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 50^th 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 20^th 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

Well, yes, he was in Paris, at 54 Below’s presentation of Ben Franklin in Paris, the 1964 musical by Mark Sandrich, Jr. and Sidney Michaels, with two additional songs by Jerry Herman. James Woods was a superb music director, while Walter Willison did the heavy lifting here, as producer and director, and then tackled the title role.

Walter Willison

This outing, celebrating the 250^th anniversary of our nation’s independence, was a welcome addition to the many tributes popping up to mark the occasion, and hats off to 54 Below for bringing this musical to the forefront if only for one evening.

(Video by Magda Katz)

The year 1964 was a big one in Broadway history, with Hello, Dolly!, Funny Girl, and She Loves Me all vying for attention.  Coming off two Tony wins was Robert Preston, who took on the role of our gout-ridden Founding Father. Sadly, no Tony nomination this time around (the award went to Bert Lahr for Foxy).

Ann Kittredge

Franklin was in Paris seeking financial support for the revolution being waged back home and not meeting with much success.  An old flame, Diane, portrayed beautifully by Ann Kittredge, does not succumb to Franklin’s persuasive charm, leaving him in a somewhat frantic muddle. Playing several roles in this dilemma is Ron Spivak, whose deep baritone voice and comedic talent brought a natural charm to the proceedings.

Ron Spivak

Franklin’s was not the only romance afoot here. His son, played by Keaton Miller, is in his own pursuit of love, expressed beautifully in the song “When I Dance with the Person I  Love.” Supporting cast included Keith Crowningshield, Timothy Jerome, Zoë Parrish, Melinda Hopkins and Sheila Wormer.

It is difficult to believe that amid Hello, Dolly! fever and excitement, Jerry Herman found the time to write two songs for this show. Done by Willison and Kittredge, ”Too  Charming” and “To Be Alone with You” were standouts. Willison has retained the voice and charm that earned him a Tony Nomination at the beginning of his career. Kittredge certainly matched him in the voice/charm department and had the added advantage of being beautifully coiffed and dressed, with a French accent that was delicate and alluring.

A highlight came at the end in Franklin’s speech about future generations valuing the sacrifices made on their behalf to achieve freedom.  It was a poignant moment that gave one pause amidst all the frivolity.

There are voices and there are voices and, then, there is a woman named Brandie Inez Sutton. She made her solo debut at 54 Below last night and it just couldn’t have been closer to perfection. Eda and I had never heard of her, but we sure know who she is now and from here on out, you can find us following to wherever she performs. Entering in a stunning red dress, she hits the stage and then proceeds to deliver thrill after thrill with a voice that just does not stop. The instrument is trained and powerful, but, also, exhibits all the subtlety and nuance you can only dream of in a rich musical program like the one she delivered. Arias, pop songs, religious staples, Broadway, film, just all of it. Masterful at every turn. Add her beauty, warm personality and unique stories leading us in and out of the music, and you have a beautiful 80 minutes of a soul satisfying evening. It would appear that when Director Richard Jay-Alexander sets his sights on talent, he dives right into the soul of who he is working with. The two had met when she performed her first Bess in PORGY AND BESS with the South Florida Symphony, and Richard helmed the production. Add Musical Director Joseph Joubert and these two creatives seem to have no boundaries as to what can be accomplished in a musical evening. They have worked together many times and continue to find new and original ways to illuminate the way for artists and the music they can make. It’s, actually, a special kind of magic. Add stellar musicians like Lonnie Christian on drums and Parker McAllister on acoustic and electronic bass and versatility of sounds are limitless. The arrangements, by Joubert, each and every one, are perfection. I usually don’t divulge content of the material performed, but I must mention her performance and spin on THE LITTLE MERMAID’s “Part of Your World.” The soprano and her director engaged Miami’s David Sexton to write a specialty lyric (which Sexton seems expert at) which turned the song into a real “I Want” number to the delight of the packed house. Inspired by what Miss Sutton wanted to say about her “Opera Life” it was, once again, perfect. A little research led me to Brandie’s accomplished career and singing around the world including, right here, in New York City, at the legendary Metropolitan Opera. But, on this particular evening, the songbird escaped from the cage and owned all of our hearts and souls. You must go see and hear her. She is truly remarkable and has a 2^nd show on Sunday night at 54 Below. Because I get the opportunity to roam and mingle before and after the show, last night , it was a joy to see and meet Miss Sutton’s mother and son.

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON & KEVIN JACKSON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

JOSEPH JOUBERT & BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

MOM

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON & STEPHEN SOROKOFF

JOSEPH JOUBERT & BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON & RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON & SON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON & DAVE QUINN

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON &  GWENDOLYN QUINN

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON & FRIENDS

JOSEPH JOUBERT & EDA SOROKOFF

EDWING D’ ANGELO & BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON

BRANDIE INEZ SUTTON,  MARK CORTALE, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

54 BELOW

NORM LEWIS

54 BELOW

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, we meet Alyssa Wray. Alyssa is a singer, actor, artist, and extremely clumsy romcom enthusiast from small town Kentucky, currently residing in NYC. You may have seen her in 2021 on ABC’s “American Idol” where she was a finalist (Top 9). Her regional credits include: Rocky Horror Picture Show (Magenta) at Bucks County Playhouse, Rent (Maureen) at the Palace Theatre, Murder Ballad (Narrator) at Prima Theatre, Songs for a New World (Woman 1) at the Gateway Playhouse. Other favorite performing credits include her New York City debut solo show at 54 Below, Alyssa Wray: Songs that Speak to Me. She is extremely grateful for her agents at DGRW, Sarah & Dave at Creative Talent Company, Link ’21, and my entire family and community back home as always.

See Alyssa in Going Bacharach at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre running through November 29th.
I am so grateful to Alyssa Wray for her conversation, her joy of life and his art that captures the imagination.

I’m usually reporting at “High Noon” for the Dutch Treat Club’s educational and entertaining Tuesday lunches, but this time the occasion called for evening attire. The club kicked off its 2026/27 season with its Opening Night Dinner, featuring Maria Cooper Janis, daughter of legendary actor Gary Cooper, and Tony-Nominated Broadway star Robert Cuccioli.

The Dutch Treat Club meets every Tuesday for lunch, with the first Tuesday of each month reserved for a special dinner event. The Opening Night Dinner set the stage for another season of fascinating guests, lively conversation, and the club’s long-standing tradition of bringing members together over good food and great company.

It a was a combination of Old Hollywood and Broadway Royalty evening.

After the traditional tuneful “Welcome back” from President KT Sullivan, Entertainment Chair Raissa Katona Bennett introduced Robert Cuccioli, best known for creating the dual roles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the acclaimed musical Jekyll & Hyde, earning Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and FANY Awards for his performance. Cuccioli will be featured in the Mabel Mercer Foundation Cabaret Convention on Oct. 15^th, and the upcoming off-Broadway production of Every Wednesday Night, in Spring of 2027. Accompanied by acclaimed Broadway Conductor and pianist, Joseph Baker, he thrilled the club with 4 songs including “It’s Now or Never/O Sole Mio” (paying homage to his Italian ancestry) and an incredibly moving rendition of “The Impossible Dream” which elicited tears and “bravo’s” from the crowd. Then, in a tribute to Gary Cooper, he sang Cooper’s favorite song, “Old Man River”. He did that, because Gary Cooper’s daughter, Maria Cooper Janis was the evenings speaker in conversation with acclaimed author and professor, Foster Hirsch.    

Mrs. Janis has written a book Gary Cooper off Camera: A Daughter Remembers which gives an inside look into the persona of one of the greatest movie stars of all time. In addition to her writing, she has enjoyed a successful career as an artist and was married to the world-renowned concert pianist, Byron Janis whose busy schedule led them all over the world. Mrs. Janis has collaborated on three television specials, one produced by TNT “Gary Cooper, American Life, American Legend,” another, part of TNT’s Biography Series entitled “The Life and Times of Gary Cooper” and she has worked with A&E to contribute to a special on her father for their Biography program titled, “Gary Cooper: The Face of a Hero” which was aired in March of 1998. She has collaborated abroad with a PBS/French production of “Frederick Chopin: A Voyage with Byron Janis.” Mr. Hirsch deftly led her through an interview which highlighted all these accomplishments, but what was most moving, was to hear that Gary Cooper valued his family and their time together, above all else.  Mrs. Janis shared many special memories of her life with parents, and shared that above all, her father was a man of principles, especially during the “Red Scare” that Hollywood faced.

Among the notables present for the opening of the 2026/27 season of the Dutch Treat Club were Cuccioli’s wife, Television and Theatre Star, Laila Robbins, who is starring in Richard Nelson’s “We’ll See” at the Public Theatre which opens Election night, Nov. 4^th, Cabaret producer/performer Mary Porter, acclaimed journalist, Magda Katz, who was the liaison to the speaker, and Broadway/Cabaret performer, Ann Kittredge, to name just a few.

On a personal note, Eda Sorokoff, a classical pianist who concertized in her youth and has always had a particular affection for the music of Chopin, had the thrilling opportunity a few years ago to “talk Chopin” with the legendary maestro Byron Janis at a dinner party. It is a moment she treasures. When Eda shared the photograph I’ve included in this article, Maria remarked that it perfectly captured Byron’s characteristic physicality— his fully engaged manner when immersed in conversation.

Whether the Dutch Treaters meet at “High Noon” or after the sun goes down, the formula is always the same: interesting people, good conversation, great entertainment and plenty to learn and laugh about.

THE DUTCH TREAT CLUB

KT SULLIVAN, President

KT SULLIVAN

RAISSA KATONA BENNETT, Entertainment Chair

ROBERT CUCCIOLI

ROBERT CUCCIOLI

ROBERT CUCCIOLI

MARIA COOPER JANIS & ROBERT CUCCIOLI

MARIA COOPER JANIS & FOSTER HIRSCH

MARIA COOPER JANIS & FOSTER HIRSCH

MARIA COOPER JANIS & FOSTER HIRSCH

MARIA COOPER JANIS & FOSTER HIRSCH

ANN KITTREDGE & RAISSA KATONA BENNETT

MAGDA KATZ & MARIA COOPER JANIS

MARIA COOPER JANIS & KT SULLIVAN

ANN KITTREDGE, RAISSA KATONA BENNETT, EDA SOROKOFF, KT SULLIVAN, LAILA ROBBINS

JOSEPH BAKER

MARIA COOPER JANIS, EDA SOROKOFF, STEPHEN SOROKOFF

KT SULLIVAN & MARIA COOPER JANIS

THE DUTCH TREAT CLUB

KT SULLIVAN

KT SULLIVAN & MARY PORTER

SHANNA FARR , ANN KITTREDGE, RAISSA KATONA BENNETT, EDA SOROKOFF, KT SULLIVAN, ROBERT CUCCIOLI

BYRON JANIS & EDA SOROKOFF