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 Here are two statements rarely heard in the world of Cabaret.  “There goes that Cabaret Singer driving off in his new Bentley!” and  “Did you check out that beautiful new Cabaret Room?”

Well, one of those statements is now true because last night was the debut of a new Cabaret Room initiated by The Society for the Preservation of The Great American Songbook.  This new music venue is located in the elegant North Palm Country Club which is open to the public.   The other statement was almost true because Avery Sommers and Rob Russell who were the room’s opening night electrifying performers welcomed “The Old Jock” Dick Robinson as he drove up in his nearly new Bentley! 

It was a spectacular show, Avery Sommers & Rob Russell didn’t really just “tear down the house”, they have helped build a new one for Cabaret in Palm Beach.  It was announced by Sandy Fisher the executive producer of the series that Rob Russell will be the MC of the new Cabaret Room.

Sanford Fisher
Avery Sommers & Rob Russell

As Dick Robinson, founder of The Society stated….“Through this exciting new series, audiences will be able to experience this timeless and enduring music as it comes to life on stage at the magnificent and centrally located North Palm Beach Country Club,”

The inaugural show of the series starred Avery Sommers and Rob Russell in a new and original show, “We Love Being Here With You”.  The standing ovations these Palm Beach favorites received attested to the fact that the sold out audience loved being here with them in this new Cabaret Room.   They were accompanied by pianist and Music Director Bobby Peaco, bass player Paul Shewchuk, and drummer Howie Gordon. Kai Koren the Society’s 2016 Young Artist Winner opened the show.

Avery Sommers appeared on Broadway in Ain’t Misbehavin’Showboat, Chicago, and Platinum, and in the national tours of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Ann-Margret, and Chicago with Chita Rivera and Joel Grey. She was also seen in Regina Taylor’s Crowns at City Theatre in Pittsburgh, and Hairspray at Actors’ Playhouse. Sommers has been featured in 10 independent films shot in South Florida, and her current performance schedule includes gigs in New York City and various local venues. 

Rob Russell was the longtime Entertainment Director & Emcee for the world famous Royal Room cabaret at The Colony Hotel. An audience-wowing performer himself, he performs regularly at Café Centro in the Northwood Village neighborhood of West Palm Beach, and recently released his first CD, Hello Again

Both Sommers and Russell are on the Honorary Board of Advisors for PGAS and can be heard frequently on Legends Radio 100.3FM and at LegendsRadio.com.

The opening concert of the After Dinner Cabaret series is generously underwritten by Judy & Jerry Kaufman, and Ann & Robert Tuteur.

“We are all very excited about our new cabaret series since we will be bringing the very best performers and musicians to South Florida on a regular basis throughout the year at an extraordinary and very special venue, the ballroom of the North Palm Beach Country Club,” says Sanford (Sandy) Fisher, the Executive producer of the After Dinner Cabaret series and another Honorary Board Member of The Society. “We will be announcing more upcoming shows in the near future.”

“The After Dinner Cabaret series is designed to allow audiences to dine on their own before the show, although many may decide to have dinner at Farmer’s Table, the beautiful new restaurant at the North Palm Beach Country Club, which recently opened to rave reviews,” adds Fisher.  Prior to the show lavish desserts and coffee were served in the Cabaret Room. 

Avery Sommers & Rob Russell
Rob Russell
Dick Robinson, Sanford Fisher, Isanne Fisher
Howie Gordon, Bobby Peaco, Music Director, Paul Shewchuk
Stephen Sorokoff & Dick Robinson
Eda Sorokoff & Deborah Silver
Sanford Fisher & Rob Russell
Dick Robinson & Clare Coco
Missy Robinson, Sally Robinson, Dick Robinson, Eda Sorokoff
Kai Koren
Judy Kaufman & Jerry Kaufman
Rob Russell & Bonnie Roseman
Isanne Fisher & Missy robinson
North Palm Beach Country Club
North Palm Beach Country Club

Stephen studied at the Manhattan School of Music. Besides being a pianist, Stephen’s business career was in the Fashion Industry. He was CEO of a textile manufacturing facility and President of an international textile machinery company. Stephen was on the Board of Directors of the “First All Children’s Theatre” which brought the Stephen Schwartz musical The Trip and Captain Louie to the Kennedy Center in Wash DC. His wife Eda, an interior space designer and classical pianist was on the Board of Barrington Stage Company and is still active at BSC. Stephen’s photographs, videos and articles appear on Broadwayworld.com, T2Conline.com and The New York Observer. He is active in the entertainment events at the Friars Club, where he is a member. Stephen is also an Honorary Board Member of The Society For The Preservation of The Great American Songbook. Stephen Sorokoff@gmail.com

Cabaret

Cabaret, Talks and Concerts For June

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The summer nights bring excitement to the clubs and cabarets. Here are picks for June.

92 Street Y: 1395 Lexington Ave. 6/1: Music Icons: Graham Nash in Conversation with Anthony DeCurtis; 6/2 and 4: California Dreamin’: Jessica Vosk Sings the Songwriters of Laurel Canyon; 6/12: A New York Evening Celebrating Peggy Lee and 6/16: Focus Features’ Asteroid City: Bryan Cranston in Conversation with MTV’s Josh Horowitz.

Birdland Jazz: 315 West 44 St. Every Monday at 9:30pm Jim Caruso’s Cast Party; Every Tuesday at 8:30pm The Lineup with Susie Mosher; Every Saturday at 7pm Eric Comstock with Sean Smith (Bass) & special guest Barbara Fasano (Voice); 6/5, 12 and 26: Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks in the Theater;Billy Stritch & Gabrielle Stravelli “Mel and Ella Swing!”; 6/6 – 10: Stacey Kent; 6/8: Phillip Officer: “Second Time Around” in the Theater; 6/12: The Brat Pack and 6/19: Natalie Douglas: “Freedom Songs: Juneteenth Jubilee”

Cafe Carlyle: 35 E 76th St. until 6-10: Sutton Foster; 6/13 – 17: Mira Sorvino and 6/20 – 24 Megan Hilty.

Carnegie Hall: 881 7th Ave at 57th St.

Chelsea Table + Stage: Hilton Fashion District Hotel, 152 W 26th St. 6/4: Reeve Carney; 6/7: Nicolas King; 6/26: Samantha Pauly and 6/27: Marieann Meringolo.

Tim Di Pasqua

Don’t Tell Mama: 343 W. 46 St. 6/3: Tim Di Pasqua and 6/16: Tanya Moberly

Dizzys Club Coca Cola: Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th Street. 6/11: Songbook Sundays Fats Waller

The DJango: 2 Avenue of the Americas. 6/9: Jason Tiemann Quartet

54 Below: 254 West 54 St. 6/1 -4: Clint Holmes: Between the Moon and New York City- The Songs of Peter Allen, feat. Nikki Renée Daniels!; 6/5: Charles Strouse’s 95th Birthday Show! Feat. Stephen Schwartz & more; 6/6: Hands on a Hardbody 10th Anniversary Reunion Concert; 6/8 and 10: Jenn Colella: Out and Proud; 6/12, 14 – 17: Joe Iconis & Family, feat. Lauren Marcus & more!; 6/13:Jeff Harnar & Alex Rybeck: Our 40th Anniversary Songbook; 6/21 – 25: Shaun Cassidy: The Magic of a Midnight Skyand  6/29 – 7/1: Amber Gray

The Green Room 42: 570 10th Ave. 6/10 and 26: Janinie LaManna

Sony Hall: 235 W. 46th St. 6/9: The Manhattan Transfer 50th Anniversary & Final World Tour w/ Special Guest The Diva Jazz Orchestra; 6/23 and 24: Sergio Mendes and 6/26: Broadway Sings Lady Gaga

The Triad: 158 W. 72 St.

The Town Hall: 123 West 43rd Street. 6/3: Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers; 6/6: PAGEBOY with Elliot Page and 6/12: Irish Repertory Theatre Gala 2023 | All My Loving The Lyrics Of Paul McCartney

 

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Broadway

Broadway’s Samantha Pauly and Reeve Carney Come To Chelsea Table and Stage

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On May 29th catch Samantha Pauly for Memorial Day. Best known for originating the role of Katherine Howard in Broadway’s smash hit SIX the Musical, and her captivating performance as Eva Peron in Jamie Lloyd’s critically acclaimed revival of Evita on London’s West End, Samantha Pauly has carefully crafted an evening that reflects the last few years of her life. Join this Grammy nominee and Drama Desk Award winner as she revisits some career highlights, Broadway classics, pop/rock favorites, and all the fun stuff in between.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and actor Reeve Carneyreturns to Chelsea Table + Stage June 4th  to perform a night of music honoring the artistry of the legendary rock n’ roll supergroup Led Zeppelin. Carney is best known for his portrayal of Dorian Grayin on Showtime’s Penny Dreadful, Riff Raff in Fox’s Rocky Horror Picture Show Reimagining, as well as originating the role of Peter Parker in Julie Taymor/U2’s Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark. He is currently starring in the Broadway blockbuster, Hadestown. Reeve Carney delivers a one-man-show cabaret that feels more like an invitation-only after-party than a traditional concert performance. Don’t miss this special performance from one of Broadway’s leading actors!

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Cabaret

My View: It’s Richard Jay-Alexander’s Birthday!

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If there’s anyone who deserves to be featured in TIMES SQUARE CHRONICLES, on this particular day, May 24, it would be this guy, Richard Jay-Alexander.  Born in 1953, today he turns 70 years old, here in New York City.  He has walked these city streets more than most, as he pursued and has enjoyed a 49 year career, working on Broadway, in most theaters, clubs and majestic musical institutions, such as Carnegie Hall and The MET.  He’s touched many, many lives and has a passion for this business that continues to burn and just this past Sunday, he helmed a thrilling evening, celebrating BroadwayWorld.com‘s 20th Anniversary, at midtown’s historic Sony Hall.  On the eve of his birthday, he attended his favorite Tuesday night happening, Susie Mosher’s The LINEUP at Birdland Theatre, and treated the audience to a couple stories, observations on this important birthday and then, with Billy Stritch at the piano, John Miller on Bass and Clint De Canon on drums, performed a moving and heartfelt (THEY LONG TO BE) CLOSE TO YOU by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.  There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  Richard clearly has a gift and a passion for the stage and for music and we are all the better for it, on the receiving end. 

Happy Birthday, Young Man! Here’s to many more.

RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

BILLY STRITCH & RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER & SUSIE MOSHER

RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

SETH SIKES, NICOLAS KING, CARLOS CLEMENZ, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER, STEPHEN SOROKOFF, EDA SOROKOFF

DOUG MIDDLEBROOK, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER, EDA SOROKOFF

BILLY STRITCH, KATE SHINDLE, President Actors’ Equity Association, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

SUSIE MOSHER & RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RJA

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Cabaret

My View: A Glamorous Celebrity Filled Night With Lorna Dallas at The Laurie Beechman Theatre

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It was a celebrity filled audience last night and the glamor of Manhattan Cabaret nightlife was in abundance for Lorna Dallas and her show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre titled “Glamorous Nights and Rainy Days

Ms. Dallas returned to New York City with a wonderful new show. This was Ms. Dallas’ first appearance in this town since she performed at the Bistro awards prior to the lockdown of 2020.  The three years respite has done nothing to dim the luster of Ms Dallas’ exceptional instrument.  She stayed in fine voice all evening long.  But she is more than just an excellent vocalist.  She is also a compelling actress.  Her show, skillfully crafted by director Barry Kleinbort, and sensitively accompanied by one of this city’s best musical directors, Christopher Denny, was a joy from start to finish.  The star studded audience at the Laurie Beechman theater responded heartily to every one of Lorna’s numbers.  Evening high points ran the gamut, from standards like “I Have Dreamed,” to “When the Sun Comes Out;” from an hilarious “By Strauss” by the Gershwin’s to a dramatic “Silent Spring”  by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg.   She also premiered a new song written especially for her by Ann Hampton Callaway and Amanda McBroom, “In My Dreams,” which wowed the savvy New York crowd.  Hopefully, Lorna Dallas will return to these shores on a more regular basis.  Three years is too long a wait for this powerful soprano’s next appearance..

LORNA DALLAS

CHRISTOPHER DENNY & LORNA DALLAS

LORNA DALLAS & DONNA McKECHNIE

LORNA DALLAS & MELISSA ERRICO

MARILYN MAYE & LORNA DALLAS

LORNA DALLAS & CHARLES BUSCH

PENNY FULLER & LORNA DALLAS

MELISSA ERRICO & EDA SOROKOFF

DAVID ZIPPEL, LORNA DALLAS, JAMIE deROY

LORNA DALLAS & REX REED

LORNA DALLAS & KT SULLIVAN

SUSIE MOSHER & LORNA DALLAS

DAVID SABELLA & LORNA DALLAS

CRAIG RUBANO & LORNA DALLAS

MARIEANN MERINGOLO & LORNA DALLAS

GEORGE DVORSKY, LORNA DALLAS, ROSIE BENTINCK

EDA SOROKOFF,MARILYN MAYE, CHARLES BUSCH

KT SULLIVAN & ELIZABETH SULLIVAN

KURT PETERSON, LORNA DALLAS

 ANN TALMAN &LORNA DALLAS

LORNA DALLAS & SANDY MANLEY

JOYCE BREACH & REX REED

LORNA DALLAS & RICHARD HILLMAN

BARRY KLEINBORT, DIRECTOR

LORNA DALLAS

LORNA DALLAS

LORNA DALLAS

CHRISTOPHER DENNY & LORNA DALLAS

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Cabaret

My View: David Yazbek and Norbert Leo Butz at 54 Below

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Tony, Grammy, and Emmy award winning composer/writer/musician David Yazbek and his band were on the stage of 54 Below last night playing some of his new songs from an upcoming album. They also played some great music from the Yazbek songbook and from his Broadway musicals.

 In addition to being an award winning composer and lyricist David Yazbek is a formidable pianist possessing a fearless technique generating an extraordinary combination of intoxicating melodious dissonance. .  A highlight of the evening for me was when he displayed his unique harmonic and rhythmic pianistic concepts on the Great American Songbook Standard “Over The Rainbow”.  Norbert Leo Butz also starred in the the 54 evening titled “David Yazbek and The Bludgeoneers” and he brought the house to it’s feet with the “Dirty Rotten Medley”

The Band: Javier Diaz (Percussion), Tony Orbach (Sax), Sam Sadigursky (Clarinet), Dean Sharenow (Drums), Chris Tordini (Bass), Paul Vercesi (Sax)

DAVID YAZBEK

DAVID YAZBEK

DAVID YAZBECK

NORBERT LEO BUTZ

NORBERT LEO BUTZ

NORBERT LEO BUTZ

SAM SADIGURSKY

DAVID YAZBEK & SAM SADIGURSKY

NORBERT LEO BUTZ

TONY ORBACH & PAUL VERCESI

THE BAND

DAVID YAZBEK & NORBERT LEO BUTZ

54 BELOW

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