael Morley and his small band, including of course a piano accordion, created just the right musical atmosphere and excellent accompaniment. Robyn's fans cheered at the end of this non-stop two hour epic.
Try as I could I only managed to see the above performances of the many shows on offer in the second week. The crowds turned up in force as word of mouth spread the good news around town and most shows sold out. The Festival's box office target was reached by Friday night with still a week of the Festival to run. Campbell's programming has brought new audiences to the Festival by presenting such diverse artists as the young American beatboxing champion Butterscotch and Jimmy Barnes. He has created a Festival that truly has something for everyone.
by Frank Ford
NOTE: This same report - with photos added - appears on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website as well.
The Second Week of the 2009 Adelaide Cabaret Festival started with a bang. Nine shows on offer in five venues filled to capacity! This is partly due to the generosity of law firm, Minter Ellison's sponsoring "Bring A Friend Free" on Wednesday nights. After the first ten days of the Festival one is already astounded by the variety and quality of the cabaret acts Campbell has conjured up.
There was the thrill of being present at that rare moment when a star is born. That star is 23 year old Hugh Sheridan. He was dazzling as he performed the life and times of Anthoney Newley in his show Newley Discovered. Sheridan's stage presence and stage charm is stunning as he portrays Newley's life through song, dance and character acting. The segues are seamless. He captured the spirit of Newley's character with the use of the simplest of props, by changing hats or coats. Alone on stage backed only by three musicians he held the stage and the audience by his theatrical magic.
Personality, one of Newley's biggest hits suited Sheridan perfectly and seemed to personify this young star. He sang Goldfinger, Candy Man but it was What Kind of Fool Am I that poignantly related to Newley's many falls from grace and Sheridan embodied the song with heart wrenching feeling. Sheridan traced the bumpy journey of Newley's rise to fame and fortune through to despair with amazing aplomb.
The calibre of his performance was that of a star of great experience.
And this is the young fourteen year old who at the second Adelaide Cabaret Festival after listening to a "What is Cabaret?" discussion, came up to me and said he wanted to be a cabaret star and could he do an act in the next festival? Well, Hugh got both of his wishes eventually.
Newley Discovered was expertly devised by director Dean Bryant, musical director Phil Scott and David Campbell.
On the same stage on the same nights we were treated to another gem. The eternally shining star of New York cabaret, the 84 years old, and not out, Julie Wilson... and as she emphasized "I'm not dead yet!" Julie is the lady of Peter Allen's song Quiet please there is lady on stage... but this lady also has plenty of punch as she delivered knockout versions of The Lady is a Tramp, Stormy Weather and Sondheim's Boy, Can That Boy Foxtrot.
Julie recalls highlights of her career with songs to match; special occasions with Billie Holiday and with Cole Porter who cast her as Bianca in Kiss Me Kate. The audience fell silent in awe of this living legend and in appreciation that there was ...a great lady of the stage on stage.
In stark contrast, drag show Gentlemen Prefer Blokes exploded in the Playhouse starring Courtney Act and Trevor Ashley and a fake drag, Virginia Gay. Virginia stepped in to rescue the show when Courtney broke a leg in a skiing accident. Virginia, ever so Gay, did such a great job they decided to keep her in the show, and how couldn't they with a real name like that! Best drag queen name ever. What must have her parents been thinking.
The threesome flaunted their considerable talents in a spirited song and dance routine of Three Little Girls from Adelaide via Little Rock as Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe and her double. Other screen stars suffered similar fates as this revue style drag show sped on at breakneck speed.
Interlaced with film clips of their hilarious adventures, by referencing famous movies and encountering local theatre celebrities along the way, they re-captured the sheer fun of the silent movie knock-about comedies of yesteryear.
I feared an avenging bolt of lightning when two post-op "trannies for Jesus" preached "pray the gay away".
By the end I was dizzy with delight as was the elderly couple seated next to me, a show for all ages (almost).
Hayden Tee fresh from starring in Opera Australia's My Fair Lady is an accomplished musical theatre performer who charmed the audience with his mellifluous voice through songs of his show Generation whY?
Starting with "coincidences" in his past, he interwove songs through the discovery of his Maori heritage in search of his own identity. Family shots and video clips provided a visual background for his story telling. Images of the darker side of generation Y's view of the world, tended to obfuscate the simple, heart warming story of the emergence of the artist within Tee. He is a consummate artist that gives the audience an honest, quality, feel-good experience.
Cabaret Decadanse gave a brilliant, naughty French twist to the Festival's offerings. This puppet cabaret act featured an outrageous, gorgeous, sexy cavalcade of femme fatales who seduced us all. Two puppeteers manipulate each puppet while a masked glamour puss MC's the show in a babble of French, Spanish and English. Most extraordinary was the way the two puppeteers were completely visible at all times, their arms and legs become part of the puppet's gestures and even dance actions. One puppeteer provided the shapely legs in fishnet stockings to dance a show stopper version of I Can't Do It Alone from Chicago. A puppet resembling 'a lady of the night' gave a whole new raunchy meaning to the Beatles' It's A Hard Day's Night. A great selection of musical numbers added to this roller coaster fun ride. A wonderfully wild show!
As if Campbell is stating that cabaret should never become too respectable, following on from Decadanse was The Twink And The Showgirl. What looked like might be an X-rated show turned out to be a frolic without frocks with lots of cute numbers. Especially The Twink, Vincent Hooper arriving on stage in the briefest and tightest of hot pants and wowing us with a vocal range not heard since they stopped making castrati. The master pianist Phil Scott tinkled and twinkled away in more ways than one. In the engaging interplay between junior and senior the lines were drawn between the attitudes of two different gay generations. Phil nostalgically reminisces of the times when show tune sing-alongs occurred in gay piano bars. The spiky banter between them shocks and delights the audience into hysterics. Vincent's beautiful voice and Phil's stunning virtuosity on the piano creates a gay time for all.
On another night, in the same very intimate venue, we shared the space with Tyran Parke in A Little Knight Music... & other melodic quests as he fantasizes through song his Don Quixote-like search for his place in the world of musical theatre. Along the way he does actually meet luminaries of the genre such as Stephen Sondheim. Tyran sings with great conviction, songs from Sunday in the Park With George, Evita and of course song from Man of La Mancha. Tyran's quest was successful. His warmth, stage charm and gentle humour made for a most enjoyable evening of cabaret musical theatre.
I managed to catch the Dad And Dave show with David Campbell and his Australian rock legend father Jimmy Barnes and David's half-sister Mahalia. One of Campbell's stated aims as artistic director is to "urge well known performers to embrace the medium of cabaret". Barnes' fans rushed for tickets and thus Campbell's strategy brought a whole new audience stream to the Cabaret Festival and the audience heard a very different Barnes give many beautiful renditions of songs that are not in his usual repertoire such as Nina Simone's My Baby Just Cares For Me. Mahalia looking very much six months pregnant somehow managed to whip up a storm in the gospel In The Upper Room. David sang Peter Allen's Tenterfield Saddler which I heard at one of his first concerts years ago and his version still has no equal. So beautiful, was the way Dad's family were thoroughly enjoying themselves, backing each other up with harmonies and cheeky banter. After several encores they finally managed to escape an adoring audience.
Gutenberg! The Musical was a 'tour de force' for New Yorkers David Somerville and Simon Vander Stap as they try to sell their musical to pretend producers in the audience. Just as in real life, the composer and a couple of actors play all the roles trying to convince backers to put up money for their show. And as usual the performers gush with enthusiasm for their product. In a mind boggling speed juggling act, the two performers play 40 characters with the aid of named caps. One false change of caps and the already convoluted plot would be tied in a killer knot. This musical spoof about Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press is a revisionist version of history unequalled, with scant consideration for facts in order to fit the plot into the Broadway musical mould. The two exuberant performers Doug and Bud do a hard sell through song and dance routines at such a pace it leaves the audience gasping for breath. The show was clever, highly-skilled, fun entertainment.
Robyn Archer, Australia's stella cabaret artist has given us diverse, challenging and always outstanding offerings over the years of the Cabaret Festival. There was much anticipation for her new show, a history of French Cabaret, Que Reste-t' il? Starting with the early days of cabaret at the end of the nineteenth century she conjured up the milieu of Le Chat Noir, the Parisian venue where artists and a mixed clientele enjoyed the bitter sweet songs depicting the often hard times of their lives. Robyn eased us into this now obscure period by firstly reading the lyrics in English before singing the songs. The composers certainly didn't mince their words and the vitality of the cabaret genre shone through. Much admired and drawn by Toulouse Lautrec, composer Aristede Bruant's satirical lyrics described the other side of the Belle Époque as being not so Belle for the average person.
The show continued with songs from Jouy, Le Grand and Gainsbourg up to more modern times with Damia, Montand, Trent, Jacque Brel and of course of Edith Piaf. Archer endowed the songs with such intense feeling and meaning that you were transported to another time and place. Skilfully, Archer contrasted these songs with audience participation in fun ditties giving the program change of pace and variety. Musical director Michael Morley and his small band, including of course a piano accordion, created just the right musical atmosphere and excellent accompaniment. Robyn's fans cheered at the end of this non-stop two hour epic.
Try as I could I only managed to see the above performances of the many shows on offer in the second week. The crowds turned up in force as word of mouth spread the good news around town and most shows sold out. The Festival's box office target was reached by Friday night with still a week of the Festival to run. Campbell's programming has brought new audiences to the Festival by presenting such diverse artists as the young American beatboxing champion Butterscotch and Jimmy Barnes. He has created a Festival that truly has something for everyone.
Monday, June 15, 2009
NYC: BIG NIGHT OUT AT DON'T TELL MAMA
BIG NIGHT OUT, hosted by Jennifer Wren presents the fifth installment of our 2009 Featured Composers Series on Thursday, June 18th at 7:30 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ). The show will showcase the work of composer/lyricists (and brothers) David and Paul Rigano. The evening will span both their writing careers and include everything from special material to David's new musical project, Facing East, written with lyricist Mark Eugene Garcia. The evening will feature performances by Summer Broyhill (Hairspray), Bret Fox (The Full Monty national tour), Andrea Green (Red Masquerade by Jack Wade - reading), Sharone Halevy, ESJAE Jackson (Hair Italian tour), Lauren Morgan, and Ms. Jennifer Wren. Musical director is Bill Zeffiro. Call for cover/minimum information.
NYC: ANY WEDNESDAY FEATURES SIMAVI
ANY WEDNESDAY, the free in-store concert series that features the best in cabaret, jazz and theater music takes at THE BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE (66th Street and Broadway, NYC). Performances are at 6:00 pm. On Wednesday, June 17th at 6:00 pm, featured performer is Simavi. He first fell in love with American music in his native Turkey, and now offers his own take on the songs of Sinatra, Bennett and others on his album, Memories of You. No Reservations taken. No cover.
NYC: MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY WITH JUDY CARMICHAEL
MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY continues on Wednesdays at ST. PETER'S CHURCH - LIVING ROOM (Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, NYC). This long-running series was created by Edmund Anderson and is now produced by Ronny Whyte. Next show is on Wednesday, June 17th featuring Judy Carmichael, piano; Mike Hashim, sax; Ed Ornowski, drums. Performances are at 1:00 pm, $7 donation.
NYC: JOAN CROWE'S LAST WEDNESDAY NIGHT OF THE IGUANA
Vocalist/comic Joan Crowe hosts a weekly series where "anything goes as long as it is fun and entertaining" on Wednesday nights at IGUANA'S VIP LOUNGE (240 West 54th Street, NYC - 212-765-5454 - ), but after her show on Wednesday, June 17th she will be turning over the hosting duties to Richard Skipper for the summer. Joan has special guests each week from all genres of music as well as stand up comics and for her "closing night" she has lined up Ray Jessel, Danny Leary, Laura Hull and Tom Leopold, with Mark Berman subbing in for Jordan at the piano. The show usually runs from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Joan is the creator and star of the ground breaking video podcast: http://www.FunnyJazzChick.com/. There is a $10 cover charge.
N.J.AREA: BOB'S BIG MONDAY SHOWCASE TONIGHT AT STOCKTON INN
BOB's BIG MONDAY SHOWCASE returns on Monday, June 15th (and every other Monday), at 7:30 pm at the STOCKTON INN (1 North Main Street, Stockton NJ - 609-397-1250 - ). The show usually features 6 to 10 vocalists from the NY-NJ-PA area. Performers for for scheduled for this showcase include Jane Arthur, Cari Kassel, Ann Ellithorpe-Luker, Jerry Wichinsky, Kathy Grahm, Barbara Gurskey, Jack Cosgrove, Amy Levine, Lisa Sherman, William Vosseler & Krista Boshinski (with John Baxindine), Mike Mancini, Michael McGeehan and more to be announced. Only $10 cover/$10 minimum. Serving dinner, from 5:30 pm.
BENEFITS TONIGHT - MONDAY JUNE 15th
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BENEFITS TONIGHT
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NYC: FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS VIII WITH BROADWAY/CABARET STARS AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM
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NYC: ANNUAL BENEFIT FOR GREENWICH HOUSE MUSIC SCHOOL
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CHICAGO: CHICAGO SINGS BERNSTEIN BENEFIT FOR PORCHLIGHT
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S.F.AREA: CASTS OF "WICKED," AND "SPAMALOT" PRESENT BENEFIT
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SEE DETAILS ON ALL THE ABOVE ON THE "SPECIAL FEATURED CABARET BENEFITS" PAGE ON THE CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE WEBSITE
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FOR MORE CABARET EVENTS ON THIS DATE SEE THE DIARY/DATEBOOK ON THE CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE WEBSITE
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BENEFITS TONIGHT
---------------
NYC: FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS VIII WITH BROADWAY/CABARET STARS AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM
---------------
---------------
NYC: ANNUAL BENEFIT FOR GREENWICH HOUSE MUSIC SCHOOL
---------------
---------------
CHICAGO: CHICAGO SINGS BERNSTEIN BENEFIT FOR PORCHLIGHT
---------------
---------------
S.F.AREA: CASTS OF "WICKED," AND "SPAMALOT" PRESENT BENEFIT
---------------
SEE DETAILS ON ALL THE ABOVE ON THE "SPECIAL FEATURED CABARET BENEFITS" PAGE ON THE CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE WEBSITE
---------------
FOR MORE CABARET EVENTS ON THIS DATE SEE THE DIARY/DATEBOOK ON THE CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE WEBSITE
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