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...."

Saturday, December 5, 2009

GREG KENNELL - ARTIST/DESIGNER - HOSPITALIZED

I am not a member of FaceBook, but someone forwarded to me the following note which was posted on FB about long-time friend and charter member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, Gregory Kennell (who happened to design our HOTLINE logo):

"Greg is currently very ill with viral meningitis. He is currently in isolation in an ICU and is receiving the best medical care possible. His family is with him and his affairs are being cared for by his work and family. His family asks that you please DO NOT attempt to visit him, the hospital will allow only direct family near him...."

Thoughts and prayers go out on Greg's behalf - and to his family and friends. My understanding is that this is a very serious situations and I will try to keep you informed via TWITTER and this BLOG.

2010 MAC AWARD NOMINATION FORMS NOW AVAILABLE

The 2010 MAC Award (MAC: Manhattan Association of Cabarets) rules and applications are now available at www.MACNYC.com where you can download and print them. It is essential that you read all the rules carefully and that all required documentation be included with your application because incomplete submissions will be disqualified. The Eligibility Committee does not have time to track down missing information. It is your responsibility to provide all required information. Please read all rules and application forms carefully. The deadline for all eligibility applications is January 16, 2010 - so make sure you mail your applications a few days ahead of time. Applications received after that date will not be accepted.

CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE is not affiliated with MAC and all inquiries about the awards should be directed to them via their website.

NEW PAGES ON WEBSITE FOR HOLIDAY SHOWS & NEW YEAR'S EVE SHOWS

On Tuesday (12/01), we added two new pages to the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (which we do annually) to list all Holiday Cabaret Shows, as well as NEW YEAR'S EVE shows for 2009. A host of events are already posted on the HOLIDAYS page and over the weekend we will be adding some items just received to the NEW YEAR'S EVE page.

We will be doing things just a little different than usual this December - we will add items to these pages as received rather than waiting to publish them in the newsletter first. So you might want to check the page occasionally for new information. Of course, if you have a HOLIDAY THEMED show or a show on NEW YEAR'S EVE (or at least so themed), please send me, via e-mail, a press release a.s.a.p. Oh, and remember, a flier is NOT a press release. A good quality jpg headshot photo attached to your release will also help draw attention to your offering. Send to stuhamstra@svhamstra.com

BANNER AD SALE FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY

BANNER AD SALE FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY
===============
All BANNER ads for DECEMBER 2009 and JANUARY 2010 on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE WEBSITE will be billed with an additional 10% discount if banner is paid for using PayPal using a credit/debit card (if you prefer not to, or are unable to use PayPal, please write for alternate payment methods). This offer does NOT apply to sidebar ads. Banner must start its run after November 29th, 2009 and end its run before February 14th, 2010. For 2009-2010 members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE this is in addition to SILVER member rebates and GOLD/SPECIAL member discounts. All banners must be paid in advance of start of run. Just click on the button marked ADVERTISING INFO at the top of every page on the website for information on sizes & types of banners available. Remember, there is a 2-week minimum on all advertising. Space is limited, so place your order as soon as possible.

Friday, December 4, 2009

13 GREAT SHOWS GIVING $75 WORTH OF DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS THROUGH DEC 13

===============
13 GREAT SHOWS GIVING DISCOUNTS TO MEMBERS THROUGH DEC 13
$75 WORTH OF MEMBER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
===============
===============
FRIDAY - DECEMBER 4th
===============
---------------
NYC: JOSHUA WARR IN NYC DEBUT: SING NO EVIL
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING ***** APPEARED IN CDs FOR HOLIDAYS SHOW
---------------
In his NYC Nightclub Debut, Joshua Warr tackles the "Subject of Sin" head-on with grace, passion and humor, at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - ). Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 4th at 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 12th at 7:00 pm. Inspired by the greats like Liza Minnelli, Ben Vereen, Barbra Streisand, Peter Allen and Jessica Rabbit - Joshua dives into a delectable assortment of poetry, dance and (of course) music to spread a little decadent fun around the Nine Circles of Hell - all the while maintaining that he's "not Evil - just drawn to the material." Musical director is Tracy Stark. Miles Phillips directs. There is a $15 cover plus a $15 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
===============
SATURDAY - DECEMBER 5th
===============
---------------
NYC: TAYLOR MADE: THE SONGS OF BOB MERRILL
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING *****
---------------
Maureen Taylor brings back her acclaimed new show TAYLOR MADE: BOB MERRILL to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) for one more performance on Saturday, December 5th at 5:00 pm. TAYLOR MADE celebrates the "extraordinary" Bob Merrill who wrote songs from "How Much Is That Doggie In the Window" to "People". Bob Merrill's vast amount of work spans the simple to the sublime, with numerous chart hits, novelty songs, a Tony Award, and Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. The show is directed by MAC Award winner Peter Napolitano, with musical direction by Matt Castle, and accompanied by Joe Brent on guitar and mandolin. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
---------------
NYC: EILEEN FULTON AND THE CHRISTMAS SHOW
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $10 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING *****
---------------
Eileen Fulton's "The Christmas Show" will be presented at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 ) on Saturday, December 5th at 3:00 pm and Saturday, December 12th at 8:30 pm. She will be joined by Music Director/Piano Bob Goldstone; Bass - Tom Hubbard; Drums - Steve Bartosik. There is a $25 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
===============
SUNDAY - DECEMBER 6th
===============
---------------
NYC: GRETCHEN REINHAGEN BRINGS "SPECIAL KAYE" TO NYC
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING ***** APPEARED IN CDs FOR HOLIDAYS SHOW
---------------
Gretchen Reinhagen brings "Special Kaye: A Tribute to the Incomparable Kaye Ballard", home to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) on Sunday, December 6th at 4:00 pm and Thursday, December 10th at 7:30 pm. The New York run follows the successful opening night premiere at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs, California on November 13th. Ms. Ballard, a long time resident of neighboring desert community Rancho Mirage, gave her consent to Gretchen for this project and was in attendance. "Special Kaye" is directed by Barry Kleinbort, who has also written special material and directed cabaret performances for Ms. Ballard including "Kaye Ballard...Working 42nd Street at Last" at the Kaufman Theater in New York. Musical Director for the show is David Gaines. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
---------------
NYC: JOAN JAFFE SINGS FUNNY AT MAMA'S
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING *****
---------------
Singer/actor/comic Joan Jaffe brings her show "JOAN JAFFE SINGS FUNNY...." to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) for three more performances - Sunday, December 6th at 6:00 pm; Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at 7:00 pm; and Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 7:30 pm. Along with some surprises, "Joan Jaffe Sings Funny" will focus on mostly real fun songs and banter with three outstanding comic songs written by award winning songwriter Francesca Blumenthal, plus songs by Alan Arkin and Murray Grand - and some sassy rarities that only Joan could pull off. Musical director is Jerry Scott and the show is dedicated to Joan's late husband Hal Blankenship. Joan has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway and is a veteran of tours, cabaret, films and commercials. She was producer and host of her stand-up comedy show, Joan Jaffe's Comedy on Sunday for over three years and she and Hal Blankenship had their own cabaret act, The Joan & Hal Show and have appeared at the prestigious Friars Club four times in addition to clubs around New York. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
---------------
NYC: CYNTHIA CRANE WITH "JOHN DENVER, BERNIE MADOFF & ME"
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING ***** APPEARED IN CDs FOR HOLIDAYS SHOW
---------------
Cynthia Crane celebrates the one year anniversary (December 11th) of the surrender of the guy who put the Bull in Bull Market, the P in Ponzi: Bernard L. Madoff on her new show JOHN DENVER, BERNIE MADOFF & ME at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) in December. With musical director Mark Janas, Cynthia once again turns to music and comedy speak her mind - and to make the whole world fun again. Performances are scheduled for Sunday, December 6th at 3:30 pm; Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00 pm; and Wednesday, December 9th at 7:30 pm. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.$10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
---------------
NYC: TRIPLE AWARD-WINNING SHOW RETURNS TO METROPOLITAN ROOM
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING *****
---------------
Daryl Glenn and his co-star Jo Lynn Burks return to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) on Sunday, December 6th with their popular, critically acclaimed, BISTRO and NIGHTLIFE and MAC award-winning tribute to Robert Altman's classic 1975 film, "NASHVILLE" the very first Sunday of each and every month. All shows are at 7:00 pm. Backed by a 6-piece all-star country band and featuring backup by Tanya Holt and Brad Wills, the country-western style show will include every song from the beloved soundtrack album, lovingly recreated, including Keith Carradine's Academy Award winning "I'm Easy". Musical direction & arrangements are by Ms. Burks. Vince DeGeorge directs. There is a $25 cover plus a 2-beverage minimum. $20 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
===============
MONDAY - DECEMBER 7th
===============
---------------
NYC: JIM SPEAKE SINGS THE SONGS OF HIS GENERATION
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING ***** APPEARED IN CDs FOR HOLIDAYS SHOW
---------------
Alabama native Jim Speake brings his new show My Generation back to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 ) for two more performances: on Mondays, December 7th & 14th at 7:30 pm. He is joined by special guests Wendy A. Russell and Lennie Watts. The show includes songs recorded by James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Jim Croce, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Neil Sedaka, Billy Joel, the 5th Dimension, Chicago, the Beatles and more. His director is Lennie Watts and the musical director is Steven Ray Watkins with the My Generation Band. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
===============
TUESDAY - DECEMBER 8th
===============
---------------
NYC: SUE & EDD'S FABULOUS CHRISTMAS SHOW RETURNS!
MEMBER DISCOUNT: $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING ***** APPEARED IN CDs FOR HOLIDAYS SHOW
---------------
Edd Clark and Sue Matsuki kick off the holiday season by bringing a new version of their annual sell-out Sue & Edd's FABULOUS Christmas Show to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) on Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00 pm. She's jazzy and he's legit; she's a multi-MAC Award winner and he's a Bistro Award winner; together they're returning with their annual show to ring in the holiday season. Music director, Paul Stephan has created arrangements for these award winning singers that make Sue and Edd's FABULOUS Christmas Show a celebration of the wonderful music of the Christmas and a perfect way to get into the spirit of the season. The show features new takes on such familiar holiday carols as "Carol of the Bells"; new holiday classics such as "Christmas in New York" by Francesca Blumenthal, "Warm as Winter" by Nick Levin, the grand prize winner at the International Original Christmas Song Contest, "Christmas to Remember" by Warren Boutros, Jay Weisman, & Doug Black; and a new song "Angels on High" written specially for the show by Sue and Paul. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE..
===============
THURSDAY - DECEMBER 10th
===============
---------------
NYC: RICKY RITZEL IN "HYSTERICAL BLONDNESS"
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $10 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING *****
---------------
Cabaret veteran Ricky Ritzel brings back his show "Hysterical Blondness" to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) with shows scheduled for Thursday, December 10th & Wednesday, December 16th at 9:45 pm. Ritzel has been a fixture on the nightclub and cabaret scene in NYC for 30 years and has received a multitude of Cabaret awards, including 13 Manhattan Association of Clubs Awards in 8 different categories. He has performed all over the USA as well as London and Paris. An accomplished solo performer, Ricky has also accompanied such greats as Vivian Blaine, Ruth Warrick, Arthur Prysock, Varla Jean Merman, Julie Wilson, Lenora Nemetz and Miss Coco. With famed Chicago jazz vocalist Spider Saloff, Ricky created several award winning revues such as "1938", which was recorded on the Kopathetics label, "Porgy & Bess: a Cabaret Concert" and "Ira and Others".His performance as Jimmy Durante in "Schnozzola!" earned him critical raves and numerous awards. The show is written by Ricky Ritzel and Jim Luzar, and directed by Mr. Luzar. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
===============
FRIDAY - DECEMBER 11th
===============
---------------
NYC: HEALTH CARE UNDER THE KNIFE IN "DAMAGED CARE"
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING *****
---------------
"Damaged Care" The Comedy Musical About Health Care in America will be presented at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) on Friday, December 11th at 7:00 pm; and Saturday, December 12th at 3:30 pm. Written and performed by Dr. Greg LaGana & Dr. Barry Levy, the show is directed by Michael Schiralli with musical direction by Brad Ross. Damaged Care has been performed Off-Off Broadway and at many other venues across the country for the past 14 years. The show highlights issues of great concern to patients and health professionals, including erosion of the doctor-patient relationship, depersonalization of services, the inadequate emphasis on prevention, and the success of "superbugs." A Discussion about health care in the United States will follow the performance. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
===============
SUNDAY - DECEMBER 13th
===============
---------------
NYC: WINTER SINGS VAN HEUSEN IN DECEMBER
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING *****
---------------
2009 Bistro Award winner Susan Winter returns to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ) with her all new show, Susan Sings Van Heusen with four performances in December: Sundays, December 13th & 20th and Tuesdays, December 15th & 22nd, all shows at 7:00 pm. Jimmy Van Heusen was one of the most accomplished songwriters in history, winning four "Oscars" and one Emmy award among his many credits. But the favorite composer of Frank and Bing was not just about ring-a-ding-ding! Susan puts her own special stamp on a wide array of material that Van Heusen has written for stage and screen, television and recordings. She'll be joined on stage by the incomparable Tedd Firth at the piano, Tom Hubbard on bass and Tony Jefferson on drums. Multi-award-winning Lina Koutrakos is the director. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
---------------
NYC: 'BOUT THIS TIME EACH YEAR IN FINAL PERFORMANCES
MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
FIVE STAR RATING *****
---------------
Scott Coulter, Steven Ray Watkins, and Lennie Watts spread the cheer with "'Bout This Time Each Year" at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - ) on Sunday, December 13th at 5:30 pm and Tuesday, December 15th at 7:00 pm. These will be the final two performances of their semi-annual Christmas extravaganza, before they put the show to bed for good. The boys will be joined by special guest Karen Mack to celebrate the Holiday season and sing some traditional,and some not so traditional favorites, plus a new holiday favorite written by Karen Benedetto. There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $20 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

---------------
For all shows offering discounts to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE just click on the button marked DISCOUNTS at the top of every page in the website

Thursday, December 3, 2009

BABY JANE DEXTER'S "IF" PRESENTED TOP CD OF 2009 AWARD

---------------
BABY JANE DEXTER'S "IF" PRESENTED TOP CD OF 2009 AWARD
---------------
At the CDs FOR THE HOLIDAYS PARTY on Monday, November 30th at DON'T TELL MAMA, the winners of the BEST CABARET CD OF 2009 were announced. Three CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members served as judges this year: A performer (Sue Matsuki), a Cabaret Maven (Joe Regan, Jr.) and a reviewer (John Hoglund). CDs were judged for 3 main qualities, with weighted points awarded in each area: VOCALS/INSTRUMENTALS, PRODUCTION/TECHNICAL QUALITY and PACKAGING/PRESENTATION.

Baby Jane Dexter's CD "IF", recorded live at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM, came off with the top honors. There was a 3-way tie for second place, with the honors going to John Treacy Egan for "On Christmas Morning"; Jenna Esposito for "To Connie ... Love, Jenna"; and Greg Purnhagen's "Desiderio". The winning CDs, plus all 20 entries for this year's contest, can be seen on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE WEBSITE - and each CD cover is linked to a website where the CD may be purchased for Holiday Giving.

The 2009 CDs FOR THE HOLIDAYS PARTY was sponsored in part by SCHUIL COFFEE - OUR SHOPPE, Lucille Carr-Kaffashan and Jim Van Slyke