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...."

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

AUS: KARIN MUIZNIEKS IN FIRST AGAINST THE WALL AT BUTTERFLY CLUB

AUS: KARIN MUIZNIEKS IN FIRST AGAINST THE WALL

The creator of World War Wonderful, winner of the Groggy Squirrel 'Readers Choice Award' for Most Popular Show in the 2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival, Karin Muiznieks brings her show "First Against The Wall" to THE BUTTERFLY CLUB (204 Bank Street, South Melbourne, VIC - 03 96902000) Tuesdays through Sundays, April 6th through 18th (showtimes vary, see website). What's wrong with society? Karin responds: Everything! It's time we started a brand spankin' new one. We've just gotta overthrow a couple of governments, liberate some people and solve a few pressing global concerns like war, famine, greed and Charlie Sheen. Tickets are $27.

S.F.: VARLA JEAN AND THE MUSHROOMHEADS OPENS TONIGHT AT RRAZZ ROOM

S.F.: VARLA JEAN AND THE MUSHROOMHEADS

Direct from guest starring on Ugly Betty and appearing on Logo's TV special Dragtastic: One Night Standup, RRAZZ ROOM at THE HOTEL NIKKO (222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA - 415-394-1189) presents Varla Jean Merman in an all-new show, from Wednesday, April 7th through Sunday, April 18th. "Varla Jean And The Mushroomheads" is directed and choreographed by Donna Drake, who was in the original Broadway cast of A CHORUS LINE and recent director of Jungle Red at the Victoria Theatre and Christmas with the Crawfords. The show also features New Orleans natives Ricky Graham and Brooks Braselman with Tom Shaw on piano and Roberta Drake on drums. Varla Jean, the purported lovechild of Ethel Merman and Ernest Borgnine, is perhaps best known for her role in the cult classic film Girls Will Be Girls. Jeffery Roberson's incomparable drag creation shared the Outfest Film Festival "Best Actor" Award and the Aspen HBO Film Festival "Best Actress" Award with his costars Jack Plotnick and Clinton Leupp for his featured performance in Girls Will Be Girls (Sundance 2003) directed by Richard Day. He also played the role of Mary Sunshine in the revival of Chicago on Broadway. Last May, he was the opening act at Vienna's LifeBall, Europe's largest fundraiser for AIDS research, where he performed on the same bill with Sharon Stone, Catherine Deneuve and Naomi Campbell. Performance times and cover charges vary by date, so see the RRRAZZ ROOM website for details: http://www.therrazzroom.com/ .

NYC: DANIELLE GRABIANOWSKI MAKES SOLO CABARET DEBUT

NYC: DANIELLE GRABIANOWSKI MAKES SOLO CABARET DEBUT

For her solo cabaret debut at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) Danielle Grabianowski will sing early songs from the Great American Songbook such as the Depression Era Classic, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" and the lesser known, "I'll Die Happy" as well as new tunes from the likes of Christina Courtin, Regina Spektor and the White Stripes. She will be appearing on Wednesday, April 7th at 7:30 pm. In 2006 she appeared in "Hotter Than a Pregnant Cow: The Music of William Finn" at Rose's Turn and has performed with various theater companies around the country including the Georgia Shakespeare Festival, Bakerloo Theatre Project and Bigfork Summer Playhouse as well as in various readings and workshops of new musicals and plays in New York City. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.

NYC: MAKEUP YOUR MIND! TALES OF A BEAUTY CONSULTANT

NYC: MAKEUP YOUR MIND! TALES OF A BEAUTY CONSULTANT

Natalie Slipko returns to the cabaret scene with her comical one-woman show, "Makeup Your Mind! - Tales Of A Beauty Consultant" on Wednesday, April 7th at 9:15 pm and Thursday, April 8th at 8:00 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) . The show combines Natalie's true stories of helping customers at a NYC cosmetics counter told through stand-up comedy, songs, dance, and more! It gives new meaning to "retail therapy!" Makeup Your Mind! Tales of a Beauty Consultant was written and choreographed by Natalie Slipko. Musical direction is by Steven D. Cirillo. Kevin Scott Hall served as creative consultant. There is a $10 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.

NYC: CYNTHIA CRANE IN "JOHN DENVER, BERNIE MADOFF & ME"

NYC: CYNTHIA CRANE IN "JOHN DENVER, BERNIE MADOFF & ME"

MEMBER DISCOUNT $5 OFF THE COVER
Cynthia Crane celebrates of the surrender of "the guy who put the Bull in Bull Market, the P in Ponzi": Bernard L. Madoff when she brings back her 2009 hit show "John Denver, Bernie Madoff & Me" to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788 - / ) in April. 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 Wednesday, April 7th & Friday, April 16th, all shows at 7:30 pm. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

NYC: 2010 MAC AWARD GALA AT BB KINGS MAY 4th

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NYC: 2010 MAC AWARD GALA AT BB KINGS MAY 4th
FEATURED CABARET ORGANIZATION EVENT
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MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) has announced the nominees for the The 24th Annual MAC Awards which will be held Tuesday, May 4th at 7:30 PM at BB KING'S BLUES CLUB (237 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-997-4144 - ). Tony nominee Sharon McNight (Starmites) will host the annual awards ceremony, which will also feature the presentations of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams (Hallelujah, Baby!) and Board of Directors Awards to Peter Leavy (the creator of Cabaret Scenes magazine) and Playbill.com. Board of Directors Awards are given to "people, organizations or publications that have shown extraordinary support to the cabaret community." The event will be directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Tracy Stark. Julie Miller produces. Tickets may be ordered online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/101011 .

NYC: 25th ANNUAL BISTRO AWARDS GALA AT GOTHAM

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NYC: 25th ANNUAL BISTRO AWARDS GALA AT GOTHAM
FEATURED CABARET FESTIVAL EVENT
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The 25th Annual Bistro Awards Gala will take place on Tuesday, April 13th at GOTHAM COMEDY CLUB (208 West 23rd Street, NYC - 212-367-9000 - ) at 6:30 pm. More than 20 of cabaret's brightest stars will be honored. Legendary singer-dancer-actress Mitzi Gaynor, a longtime headliner in Las Vegas and the nightclub circuit will be honored with the Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award. Elaine Stritch will be recognized in the category of Extraordinary Cabaret Artist, noting her recent conquests of the cabaret stage. The evening, under the direction of Eric Michael Gillett, will feature performances from most of the Bistro-winning artists and shows and will feature guest presenters singer Klea Blackhurst, comic Jim David, and actress-comedienne Marilyn Sokol.A full report on the event, including awardees, appears on the website - http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ . Ticket prices are $45 general admission, $75 for premium seating, which includes a pre-show Champagne reception and preferred seating (two-drink minimum). To purchase show tickets, go to www.bistroawards.com, or for more information, call 917-239-5467.

NYC: CALLING ALL ANGELS TO BENEFIT GREGORY KENNELL

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NYC: CALLING ALL ANGELS TO BENEFIT GREGORY KENNELL
FEATURED CABARET BENEFIT EVENT
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John Hoglund and Geri Malino present CALLING ALL ANGELS, a special cabaret show to benefit Gregory Kennell at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 - / ) on Saturday, April 10th at 2:00 pm. A musical brunch with 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Jerry Scott and friends will begin at 1:00 pm.

CALLING ALL ANGELS is being produced to raise much needed funds for the ongoing therapeutic process necessary to help Greg Kennell regain motor skills and return to a normal life after almost two months in a coma at St. Vincent's Hospital as a result of demyelinating encephalitis and related consequences. Miraculously, Greg has recently regained the ability to communicate with limited speech. However, he remains paralyzed and confined to St. Elizabeth Ann's Health Care & Rehabilitation Facility on Staten Island where he receives minimal rehabilitation therapy. Friends and loved ones offer ongoing support but so much more professional help is needed for his rehabilitation - and survival.

Performers scheduled to appear as of this date are Tom Andersen, Esther Beckman, David Brian Colbert, Joyce Breach, Scott Coulter, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Cynthia Crane, John De Marco, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Baby Jane Dexter, Lina Koutrakos, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Sue Matsuki, Julie Reyburn, Steve Ross, Jerry Scott, Marcus Simeone, 2010 MAC AWARD NOMINEE Tracy Stark, KT Sullivan as well as some very special surprise guests from cabaret and theater. As with all live entertainment events, performers are subject to change without notice. A full report on the event appears on the website - http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ . There is a $25 cover ($50 VIP) plus a $15 food/drink minimum.

For those who cannot attend and/or would like to make a donation to help, please make checks payable to Geri Malino who is in charge of finances for the soon to be formed Gregory Kennelll Foundation. Checks can be mailed directly to Geri Malino at 54 West 16th Street, Ste. 16C, New York, NY 10011.

ARTIST MANAGEMENT & PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES AVAILABLE

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ARTIST MANAGEMENT & PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES AVAILABLE
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Don Schaffer knows more about the details of promoting a cabaret show than just about anyone in cabaret. For many years he was the booking manager at DANNY'S SKYLIGHT ROOM and rubbed elbows with members of the cabaret press almost nightly. Now he is offering his expertise and connections to all cabaret performers. For Artist Management and Public Relations services give him a call at 212-946-1265 or e-mail him at DSPR@nyc-rr-com

AUS: KARIN MUIZNIEKS IN FIRST AGAINST THE WALL

AUS: KARIN MUIZNIEKS IN FIRST AGAINST THE WALL

The creator of World War Wonderful, winner of the Groggy Squirrel 'Readers Choice Award' for Most Popular Show in the 2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival, Karin Muiznieks brings her show "First Against The Wall" to THE BUTTERFLY CLUB (204 Bank Street, South Melbourne, VIC - 03 96902000) Tuesdays through Sundays, April 6th through 18th (showtimes vary, see website). What's wrong with society? Karin responds: Everything! It's time we started a brand spankin' new one. We've just gotta overthrow a couple of governments, liberate some people and solve a few pressing global concerns like war, famine, greed and Charlie Sheen. Tickets are $27.

S.F.: FAITH WINTHROP AT THE RAZZ ROOM - FINAL NIGHT

S.F.: FAITH WINTHROP AT THE RAZZ ROOM

San Francisco's legendary singer/songwriter and vocal coach, Faith Winthrop, presents her rollicking new show, "Faith Lift," at RRAZZ ROOM at THE HOTEL NIKKO (222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA - 415-394-1189) on Monday & Tuesday, April 5th & 6th at 8:00 pm, before performing this light-hearted romp in New York. Celebrating some of her own foibles (food, shopping, aging), songs include "The Carnegie Deli," "My Very Last Meal," "The New Age/Old Age Blues," plus beloved standards of the American Songbook. Featuring Art Khu on piano, John Wiittala on bass, Vince Lateano on drums. Tickets are $27.50.

NYC: JOAN RIVERS CONTINUES IN APROIL AT THE BEECHMAN

NYC: JOAN RIVERS CONTINUES IN APROIL AT THE BEECHMAN

Comedy legend Joan Rivers returns with her her live stand-up act to THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909) on Tuesdays, April 6th & 27th at 8:00 pm and Wednesday, April 7th at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $30 and should be purchased at http://www.spincyclenyc.com or 212-352-3101. Rivers presents an evening of her newest and most outrageous riffs on Hollywood, pop culture, celebrities, reality TV and award show fashions. Rivers delivers a raunchy, politically incorrect evening of stand-up comedy. Pre-show, Lance Cruce entertains at the piano. Tickets are $30 with a portion of the proceeds going to Joan Rivers' favorite charities: God's Love We Deliver and Guide Dogs for the Blind. There is also a $15 per person food/drink minimum.

NYC: "IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?" AT THE DUPLEX - OPENS TONIGHT!

NYC: "IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?" AT THE DUPLEX

Opening Doors Theatre Company presents the 1983 musical IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? as part of its "Closing Notice" Series at THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438) on Tuesday through Thursday, April 6th, 7th & 8th and Thursday through Saturday, April 15th, 16th & 17th, all shows at 7:00 pm. The production will be directed by Jeremy Gold Kronenberg (Gallery Players' Caroline or Change) with musical direction by Andrew Smithson from a score by Craig Carnelia (music and lyrics). The book is by Jeffrey Kindley. Jennifer Ashley Tepper serves as assistant director. Edward Carignan will choreograph. The production manager is Billie Di Stefano with Suzanne Adams producing. Cast in the show are Owen Austin, Doug Chitel, Mark Emerson, Amy Fitts, Marcie Henderson, Leslie Henstock , Austin Ku, Heather Jane Rolff, and Lou Steele. Is There Life After High School? chronicles the effects that our high school years have had on each and every one of us. Told through various monologues and songs, Is There Life After High School? reflects upon the quintessential high school moments that have made us who we are today. At times hilariously awkward - at times heartbreakingly painful - this production exposes the intimate and vulnerable memories of our high school days. The "Closing Notice" Series is a set of "living cast album" presentations focusing on classic musicals that were either dubbed a "flop", had short commercial runs or most likely will never be revived again. The Broadway show opened on May 7, 1982 to run only 17 performances (after a preview period of 48 performances). Tickets are $20 plus a 2-drink minimum and must be purchased in advance online through http://www.SmartTix.com or by calling 212-868-4444.

NYC: JAZZ LEGEND ANNIE ROSS TUESDAYS THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

NYC: JAZZ LEGEND ANNIE ROSS TUESDAYS THE METROPOLITAN ROOM

Jazz legend Annie Ross continues her unprecedented, record-breaking, multi-year run at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440), Tuesday nights in April at 9:30 pm. Ms. Ross has been an abundant contributor to the art of jazz for over 50 years. Born in the UK, she has been a permanent resident of the USA for many years and a US citizen since 2001. Annie Ross is one of the pioneers of vocalese and the composer of "Twisted", one of the most well known examples of that art, as well as "Farmers Market", "Jackie" and many others. A founding member of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, considered the greatest jazz vocal ensemble of all time, her influence is present in all subsequent practitioners of vocalese. "Twisted" has been recorded by a host of vocalists, including some not normally associated with jazz, including Joni Mitchell and Bette Midler. There is a $25 cover plus a $15 minimum.

NYC: THE MOLLY POPE SHOW RETURNS TO JOE'S PUB

NYC: THE MOLLY POPE SHOW RETURNS TO JOE'S PUB
Molly Pope, critically acclaimed cabarettist (The Diva-lution of Molly Pope), returns to JOE'S PUB at THE PUBLIC THEATRE (425 Lafayette Street, NYC - Tele-Charge: 1-212-239-6200 - Box Office: 212-539-8778) with her brand-new musical romp, The Molly Pope Show, on Tuesday, April 6th, at 9:30 pm. The Molly Pope Show premiered earlier this year to an ecstatic response from a packed house. Written with Justin Sayre, directed by Christian Coulson, and with musical direction by Trapper Felides, Ms. Pope celebrates in an evening inspired by the iconic TV specials of the 1960's. Lending her inimitable style to musical selections ranging from 1909 to the present, Ms. Pope gives a hybrid performance of old school diva proportions infused with a contemporary edge. She is joined on stage by her backup duo, The Gay Cliche, and a surprise special guest. The show is produced by Adam J. Rosen. There is a $25 cover plus 2-drink or $12 food minimum.

NYC: JOHN FEDCHOCK NEW YORK BIG BAND AT IRIDIUM

NYC: JOHN FEDCHOCK NEW YORK BIG BAND AT IRIDIUM
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $10 OFF THE COVER
SCOBAR Entertainment presents The John Fedchock New York Big Band at IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB (1650 Broadway, NYC - 212-582-2121 - ) on Tuesday, April 6th at 8:00 & 10:00 pm. Over the course of the past twenty years, virtuoso trombonist/ arranger/ composer, John Fedchock has risen through the musical ranks to emerge as leader of one of the freshest, most exciting big bands in jazz. His 16-piece John Fedchock New York Big Band is comprised of alumni from major big bands, along with many of New York's finest soloists in the 'modernist tradition'. One of the elite big bands on NYC's jazz scene for two decades, the group delights in performing many of Fedchock's own dynamic compositions and arrangements as well as more well-known standards, creating a sound that not only honors, but expands the tradition of the American big band. There is a $25 cover plus a $10 food/drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

NYC: JARON VESELY WITH SOMETHING GOOD AT THE METROPOLITAN

NYC: JARON VESELY WITH SOMETHING GOOD AT THE METROPOLITAN
FEATURED CABARET BENEFIT EVENT
MEMBER DISCOUNT - $5 OFF THE COVER
After his critically acclaimed New York debut last summer, Jaron Vesely returns to THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440) with his new show, "Something Good!" on Tuesday, April 6th at 7:00 pm. "Something Good" is a show celebrating the wisdom of innocence and the desires of youth. Vesely, a member of the Bistro Award Winning Fabulous Pink Flamingos, presents an eclectic set for his second solo show, featuring songs by Cole Porter, Dolly Parton, Freddie Mercury, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Paul Simon, and others. Scott Bradlee, mashup jazz pianist extraordinaire of YouTube fame, returns as musical director and co-arranger. Russell Taylor, known on the New York cabaret scene for his award winning work with The Fabulous Pink Flamingos, directs. Proceeds from the performances go to benefit Marriage Equality. There is a $15 cover plus a 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

THE ART OF CABARET - MASTER CLASSES IN SONG PERFORMANCE - APRIL AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED

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THE ART OF CABARET - MASTER CLASSES IN SONG PERFORMANCE
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The Art of Cabaret - Master Classes in Song Performance will be presented again this summer at the THE PERRY-MANSFIELD PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL & CAMP (40755 RCR 36 Steamboat Springs, CO - 970-879-7125) the week of August 23rd through 30th. Master Teachers include Andrea Marcovicci, Karen Mason, Christopher Denny, Barry Kleinbort, Shelly Markham and David Gaines. The Art of Cabaret is an intensive workshop designed for performers who wish to explore this time-honored medium. A maximum of 16 participants will study in small group sessions that meet twice daily. Evenings will consist of special topic presentations by our faculty and guests, the opportunity to see the renowned faculty perform in concert and a visit to the local hot springs. The weeklong intensive will culminate in a public concert given by those participating in the program. Admission by audition only and limited to 16 participants. NYC auditions will take place on Monday, April 19th and Los Angeles auditions are scheduled for Monday, April 26th. Call 1-800-430-2787 right away to arrange your audition. See the website at http://www.perry-mansfield.org/ for details.

MUSICAL ACTS SOUGHT AT THE MAIN STAGE NYC

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MUSICAL ACTS SOUGHT AT THE MAIN STAGE
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Al Martin, owner of the Broadway Comedy Club, has appointed Collette Black as cabaret booking manager for THE MAIN STAGE at THE BROADWAY COMEDY CLUB (318 West 53rd Street, NYC - 212-757-2323). THE MAIN STAGE, mid-town Manhattan's largest showroom and former home of Our Sinatra will once again present musical acts starting this spring. Upcoming performances include Central City Chorus, MAC Showcase, Sing Out Louise! Broadway Kidz: Time to Shine and Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic of 2010. The Main Stage features a large oak stage with a new baby grand piano and a green room for performer's privacy before the show. The venue comfortably seats groups ranging from 70 to 200 people. Especially seeking vocalists, musical revues, ensembles, variety shows, open mics and benefits. Low room use fee includes technician to run lights and sound. Running time is flexible. For more information or an appointment to see the room please call Collette Black at 917-751-1848 or email colletteblack@earthlink.net

MORE "HERE & THERE" PART II - BLOG EDITION

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MORE "HERE & THERE" PART II
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We spent several days revising the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website to change/remove all the MARCH IS CABARET MONTH links - there were little linked banners and sidebars throughout the site - a few items remain, including the banner on the message board. I set that for later, since I'm not sure what I'll replace it with.

I'm also doing some shifting of the buttons at the top of all the pages - its a little complicated because they are all "flash" buttons - something I want to replace with regular jpg buttons anyway. With millions of iPhones and now iPads in use (which don't display "flash" items) I want to make sure that the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website is readable and usable by all.

You might want to keep this in mind and discuss this with your own web designer. There may come a time when "flash" items can be displayed on iPhones and iPads, but meantime many large websites (NY Times, CBS and others) are removing "flash" data from their websites.

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I want to urge you again to attend the special CALLING ALL ANGELS show to benefit Gregory Kennell next Saturday, April 10th at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909 ) at 2:00 pm. There's an important reason why I'm promoting this event so often (and those who were at the MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA last month already know why). Several years ago I was renting space (on a barter basis) from a firm on West 34th Street - across from the Empire State Building. I was there on 9/11 and we had to evacuate the building for 2 days back then, since there was a rumor that more attacks were imminent. I managed the firms office/phones on Saturdays and Sundays in return for the use of a desk in their sales office, including free DSL. With only a day's notice I was told that the landlord was going to take possession of the offices for nonpayment of rent.

That's when Greg Kennell stepped in and offered me a desk in his Chelsea studio (including DSL) until I could relocate to something more permanent. We loaded all my stuff in a pickup truck provided by the owner of the business where I was working, and in just a few hours CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE was back online. So you see, now that Greg is in difficulty, I want to do my best to pay back, in some way, his generosity and kindness.

All the details on performers, etc. are in the listings above under April 10th - please check out the great lineup of "friends of Greg" who are giving their time and talent to this cause - and support them by providing a "full house". Please help an old, good, true friend by joining me in supporting this worthwhile cause.

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April is always a "tight" month, financially, for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE and I want to express my appreciation to the several folks who have taken advantage of our APRIL-MAY banner sale (see details above). But more funds are needed, and if you have an event, a show, a CD release, or a cabaret related skill to promote in the next few months, please consider making CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE part of your promotion plans. Send me a note - I'll send you a quote! I can have your banner up and running in a matter of 24-48 hours. Meantime, donations are truly appreciated.

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We're also getting set to start the promotion of 2010-2011 memberships - which will officially become available on May 5th. We're set to announce some new price levels for the 20th Anniversary Memberships so please don't send in your renewals quite yet. And we're already in the planning stage for our CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE 20th ANNIVERSARY PARTY. Exact date, time and place to be announced. Seems a bit early to start planning, but its just a little over 3 months away, and this is going to be "a big one"! Once again, tickets for 2009-2010 and any new 2010-2011 members will be at a discounted price.

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And that's just about the way it was. I still have a lot more to tell you about but we've run out of space so the rest will have to wait until Thursday's issue.

Thanks for your support of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE! Remember, MARCH IS CABARET MONTH!

Hugs & Stuff,

STU

HERE & THERE - PART I - BLOG EDITION

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HERE & THERE - PART I
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It's been a quiet week in the Big Apple, with both the Passover and Easter holiday weeks overlapping, but things brighten and busy up considerable for the rest of April. Here in NYC, 2010 MAC NOMINEES are scurrying to secure additional dates to reprise there 2009 shows, since MAC rules state that voters may only vote for performers and/or performances they have actually seen. And tonight, the nominees for Best Song and Best Special Material will have their songs performed live by several MAC Award winning performers at THE DUPLEX. The CD & Song nominees are chosen by a special committee, and were not on the preliminary ballot sent to MAC members in March. I have attempted to mark the shows and performers nominated this year in the listings below - please excuse if I missed you, since there are a lot of names involved in many categories.

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SAVE THE DATE DEPARTMENT: On Saturday, May 22nd, the members of BACA (Boston Association of Cabaret Artists) will join the members of MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) at THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for a special MAC-BACA BRUNCH/OPEN MIC. Then, on Sunday, May 23rd, there will be a MAC seminar, "Boston Market and Beyond: Booking Out-Of-Town" at a midtown location TBA with panelists to include MAC performers, Boston performers who have booked shows in Boston, NYC and other cities to speak on getting your show booked out of town. Members of BACA should check with the BACA Board about arranging travel and hotel accommodations for this event.

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We hear every month from Traci Reynolds, who handles booking talent at the piano bar at THE KEYS (1114 Duval Street, Key West, FL - 305-294-8859), giving a lineup of talent to be performing for the month. In April, she lists Ricky Ritzel, Jennifer Pace, Joe Regan, Jeremy Rill, Michael Edelstein, Jenifer Kruskamp, Mike McCabe, Mark Watson, Michael Thomas, Lenore Troia, Bobby Nesbitt and Charlie Lindberg. That's quite a list! Check the website to see who's performing when.

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Speaking of piano bars, Tom Adams reports that, with the closing of his previous piano bar performance booking, he now hosts open-mic piano bar at Philly's D'ANGELO'S RISTORANTE & LOUNGE (256 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA - 215-546-3935 - ) on Tuesday nights from 7:30 pm. Vocalists and instrumentalists welcome. No cover, no minimum.

Monday, April 5, 2010

NYC: CRAIG CARNELIA'S "IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?" AT THE DUPLEX

NYC: "IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?" AT THE DUPLEX

Opening Doors Theatre Company presents the 1983 musical IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? as part of its "Closing Notice" Series at THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438) on Tuesday through Thursday, April 6th, 7th & 8th and Thursday through Saturday, April 15th, 16th & 17th, all shows at 7:00 pm. The production will be directed by Jeremy Gold Kronenberg (Gallery Players' Caroline or Change) with musical direction by Andrew Smithson from a score by Craig Carnelia (music and lyrics). The book is by Jeffrey Kindley. Jennifer Ashley Tepper serves as assistant director. Edward Carignan will choreograph. The production manager is Billie Di Stefano with Suzanne Adams producing. Cast in the show are Owen Austin, Doug Chitel, Mark Emerson, Amy Fitts, Marcie Henderson, Leslie Henstock , Austin Ku, Heather Jane Rolff, and Lou Steele. Is There Life After High School? chronicles the effects that our high school years have had on each and every one of us. Told through various monologues and songs, Is There Life After High School? reflects upon the quintessential high school moments that have made us who we are today. At times hilariously awkward - at times heartbreakingly painful - this production exposes the intimate and vulnerable memories of our high school days. The "Closing Notice" Series is a set of "living cast album" presentations focusing on classic musicals that were either dubbed a "flop", had short commercial runs or most likely will never be revived again. The Broadway show opened on May 7, 1982 to run only 17 performances (after a preview period of 48 performances). Tickets are $20 plus a 2-drink minimum and must be purchased in advance online through http://www.SmartTix.com or by calling 212-868-4444.

NYC: MAC NOMINATED SONGS & SPECIAL MATERIAL AT THE DUPLEX TONIGHT

NYC: MAC NOMINATED SONGS & SPECIAL MATERIAL

FEATURED CABARET ORGANIZATION EVENT

On Monday, April 5th at 6:30 pm, the nominees for Best Song and Best Special Material will have their songs performed live by several MAC Award winning performers at THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438). The event will be hosted by Jenna Esposito. There is no cover for MAC members ($15 for non-members) and reservations can be made at 212-465-2662 ext. 1 or online at http://www.TheDuplex.com/ .

S.F.: FAITH WINTHROP AT THE RAZZ ROOM

S.F.: FAITH WINTHROP AT THE RAZZ ROOM

San Francisco's legendary singer/songwriter and vocal coach, Faith Winthrop, presents her rollicking new show, "Faith Lift," at RRAZZ ROOM at THE HOTEL NIKKO (222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA - 415-394-1189) on Monday & Tuesday, April 5th & 6th at 8:00 pm, before performing this light-hearted romp in New York. Celebrating some of her own foibles (food, shopping, aging), songs include "The Carnegie Deli," "My Very Last Meal," "The New Age/Old Age Blues," plus beloved standards of the American Songbook. Featuring Art Khu on piano, John Wiittala on bass, Vince Lateano on drums. Tickets are $27.50.

NYC: UNDER THE COVERS WITH VICTORIA SHAW

NYC: UNDER THE COVERS WITH VICTORIA SHAW

Jim Caruso's Cast Party presents the return of successful songwriter & performer Victoria Shaw and her celebrated showcase "Under The Covers With Victoria Shaw", on Monday, April 5th at 7:00 pm at BIRDLAND (315 West 44th Street, NYC - 212-581-3080). Under The Covers... has become a recurring highlight, featuring a wide variety of top-selling songwriters and musical acts from across the pop, rock and country worlds, and offering intimate acoustic performances of huge hit songs - along with the little-known stories behind them. Already confirmed to join SHAW are award-winning singer/songwriter Gary Burr and platinum-selling recording artist Bryan White. This show is part of the long-running concert series Broadway at Birdland. There is a $25 cover plus a $10 food/drink minimum.