HERE'S WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT ....

Cabaret Hotline Online is an independent website with more than 7,400 pages of news, information and stories on cabaret, owned and maintained by Stu Hamstra. CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE is not affiliated with any club or organization. It is totally supported through advertising and membership donations. This blog is an extension of the website and newsletter.

NOW IN OUR 26th YEAR OF PROMOTING THE ART & ARTISTS OF CABARET!

"His eye is on the sparrow...."

Friday, March 6, 2009

CAST CHANGE ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 10th GALA

GREAT NEWS! The family emergency that caused Kristy Cates (Broadway's Elphaba and part of original WICKED cast) to drop out of our MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA was solved earlier than expected and Kristy will indeed be appearing in our show. She will join her "stand in" Laura Dekkers Langham (Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway production of THE WOMEN IN WHITE as well as David Friedman's LISTEN TO MY HEART: THE SONGS OF DAVID FRIEDMAN) in singing the 2008 MEMBERS CHOICE BEST CABARET SONG, David Friedman's LISTEN TO MY HEART.

Tom Stajmiger is producing the show and the MC/host is 2009 NY Nightlife Award winner Brandon Cutrell. And another award winner, Tracy Stark is our Musical Director. And you as a member has a part in three of the numbers/performers.

The two "debut" winners of the recent CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE MEMBERS' CHOICE poll, Sarah Rice and Ben Cherry, will be featured, plus another another cabaret newcomer, Antonio Edwards. Sarah Rice, who Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince chose to become part of musical theatre history when she was cast as the original Johanna in SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET on Broadway, made her first cabaret appearance in 2008. Michigan native Ben Cherry made his cabaret debut at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM in January 2008, for which he received rave reviews. Antonio Edwards recently made his cabaret debut at THE TRIAD in his one man show "Love, Life & Empowerment."

In addition to Kristy and Laura, other performers in the show are multi award winner (MAC - NY Nightlife) Natalie Douglas; Metro Star winner Anne Steele (who just completed a sold-out run at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM; Chicago favorite and cabaret star Joan Curto; Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominee and Broadway/Cabaret favorite Sally Mayes; and the MAC Award winning, cabaret/jazz performer and recording artist Jack Donahue.

Of course, as with all live entertainment events, performers are subject to change.

Tickets are just $20 for members, and as a member you can take along a second non-member at the member price! Just click here: TICKETSl. Send me a note if you prefer not to use PayPal and I will hold your reservations and you can pay by check or cash at the show.

Ticket price does not include the $15 food/drink minimum set by the venue. All tickets must be ordered online - the LAURIE BEECHMAN is not accepting reservations for this show and no tickets will be sold at the door on the night of the event.

The MARCH IS CABARET MONTH gala is sponsored in part by
Les Michaels' LIFE IS A CABARET Newsletter
Ron Squeri
Kitty Skrobela of MIRANDA MUSIC
Jim Van Slyke
Marty Geiger
Geri Malino
Raissa Katona Bennett
Colette Black of THE REPRISE ROOM AT DILLON'S

3 GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE MEMBERS NEXT 10 DAYS

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NYC: 10TH ANNIVERSARY G&L STAND-UP & MUSICAL COMEDY FEST!
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER - TONIGHT!
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The acclaimed ground-breaking and trend-setting G&L STAND-UP & MUSICAL COMEDY FEST presented its first "fest" on a Friday Night at 10:30 pm in March 1999 and now it celebrates its 10th Anniversary on Friday night, March 6th at 9:30 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788). Hosted by Award-Winning Musical Comedian Sidney Myer, this special show features Jeni Aron from New York Comedy Club & Garden Gnome Comedy; Drae Campbell from Late Night with Conan O'Brien & Comic Strip Live; Michael Conley, Critically Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter of Hello, Boys and the original host of the G&L Comedy Fest (who now resides in London); Jeffrey Johns from Carolines On Broadway; Poppi Kramer, 2-Time MAC Award Winner from NBC's The Biggest Loser; Danny McWilliams from The Joey Reynolds Radio Show & The Original Funny Gay Males; and Jackie Monahan from LOGO's One Night Stand-Up & 2008 Time Out NY Joke of the Year Winner. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: JIM VAN SLYKE SALUTES NEIL SEDAKA AT THE BEECHMAN
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5: OFF THE COVER - SATURDAY NIGHT!
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Jim Van Slyke returns to NYC and THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909) on March 7th at 8:00 pm; Saturday, March 14th at 4:00 pm; and Sunday, March 15th at 7:00 pm. Critically acclaimed singer Jim Van Slyke returns with this highly anticipated new show celebrating the music of pop icon Neil Sedaka. Jim lends his beautiful voice and charm to the intimate melodies of Neil Sedaka in his latest project "The Sedaka Show". Directed by Tony nominated singer/actor Brian Lane Green with Music Direction by MAC Nominee/Back Stage Bistro Award Winner Tim DiPasqua, this tour de force trio have created a magnificent evening of Neil Sedaka favorites, lost gems and a few surprises! There is a $15 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
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NYC: CYNTHIA CRANE IS CONFUSED AND THEREFOR SHE IS
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $8 OFF THE COVER - SUNDAY NIGHT!
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Cynthia Crane returns with her acclaimed show I'M CONFUSED, THEREFORE I AM to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) on Sundays, March 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th at 4:00 pm. Musical director is Paul Greenwood, with Boots Maleson on bass. Director is Ted Storey. The show includes songs by composers Noel Coward, Rupert Holmes, Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Dave Frishberg, Harburg & Arlen, Tom Toce & Zina Goldrich, Cole Porter, Lew Spence, Ervin Drake, Steve Goodman, Alan Chapman and Marshall Barer & Anita Nye. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $12 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

HOLE-O-MATIC RETURNS TO THE DUPLEX THIS SATURDAY

DISCOUNT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE MEMBERS - ASK AT THE DOOR
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Karen Mack & Michael Holland return after a working holiday cruise with their with their very popular award-winning "Hole-O-Matic" All Request Show to THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438 - ) on Saturdays at 7:30 pm starting this week Saturday, March 7th and running through April 11th. This is the show where the audience gets to pick the song list from hundreds available. Also featured are more road stories, ridiculous prizes, and custom cocktails. There is a $15 cover, 2 drink minimum, no drink maximum. Ask if they are still giving a $5 discount to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE (this wasn't included in their release).

Thursday, March 5, 2009

NYC: AFTER PARTY WITH GUEST NICK BLAEMIRE & MORE

At THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 ) on Fridays at 10:30 pm, Brandon Cutrell & 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. No cover, no minimum. Singer/dancers invited at all times - you can hang out at the bar, at a table or even on stage. This week's guests are Cry-Baby and Glory Days' Nick Blaemire plus several special surprise guests to celebrate the birthday of nightlife icon Kenny Holcomb. Kat Sherrell will be at the piano.

NYC: METROPOLITAN ROOM INAUGURATES OPEN-MIC PIANO BAR

Piano bar and open mic returns to Chelsea and THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 ) on Friday & Saturday nights from 11:30 pm in the cabaret room. This Friday, David Shenton will be on the piano and Erik James takes over the keyboard on Saturdays. There is no cover, just a 2-beverage minimum.

NYC: 10TH ANNIVERSARY G&L STAND-UP & MUSICAL COMEDY FEST!

The acclaimed ground-breaking and trend-setting G&L STAND-UP & MUSICAL COMEDY FEST presented its first "fest" on a Friday Night at 10:30 pm in March 1999 and now it celebrates its 10th Anniversary on Friday night, March 6th at 9:30 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788). Hosted by Award-Winning Musical Comedian Sidney Myer, this special show features Jeni Aron from New York Comedy Club & Garden Gnome Comedy; Drae Campbell from Late Night with Conan O'Brien & Comic Strip Live; Michael Conley, Critically Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter of Hello, Boys and the original host of the G&L Comedy Fest (who now resides in London); Jeffrey Johns from Carolines On Broadway; Poppi Kramer, 2-Time MAC Award Winner from NBC's The Biggest Loser; Danny McWilliams from The Joey Reynolds Radio Show & The Original Funny Gay Males; and Jackie Monahan from LOGO's One Night Stand-Up & 2008 Time Out NY Joke of the Year Winner. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

NYC: SETH'S CHATTERBOX: PAUL GEMIGNANI & DERIN ALTAY

Seth Rudetsky's BROADWAY CHATTERBOX at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 ) is usually presented on Thursdays at 6:00 pm. This week Thursday, February 26th, Seth's guests are Tony Award-winning musical director/conductor Paul Gemignani and his wife, actress Derin Altay. Seth's weekly interview show always features stars, soon-to-be stars and folks behind the scenes of the musical theater stage - for just a $10 cover - 2-drink minimum. Best of all, all proceeds from the cover go to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS !

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST DEPARTMENT

"Poole Party!" hosted by Ron Poole, returns to DON'T TELL MAMA on Saturday, April 4th at 8:30 pm.  Already scheduled to appear are: Nancy McGraw, Maureen Kelley Stewart, Sidney Myer, Ophira Eisenberg and Bob Oliff and more surprises. You can make your reservations right now - $15 cover, 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

ROB LESTER HOSPITALIZED

Thoughts and prayers go out to friend and fellow cabaret writer Rob Lester who had to go back into the hospital for a third time and might be needing an operation (this news item is two days old, so things might have changed).

Monday, March 2, 2009

LEARN TO MAKE YOUR OWN LEADSHEET AT SINGERS FORUM

SINGERS FORUM (49 West 24th Street, NYC - 212-366-0541 - ) will be holding a Leadsheet Workshop on Saturday, March 14th from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Taught by Ted Muzio, B.S., M.A., Ph.D., a well-known and highly respected New York area singer/pianist, accompanist and music educator, this 3-hour workshop will teach an easy, step-by-step approach to transposing a tune into your own key. You will receive all needed materials, including music manuscript paper and a transposing wheel. During class you will actually prepare a leadsheet from music you bring to the workshop, so please make sure the original you bring has chord symbols above the music staff.

BOSTON: BACA MARCH IS CABARET MONTH 2009 FESTIVAL

BOSTON: BACA MARCH IS CABARET MONTH 2009 FESTIVAL

The BACA (Boston Association of Cabaret Artists) "March Is Cabaret Month 2009 Festival" will take place from Thursday through Sunday, March 19th through 22nd at THE BLACKSMITH HOUSE (56 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA - 617-547-6789 - Ext. 1 ). The Festival gives Boston audiences the unique opportunity of experiencing all things cabaret in one venue over the span of a few days. The MICM 2009 Festival is designed to give BACA members as many opportunities as is possible over an extended weekend to perform for the cabaret community in a supportive atmosphere. Members will also have the chance to take part in workshops and a master class intended to deepen their performance skills and knowledge about other matters related to putting on a show.

In addition, the Festival serves as BACA's major fundraising event. A portion of ticket sales will go to support further initiatives, such as a Songwriter's Showcase with its own master class this year, the BACA newsletter, website development and a forthcoming scholarship program to help performers mount shows at our events (pending approval of non-profit status), among other projects.

The Boston Association of Cabaret Artists is a non-profit membership-organization that supports, promotes and expands awareness of cabaret as a live entertainment art form. Activities of the group include increasing performance opportunities for cabaret entertainers through BACA events and venue development, publicizing the work of local cabaret songwriters, raising public attention about cabaret's presence in Boston and New England, presenting workshops and master classes, providing information about member shows and recordings and advocating for cabaret in arts-related forums.

For full information on all performances - performer/date/time plus ticket prices for all events, see the BACA website - http://www.bostoncabaret.com/ .

RE: SEEDY HOTEL PIANO BARS CIRCA 2005

Someone is working on a research project and is looking for pianists who might have been employed at a seedy sort of Midtown NYC hotel piano bar circa 2003. Reminds me of the old story of the guy who wanders down into the lobby of a seedy midtown NYC hotel (circa 2003) and discovers an old friend from high school playing the piano. The friend was one of the finest musicians in the school and even had gotten a scholarship to one of the finest conservatories in the country. He was shocked, and went to the pianist and said "I never thought I would find you working in a dump like this!" To which the pianist replied: "I just work here, I don't have to sleep here."

I have avoided seedy hotels circa 2003, and I actually don't know of any hotels right now - seedy or opulent - which have pianists or piano bars. Anyone out there that can help? Drop me a line. Thanks.

BROADWAY FOR A NEW AMERICA CANCELLED FOR TONIGHT

The BROADWAY FOR A NEW AMERICA scheduled for tonight, Monday March 2nd at SYMPHONY SPACE (Broadway at 95th Street - 212-864-5400 ) has been cancelled due to the oncoming snow storm. It will most likely be re-booked in April at Symphony Space.

BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARDS GALA & WINNERS ANNOUNCED