Connect with us

Cabaret

Cabaret News: Maestra Amplify 2024, Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Rosemary Loar, April Fools, Mac Award Nominations, Handel’s Messiah Sing a Long,

Published

3 years ago

on

Maestra Music, the Obie Award-winning nonprofit organization founded by Georgia Stitt to support the women and nonbinary musicians in the musical theatre industry, is pleased to announce hosts Tony Award-winner Bonnie Milligan and Tony Award-winner J. Harrison Ghee for this year’s Amplify 2024, directed by Jessica Ryan (Between Riverside and Crazy Live Broadcast). The event takes place Monday, March 25, 2024
at Sony Hall, 235 West 46th Street and stars Rheanna Atendido, Santino Fontana, Amanda Green, Brooke Ishibashi, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Mary Kate Morrissey, Liam Pearce, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Sushma Saha, Ariella Serur, Jordan Tyson, Joy Woods and Nicole Zuraitis.


This fourth-annual concert and fundraising event features stories, conversations, and musical performances from an impressive array of Broadway stars, composers, music directors, and more. Amplify 2024 will take place on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 8:00 pm at Sony Hall (235 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036). Tickets for the in-person event are on sale now at maestramusic.org/amplify/.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Times Square will spread kindness and raise awareness for autism this April in honor of Autism Awareness Month by partnering with Luv Michael, a nonprofit company based in New York City whose organic, gluten-free, and nut-free granola products are actively advancing employment opportunities for those in the autistic community. From April 1 to April 30, 2024, guests can order three new menu items, all while sharing the “luv” and raising awareness for an important cause.

As part of the partnership during Autism Awareness Month, Ellen’s Stardust Diner will introduce three menu items to its lineup of classic American fare, including:

·         Made with “Luv” Parfait – A twist on the diner’s Fresh Fruit Yogurt Parfait featuring Luv Michael’s very own granola.

·         The “Luv” Galore Shake – A vanilla-based milkshake topped with original Luv Michael granola and cinnamon sugar.

·         “Luv” Me Mocha Shake – A chocolate-based milkshake topped with Luv Michael’s mocha granola.

“Autism affects one in 36 births and 90% of those with autism are unemployed or underemployed, with 50,000 autistic students aging out of school each year,” said Dr. Lisa Liberatore, MD FACS, Founder of Luv Michael.“Our mission at Luv Michael is dedicated to training, educating, and employing neurodivergent adults and helping to improve their lives – beyond the lives of their parents. We’re so thrilled to partner with the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner as we are beyond the need for awareness and acceptance, but instead looking to advocate for the advancement of autistic adults in the workplace and the community.”

“It is a great honor to help amplify Luv Michael’s mission to empower the neurodivergent adult community,” said Ellen Hart, Founder of Ellen’s Stardust Diner. “After a close friend and father of two neurodiverse children introduced me to Luv Michael, we wanted to take the opportunity to support their cause and to help positively impact the community through gainful employment. This April, we invite you to try the latest menu items and join our talented singing waiters in celebrating this great cause!”

With each purchase of either the milkshake or parfait, Ellen’s Stardust Diner will donate 20% of the proceeds to Luv Michael. As many autistic individuals struggle to make the transition to adulthood, Luv Michael is committed to providing the education, knowledge, and training needed to thrive in a world where support services typically cease after childhood. As part of their ongoing efforts, the organization’s outreach program has also successfully placed eligible adults in housing across the New York region, continuing to support their needs well into adult life. In 2020, Luv Michael launched a student volunteer program to educate the world on being strong allies to the autism community. Currently, Luv Michael has over 40,000 teenagers who have participated in their program from 61 different countries.

Located at 1650 Broadway in Times Square, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is open 365 days a year from 7 am to midnight every day.

Rosemary Loar,

Chelsea Table + Stage will present Broadway, concert and recording artist Rosemary Loar, celebrating her new album Vagabond Heart, on Friday, May 3 at 7:00 PM. After appearing on Broadway in Sunset Boulevard, Chess, You Can’t Take It with You and more, Loar revisits her love of jazz in her newest and most musically ambitious show yet, which launches her twelfth album. This is an evening of out-of-the-box arrangements and hilarious, heartbreaking stories about how the music was chosen. She sings well know standards, original compositions, and classic Broadway songs – all with a twist. The show is directed by Barry Kleinbort, and features music director Frank Ponzio on piano, Tom Hubbard on bass, and Vito Lesczak on drums.

Birdland Theatre will present beloved singer/songwriters Christine Lavin and Julie Gold in the show “April Fools”on Tuesday, April 2 at 5:30 PM. Gold and Lavin will welcome special guests David Buskin & Robin Batteau and John Forster, as they get together (as they do every April) to share some of their funniest musical offerings, and prove it’s never too late to make April Fools of themselves. Multi-instrumentalists Buskin & Batteau have been winning hearts and minds with their soulful acoustic ballads and fun-filled performances for decades. About clever songwriter John Forster, Tom Lehrer says, “You don’t need me anymore. Now you’ve got John Forster to kick around.” There is a $30 music charge. Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street in New York.

Judith Clurman photo by Michael Yeshion

The public is invited to join in a Sing-Along of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 7: 30 PM, at Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, 254 Hicks Street at Grace Court. Judith Clurman will conduct her ESSENTIAL VOICES USA with Paul Olson at the organ. April 13 represents the anniversary of the World Premiere of Handel’s oratorio, which told place in 1742, in Dublin, Ireland. The Sing Along will feature selected choral selections and solo arias from the famed oratorio. Guest artists include Elisa Singer Strom, soprano; Helen Karloski, alto; Paul D’Arcy, tenor; and Bryan Murray, bass.

The Sing-Along is part of EVUSA’S Community Project, a series of free events throughout NYC that are open to the public. Previous programs include concerts and workshops with public school students in the Bronx and Brooklyn, as well as holiday concerts in Manhattan. Concerts, workshops, and recordings are planned for 2024-2025

Grace Church, 254 Hicks Street at Grace Court can be reached by the 2, 3, 4, 5, R, A and F trains to Borough Hall, Brooklyn.

The 2024 MAC Award Nominees are:

FEMALE VOCALIST

Lucille Carr-Kaffashan
Three Seasons of Singer/Songwriters: Diamonds and Rust (female singer/songwriters of the ’70s); Unwritten (21st century female singer/songwriters); How the Light Gets In (male singer/songwriters)
Don’t Tell Mama

Goldie Dver
Bridges
Don’t Tell Mama

Marnie Klar
Marnie Klar Sings Carly Simon
Don’t Tell Mama

Susan Mack
Yesterdays; The Susan Mack Quintet
Chelsea Table + Stage, Birdland, Jazz on Main (Mount Kisco)

Mardie Millit
Sorry-Grateful: One Sondheim Story in Letters and Song
Laurie Beechman Theatre, Don’t Tell Mama, Crown and Anchor

Amy Beth Williams
Amy Beth Williams Sings Leiber and Stoller
Don’t Tell Mama

MALE VOCALIST

John Burns
Sock It To Me!
Don’t Tell Mama

Jason Henderson
Getting to Noël You
Don’t Tell Mama

Justin Dylan Nastro
The Magic of Me
Don’t Tell Mama

Bob O’Hare
Walk Through the World: The Songs of Leslie Bricusse
Don’t Tell Mama

MAJOR ARTIST – FEMALE

Mary Foster Conklin
These Precious Days
Soapbox Gallery, Mezzrow, North Square

Meg Flather
Hold On Tight…A Love Story; Carefully Taught; The Meg and John Reunion Show
Don’t Tell Mama, The Tank, Crown and Anchor

Rosemary Loar
Close Enough for Love (Laurie Beechman Theatre, Don’t Tell Mama); Everything’s Coming Up Rosie (Theater at East Meadow Library)

Marieann Meringolo

A Lot of Livin’ To Do!; In the Spirit
Chelsea Table + Stage

MAJOR ARTIST – MALE

Eric Comstock
Birdland

Kim David Smith
Mostly Marlene, Halo-Wien (Halloween concert), Mostly Marlene & Friends
Neue Galerie, Club Cumming, Post Office Café and Cabaret (Provincetown)

NEW YORK DEBUT – FEMALE

Eden Casteel
Kahn Artist: Madeline and Me
Don’t Tell Mama

Camille Diamond
Over the Moon…on Pluto Transit
Don’t Tell Mama

Nicole Spano
Family Ties
Don’t Tell Mama

Elvira Totora
The Bookmaker’s Daughter
Don’t Tell Mama

NEW YORK DEBUT – MALE

Rene Pfister
What I Learned from All My Ex-Boyfriends…If Anything
Don’t Tell Mama

John Philip
Oceans of Love and Life
Don’t Tell Mama

Woody Regan
Those Wonderful Songs
Don’t Tell Mama

CELEBRITY ARTIST

Ann Hampton Callaway
Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the 70’s
54 Below

Liz Callaway
Screen Gems
54 Below

Gabrielle Stravelli
Birdland

Billy Stritch
Birdland

IMPERSONATION/CHARACTERIZATION/DRAG ARTIST

Amanda Reckonwith (David Sabella)
Residential Care
Pangea

Dame Edna’S HONORARY UNDERSTUDY (Scott F. Mason)
The Dame’s Sassy Saturdays, One Dame Christmahanukwanzaka
Don’t Tell Mama, Pangea

Lady Bunny
Don’t Bring the Kids
The Green Room 42

Simply Barbra (Steven Brinberg)
Yentl, Simply Barbra 40th Anniversary
Chelsea Table + Stage, Eldred Preserve, The Crazy Coqs, 54 Below

MUSICAL COMEDY PERFORMER

Lena Moy-Borgen
A Man’s World: Gender Studies…But with Showtunes
Don’t Tell Mama

Lynda Rodolitz
Lynda Rodolitz Makes Art
Don’t Tell Mama

MAJOR DUO/GROUP

Ann Hampton Callaway And Liz Callaway
Yuletide Revelry
54 Below

Jim Caruso And Billy Stritch
Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel

Clearly Now (Sean Harkness, Lina Koutrakos, Marcus Simeone)
With a Little Help from My Friends
Laurie Beechman Theatre, St. George Theatre, Chelsea Table + Stage

Eric Comstock And Barbara Fasano
Birdland

Tracy Stark And Marcus Simeone
Twilight Canopy: (Some of) The Songs of Jimmy Webb
Urban Stages, St. George Theatre, Don’t Tell Mama

REVUE

Forbidden Sondheim: Merrily We Stole A Song
Parody lyrics and direction by Gerard Alessandrini, musical direction by Fred Barton, produced by Playkill 11 Productions, John Freedson, Harriet Yellin, Gerard Alessandrini, Christine Pedi
Don’t Tell Mama, The Green Room 42

Git Act: A Loving Tribute T0 Pittsburgh
Created and performed by Aaron Lee Battle, Ricky Ritzel, Mary Ellen Ryan; directed by Jim Luzar
Don’t Tell Mama

The Soulful Sounds Of Motown
Produced by Marcus Simeone, directed by Emilie Surtees, performed by the Stage Revolution Band Players featuring Marcus Simeone and Emilie Surtees
Cafe Wha?, Groove

A Swinging Birdland Christmas
Created and performed by Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch
Birdland

RECURRING SERIES

Jim Caruso’S Cast Party
Created, produced, and hosted by Jim Caruso
Birdland

The Lineup With Susie Mosher
Produced by Susie Mosher and Hope Royalte
Birdland

Salon
Founder, Artistic Director, Host: Mark Janas; Executive Producer: Tanya Moberly
Don’t Tell Mama

EMCEE

Jim Caruso
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party
Birdland

Natasha Castillo
Spotlight on You Open Mic
53 Above

Susie Mosher
The Lineup
Birdland

SPECIAL PRODUCTION

The Joe Iconis Christmas Spectacular
Written by Joe Iconis, directed by John Simpkins, produced by Jennifer Ashley Tepper
54 Below

Rain Keating: Woman Songs
Don’t Tell Mama

Mama’s Next Big Act!
Produced by Don’t Tell Mama and Lennie Watts
Don’t Tell Mama

Pippin: The 50TH Anniversary Reunion
Produced and directed by Walter Willison, musical directed by Michael Lavine
54 Below

DIRECTOR

Jeff Harnar
Becca Kidwell/If You Hadn’t But You Did (Don’t Tell Mama), John Forster/Too Clever by 20% (Don’t Tell Mama), Richard Holbrook/20thAnniversary Show (54 Below). Judi Mark/Merely Marvelous–The Songs of Gwen Verdon (Don’t Tell Mama), Rene Pfister/What I Learned from All My Ex-Boyfriends…If Anything (Don’t Tell Mama)

Lina Koutrakos
Sue Matsuki/But Beautiful: A Tribute to Julie Wilson (54 Below), Diane D’Angelo/Destination Moon (Laurie Beechman Theatre, The Green Room 42), Patti Bottino-Bravo/Act 3 (Laurie Beechman Theatre, Urban Stages), Elvira Tortora/The Bookmaker’s Daughter (Don’t Tell Mama), Dorian Woodruff/The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman (Pangea)

Tanya Moberly
Amy Beth Williams/Amy Beth Williams Sings Leiber and Stoller (Don’t Tell Mama), Woody Regan/Those Wonderful Songs (Don’t Tell Mama), Margo Brown/Forever Me with Love (Don’t Tell Mama), Rian Keating/Woman Songs (Don’t Tell Mama), Scott F. Mason/One Dame Christmahanukwanzaka—A Holiday Tribute to Dame Edna by Her Honorary Understudy (Pangea)

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Yasuhiko (Yaz) Fukuoka
Todd Murray and Stacy Sullivan/The Musical Romance of Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee (Weill Recital Hall), Lisa Viggiano/Lisa Viggiano Sings the Jane Olivor Songbook (Laurie Beechman Theatre), Robert Bannon/Pride Playlist (54 Below), Christmas Playlist(Chelsea Table + Stage), Robbie Rozelle/Bring Me Giants (Birdland), Mama’s Next BIG Act! (Don’t Tell Mama)

Tracy Stark
Meg Flather/Carefully Taught (Don’t Tell Mama, Crown & Anchor in Provincetown, Eldred Preserve in Sullivan County, NY), Brenda Braxton/Stars Tonight! (54 Below, The Green Room 42), Jeanne MacDonald/Heart and Soul (Chelsea Table + Stage), Sean Patrick Murtagh/Beautiful Girls: A Tribute to Sondheim Divas (Laurie Beechman Theatre, Crown & Anchor). Kim David Smith/various shows(Club Cumming, Neue Gallery, Post Office Café and Cabaret in Provincetown)

Billy Stritch
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party (Birdland), Linda Eder (54 Below) Ann Hampton Callaway (54 Below), Norm Lewis (92nd Street Y), Max von Essen (Paradise Club at the Times Square Edition Hotel)

Gregory Torsion
Sue Matsuki/But Beautiful: A Tribute to Julie Wilson (54 Below), Diane D’Angelo/Destination Moon (Laurie Beechman Theatre, Green Room 42), Patti Bottino-Bravo/Act 3 (Laurie Beechman Theatre, Urban Stages), Elvira Tortora/The Bookmaker’s Daughter (Don’t Tell Mama), Maria Corsaro/I Could Get Used to This! (Chelsea Table + Stage)

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Adam DeCarlo
(All at Don’t Tell Mama)
Meg Flather/Carefully Taught; Justin Dylan Nastro/The Magic of Me; Nicole Spano/Family Ties; Bob O’Hare/Walk Through the World; Jason Henderson/Getting to Noël You.

Alison Nusbaum
(All at Don’t Tell Mama)
Ricky Ritzel, Aaron Lee Battle, Mary Ellen Ryan/Git Aht: A Loving Tribute to Pittsburgh; Mardie Millet/Sorry-Grateful: One Sondheim Story in Letters and Song; Rian Keating/Woman Songs; Woody Regan/Those Wonderful Songs; Debra Vogel/It’s a Jungle Out There

Kelly Wohlford
(All at Don’t Tell Mama)
Amy Beth Williams/Amy Beth Williams Sings Leiber and Stoller; Goldie Dver/Bridges; Tanya Moberly/Moberly at Mama’s, New York Songwriters Parts 1 and 2; Lucille Carr-Kaffashan/Three Seasons of Singer-Songwriters; American Popular Song Society Monthly Series

ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTALIST

Steve Doyle, bass
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party (Birdland), A Swinging Birdland Christmas (Birdland)

Don Kelly, drums/percussion
Lynda Rodolitz/Lynda Rodolitz Makes Art (Don’t Tell Mama), Camille Diamond/Over the Moon,,,on Pluto Transit (Don’t Tell Mama), Ronni Faust/Ella, Minnie & Me (Don’t Tell Mama), Bruce Clough/From Out of the Blues (Don’t Tell Mama)

Matt Scharfglass, bass
Tanya Moberly/I Love NY Songwriters—Parts I and II (Don’t Tell Mama), Camille Diamond/Over the Moon…on Pluto Transit (Don’t Tell Mama), Farah Alvin/On Vinyl (The Green Room 42), James Beaman/Lived Experience (Triad Theater)

Skip Ward, bass
Margaret Curry (Laurie Beechman Theatre), Sue Matsuki (54 Below), Brenda Braxton(54 Below), Elizabeth Passero (Urban Stages)

PIANO BAR SINGING ENTERTAINER–UPTOWN

Elaine Brier
Don’t Tell Mama

Andre Jordan
Don’t Tell Mama

Tara Martinez
Don’t Tell Mama

Alison Nusbaum
Brandy’s, Don’t Tell Mama

Jennifer Pace
Brandy’s

Jon Satrom
Don’t Tell Mama, Brandy’s

PIANO BAR SINGING ENTERTAINER–DOWNTOWN

Susan Campanero
Stonewall Inn

Maria Gentile
Stonewall Inn, The Duplex, Brandy’s

Maddie McClouskey
Marie’s Crisis

T-Rex
Stonewall Inn, The Duplex

Miles Whittaker
Stonewall Inn

PIANO BAR INSTRUMENTALIST–UPTOWN

John Bronston
Brandy’s, Stonewall Inn

Nate Buccieri
Don’t Tell Mama, Brandy’s

Joe Regan
Don’t Tell Mama

Steven Wenslawski
Don’t Tell Mama, The Townhouse

Bill Zeffiro
Le Rivage, Tudor City Steakhouse

PIANO BAR INSTRUMENTALIST–DOWNTOWN

Gerry Dieffenbach
The Duplex, Stonewall Inn, Don’t Tell Mama

Kenney Green-Tilford
Marie’s Crisis

Brandon James Gwinn
Marie’s Crisis, The Duplex, Don’t Tell Mama

Mark Oleszko
Stonewall Inn

Dan Pardo
Stonewall Inn, Marie’s Crisis

Franca Vercelloni
Marie’s Crisis

SONG

Annie
Music by Michelle Brourman, Lyrics by Hillary Rollins

It’s Only A First Date
Music by Douglas J. Cohen, Lyrics by Douglas J. Cohen and Dan Elish

Passing Through A Dream
Music and Lyrics by Steven Wenslawski

Raining Memories
Music by Kelly Park and Russ Lorenson, Lyrics by Russ Lorenson

You Bring OutTHE Jazz In Me
Music and Lyrics by Tom Toce

COMEDY/NOVELTY SONG

At The Same Time
Music by Mary Rodgers, Lyrics by John Forster

Front Row
Music and Lyrics by Billy Recce

I’m Ready
Music and Lyrics by Kevin Winebold

There’a A Song In That
Music and Lyrics by Daniel Cainer

What Are You Doing Rosh Hashanah Eve?
Music by Eden Casteel, Lyrics by Dan Chaika and Eden Casteel

RECORDING (LaMott Friedman Recording Award)

Bob Levy Featuring Dane Vannatter
Ever Since We Met: The Dane Vannatter Recordings

Russ Lorenson
Standard Time: Live in New York

Margot Sergent
Douce France, Sweet France

Various Artist
Chip Deffaa’s The George M. Cohan Revue: The Cast Album

Kevin Winebold
Return to the Heart

MAJOR RECORDING

Farah Alvin
On Vinyl

Ann Hampton Callaway
Finding Beauty: Originals Volume 1

Mary Foster Conklin
These Precious Days

Jeff Harnar
A Collective
A Collective Cy: Jeff Harnar Sings Cy Coleman

Alysha Umphress
Alysha Umphress and things…like this

 

Related Topics:

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Continue Reading

Cabaret

My View: Backstage at the Cabaret Convention: OPENING NIGHT

Published

2 days ago

on

October 14, 2026

By

In 2008, Eda and I booked a themed cruise, “Sail with Cabaret Performers,” hosted by Donald F. Smith, founder of the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Since photography had long been a hobby of mine, I brought my camera along to capture the sights along the way, including Barcelona’s magnificent architecture. I also found myself taking plenty of candid shots of the performers as they relaxed and mingled during our days at sea.

When I showed the photographs to Donald, he said, “These are so great, you should come to the Cabaret Convention and do this backstage.”

Backstage! The very word had always held a special fascination for me. So, without hesitation, I happily traded my seat in the audience for a place behind the scenes. What began as a suggestion on a cruise in 2008 became a passion that has continued ever since, where Eda & I got to see many favorites and be introduced to new and exciting singers.

For me, it has always been to witness and capture “how the magic happens.” Backstage, rehearsals, sound checks, invited dress rehearsals, active hallways…all of it! Those are the real excitement for me. It probably began when my first piano teacher, Dave Roberts, who was a staff musician at CBS and NBC, invited this 13-year-old student to tag along and watch some TV musical show rehearsals in the ‘50s.

At 16, I landed a summer job at ABC delivering “teletype” messages to the executives. The job had its perks. It also gave me opportunities to sneak into rehearsals and watch the creation unfold.  The ‘60s found me one night at the Copacabana, backstage, with my musical hero Buddy Greco. During the summers and college vacations, I worked as a pianist in the Borscht Belt, located in the Catskills, where my living quarter was a small room tucked away backstage. Touring entertainers often asked to use my modest space as a place to change before their performances. After all, these hotels had nothing resembling the dressing rooms we associate with show business today.

For the young me, the excitement was dizzying. I found myself chatting with some of the biggest stars of the day as they dressed and prepared to take the stage. Those backstage encounters were unforgettable— Billy Eckstine once even borrowed my tie and Jackie Mason would ask me what jokes the comic who appeared the previous night had told!

Today, and many cameras later, I’m delighted, and proud, to share with you a glimpse of the magic unfolding behind the scenes at this year’s 37th New York Cabaret Convention.

MARILYN MAYE

MARILYN MAYE & TEDD FIRTH

TOVAH FELDSHUH

TOVAH FELDSHUH

MARILYN MAYE & CLINT HOLMES

MARILYN MAYE & CLINT HOLMES

PHILIP OFFICER

SIDNEY MYER

JEFF HARNAR

BARBARA BRUSSELL

AMANDA McBROOM

MOIPEI

AVERY SOMMERS

KAREN AKERS & STACY SULLIVAN

RITT HINN & JOHN WEBER

EDA SOROKOFF & KT SULLIVAN

JEFF HARNAR & ANDREA MARCOVICCI

ANDREA MARCOVICCI & JEFF HARNAR

TOVAH FELDSHUH

TOVAH FELDSHUH

PHILIP OFFICER

MARILYN MAYE

MARILYN MAYE

MARILYN MAYE & JASON MARTIN

STEPHEN SOROKOFF, TOVAH FELDSHUH, MARILYN MAYE, CHARLES BUSCH

TOVAH FELDSHUH, MARILYN MAYE, CHARLES BUSCH

STAGE RIGHT

AMANDA McBROOM & CLINT HOLMES

CHARLES BUSCH, MARILYN MAYE, TOVAH FELDSHUH

STEPHEN SOROKOFF & DONALD F. SMITH, CABARET CONVENTION 2008

STEPHEN SOROKOFF & BUDDY GRECO, BACKSTAGE COPACABANA 60’S

Continue Reading

Cabaret

My View: Free..Fair and Entertaining Voting at The Dutch Treat Club Luncheon

Published

2 days ago

on

October 14, 2026

By

The performances weren’t mailed in and the candidates certainly didn’t disappoint, entertaining voters with a rousing selection of patriotic favorites that had everyone singing along at the regular Tuesday lunch of The Dutch Treat Club.  Tuesday October 13th also happened to be the first night of the Cabaret Convention and club President KT Sullivan wanted to prove that we still have something to sing about in her new show called “This Is My Country: A Celebration of America’s 250th,” and prove it she did.

Entertainment Chair, Raissa Katona Bennett, introduced Ms. Sullivan, noting that in addition to the being the President of Dutch Treat, she is also the Artistic Director of the Mabel Mercer Foundation: and KT chose to present this program on the same day as the opening night of the 37th Annual Cabaret Convention which was some “crazy” feat! But KT is no stranger to challenges, having starred on Broadway in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and at Irish Repertory Theatre in Love, Noël with Steve Ross. For more than two decades, she headlined at the Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room and now performs regularly at Birdland, Don’t Tell Mama, and 54 Below in New York, as well as Crazy Coqs in London.

Accompanying herself on the piano, Ms. Sullivan led the friendly crowd in many sing-a-longs including “This Land is Your Land”, “As Time Goes By” and “America the Beautiful” to name a few, delighting the crowd with her wit and her historical knowledge. She also accompanied her brother-in-law, Bob Downey, who possesses a rich, booming baritone and affable manner, on “This is My Country”. Other Sullivan family members were also in attendance, to cheer them on: KT’s brother Pat, sister-in-law Suzanne, and the ever luminous Elizabeth Sullivan, matriarch of the “Singing Sullivans”.

Then piano virtuoso, Mark Janas, who has conducted the Broadway tours of Les Miserables and who was a protégé of Leonard Bernstein, came to the piano to accompany several Dutch Treat members that KT had requested perform. First up, was Corinna Sowers Adler who sang a gorgeous and moving version of “Anthem” from the musical Chess, in her signature clarion soprano. Corinna is a 2026 Bistro Award winner for Outstanding Vocalist and Educator and a 2015–2025 nominee for the Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award. She has also received MAC and BroadwayWorld Award nominations for Best Vocalist. Corinna has headlined at venues such as: Feinstein’s/54 Below, The Green Room 42, and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room. She is the founding Artistic Director of NiCori Studios & Productions, along with her husband, DT Board Member Nicholas Adler, who was in attendance today.

Next, award-winning singer-pianist, Eric Yves Garcia introduced his selection “The House I Live In”, with a very personal connection to it explaining how, as the descendant of several generations of Italian immigrants, the song held special meaning to him. Garcia, who performs regularly in London and Paris, is a recipient of the Margaret Whiting Award, a Bistro Award for Singer-Instrumentalist, and the Donald F. Smith Award, presented at Jazz at Lincoln Center. His New York appearances include Carnegie Hall, 54 Below, Birdland, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Café Carlyle.

KT chose Raissa Katona Bennett to perform “Take Care of This House” by Leonard Bernstein, from the short-lived Broadway show, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But first, KT shared that the inspiration for the song, came directly from a letter written by John Adams to his wife, which made the selection all the more significant. In her warm soprano, Katona Bennett, who appeared as Christine Daaé in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, and in Chess in Concert, as well as the First National Tours of Cats and Parade, shared a moving arrangement created by Mark Janas and Miles Phillips, pairing the song with “Children Will Listen” from Into The Woods.  You could hear a pin drop during her impassioned performance and there were several tears shed as the lyrics resonated even more so today, probably than when the song was written – a few of those tears came from the singer herself.

With Janas at the keys, KT took to the “stage” and delivered a hilarious version of Sheldon Harnick’s “Boston Beguine” from Broadway’s New Faces of ’52. As delightful as it is to have KT at the keys, it is always a special treat to see her in all her glory, commanding a stage like no one else can!

BOB DOWNEY, MARK JANAS, RAISSA KATONA BENNETT, KT SULLIVAN, CORINA SOWERS ADLER, ERIC YVES GARCIA

KT SULLIVAN

RAISSA KATONA BENNETT

CORINNA SOWERS ADLER

ERIC YVES GARCIA

BOB DOWNEY

NANCY McGRAW

MARK JANAS

SING ALONG

KT SULLIVAN, BOB DOWNEY, ELIZABETH SULLIVAN

EDA SOROKOFF & ELIZABETH SULLIVAN

NICOLAS ADLER & CORINNA SOWERS ADLER

JERRY JOHNSON & BONNIE ROSEMAN
Continue Reading

Cabaret

Live From The Hotel Edison Times Square Chronicles Presents Our Sinatra’s Christopher Gines

Published

2 days ago

on

October 14, 2026

By

Live From The Hotel Edison Times Square Chronicles Presents, is filmed from the Hotel Edison and is a podcast extension of T2C. We are back after a small hiatus.


Today on Live From The Hotel Edison Times Square Chronicles Presents Our Sinatra’s Christopher Gines. Our Sinatra, a Musical Celebration brings back the original creators/performers – Eric Comstock, Christopher Gines and Hilary Kole. This trio reunites after a quarter century after performing Our Sinatra at the Oak Room in December 1999

Gines has released solo music including his album The Way It Goes, featuring classic standards and theater tunes. Beyond singing, he has worked as an author, playwright, show creator, and nightclub promoter/owner in New York

See Christopher in Our Sinatra at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre running through November 29th.

I am so grateful to Christopher Gines  for his conversation, his candidness and his art that captures the imagination.

We are so proud because the show and our guests are featured on the TV screens in the lobby and the hotel rooms.

Thank-you Magda Katz for videoing and creating the content to go live, Rommel Gopez and The Hotel Edison for their kindness and hospitality, Broadway HD and Dr K and at 200 West 54th Street for giving me back my health and my smile.

We have been named by Variety Entertainment News as one of Summer’s Best Picks in the category of Best Television, Radio, Podcasts. The company we are in, has made us so humbled, grateful and motivated to continue.

“The Daily Geek Report” named host Suzanna Bowling on the list of Most Engaging Hosts.

You can catch us on the following platforms:

Pandora

Stitcher

Spotify:

Amazon:

Apple Podcasts:

Continue Reading

Cabaret

Hello, Macon! A Musical Tribute to Jerry Herman

Published

4 days ago

on

October 12, 2026

By

Macon Prickett returned to 54 Below for the fifth time with Hello, Macon! A Musical Tribute to Jerry Herman, delivering an evening filled with music, comedy, infectious energy, and heartfelt appreciation for one of Broadway’s most beloved composers.


54 Below deserves to be applauded for providing opportunities to young performers, as well as recognizing the talented young people who work behind the scenes. Macon is a perfect example of the club’s spirit. He is a beloved presence at 54 Below, admired by everyone who interacts with him, and the enthusiastic turnout of patrons who came to see him was a testament to the affection he has earned.

Macon’s tribute to Jerry Herman was a resounding success. His impeccable comic timing, exuberant personality, and boundless energy lifted the spirits of everyone in the room. His affection for Herman’s music was evident throughout the evening, making the show both an entertaining celebration and a personal journey into the work of a legendary Broadway composer.

The evening opened with the band performing a Jerry Herman overture arranged by Macon’s musical director, Canaan J. Harris. The talented musicians included Thomas Carley on bass, Ben Golder-Novick on reeds, and Nathan Repasz on drums. Their lively performance immediately established the mood for the celebration to follow.

Macon’s special guest was beloved NY cabaret performer Robbie Rozelle, and the two joined forces for a delightful rendition of “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” from Hello, Dolly! Their performance captured the song’s exuberance and theatrical charm, bringing the audience into the joyful spirit of Herman’s music.

Throughout the evening, Macon referred to Jerry Herman’s memoir, Showtunes, sharing insights into the composer’s life, creative process, and extraordinary genius. These references added depth to the performance, reminding the audience that behind the unforgettable melodies and witty lyrics was a gifted songwriter whose work helped define the Broadway musical.

For the grand finale, Macon invited the audience to join him in singing “The Best of Times” from La Cage aux Folles, creating a wonderful sense of community between performer and audience. He then closed with the unforgettable “I Am What I Am,” also from La Cage aux Folles, a powerful anthem of individuality and self-acceptance that brought the evening to a stirring conclusion.

With Hello, Macon!, Macon Prickett demonstrated that a tribute can be both a celebration of a Broadway legend and a showcase for a rising talent. His warmth, humor, and enthusiasm made the evening memorable, while his connection with the audience underscored what makes cabaret so special: the intimacy of live performance and the shared joy of great music.

Macon’s fifth appearance at 54 Below was another triumph, and the enthusiastic response made it clear that this young performer has built a devoted following. Here’s hoping there will be many more opportunities to say, “Hello, Macon!” at 54 Below.

Continue Reading

Cabaret

My View: HER HEART BELONGS TO BROADWAY ANDREA McARDLE HOLDS COURT At The Laurie Beechman Theatre in Times Square

Published

5 days ago

on

October 11, 2026

By

Last night, Broadway’s Andrea McArdle held court at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, downstairs of the West Bank Café, in the heart of New York City and Hell’s Kitchen.

This “jewel box” of a venue and this location are now iconic, as is the star that was on the stage last night. Making her entrance in a lovely red dress and a glorious head of red hair, I couldn’t help but think of Rita Hayworth.

At one point, Andrea shares with the sold-out house (and the livestream viewers) that she will be 63 in a matter of days, is a mother and twice a grandmother. It does take your breath away.

Having a “residency” at the theatre, along with other notable stars, was the brainchild of owners Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora and they participate throughout the evening, turning the engagement into family and showbiz fun. McArdle, her Musical Director, Steve Marzullo, and “the fellas” are all on hand to create a joyous atmosphere in which to play.

As for Andrea McArdle, I must say that the voice is in pristine condition. It is also one of those “iconic” voices that scream Broadway and bring back a flood of memories. Eda and I had seen her before, but never like this and never so game to entertain and interact with the audience. She doesn’t just read the room, she owns it.

Andrea sets a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, friendly feelings and shares plenty of her storied life, good and not so good, but always with lessons learned.

Apparently, every month, it’s different and, last night, Michael D’ worked the room with two buckets: STORIES & SONGS. An audience member could choose between the two and we’re off to the races.

Last night, along with many notables in the house, were Producer Michael Alden (lead producer of the upcoming 50th Anniversary Production of ANNIE), her brother Michael McArdle, Felicia Finley,  Sasha Charnin Morrison (daughter of Martin Charnin) with her husband, William, and her longtime friend Director/Producer Richard Jay-Alexander who has worked with her on multiple occasions ,especially on Les Misérables where her daughter also played Young Cosette during the run. As luck would have it, someone pulled out “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Misérables and we could all see how moved Richard got. What I had never seen before, is that he threw his shoe to her at the end of the song, which I didn’t know was “high praise.” The two bantered a bit and it was so beautiful. He got his shoe back only to throw it back again after a medley of The Theme from ICE CASTLES paired with “The Way We Were” both by Marvin Hamlisch.

The evening was full of surprises, including being presented a framed piece of ANNIE history from Sasha Charnin Morrison and her husband. It hung in her Dad’s office forever. Also, a beautiful pairing with a girl named  Joanna Pacitti, who you might remember, was unceremoniously let go from the 20th Anniversary Production of ANNIE when the search was a contest, conducted by MACY’S. She was only 12 and had played the role in a National Tour, where she did 106 performances. Andrea generously gave her the stage, where she performed a thrilling “Hold On” from THE SECRET GARDEN. The mother in Andrea shone brightly here and everyone was moved, especially when they divided up the song  “Maybe” together. It was the kind of night where you just had to be there. I can only strongly recommend you come to the residencies at the Laurie Beechman Theatre and have dinner before, either upstairs or downstairs. The food is excellent and everyone needs a night out.

ANDREA McARDLE

ANDREA McARDLE & STEPHEN SOROKOFF

ANDREA McARDLE

ANDREA McARDLE

ANDREA McARDLE

ANDREA McARDLE

MICHAEL D’ANGORA

MICHAEL D’ANGORA & MICHAEL McARDLE

MICHAEL ALDEN

ANDREA McARDLE & JOANNA PACITTI

ANDREA McARDLE & JOANNA PACITTI

ANDREA McARDLE & JOANNA PACITTI

TOM D’ANGORA

ANDREA McARDLE & RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER’S shoe

ANDREA McARDLE & LIBERACE

ANDREA McARDLE & MICHAEL JACKSON

SASHA CHARNIN MORRISON & ANDREA McARDLE

SASHA CHARNIN MORRISON & ANDREA McARDLE

SASHA CHARNIN MORRISON

ANDREA McARDLE

ANDREA McARDLE

ANDREA McARDLE

ANDREA McARDLE

MICHAEL D’ANGORA, ANDREA McARDLE, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER, TOM D’ANGORA, JOANNA PACITTI

ANDREA McARDLE & RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

ANDREA McARDLE, MICHAEL ALDEN, JOANNA PACITTI

DOUG MIDDLEBROOK, EDA SOROKOFF, TOM D’ANGORA, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

FELICIA FINLEY & RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

WEST BANK CAFE, LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright © 2023 Times Square Chronicles

Times Square Chronicles