Here’s a view through my camera lens of John Lloyd Young’s new show, “Songs From the Road,” at 54 Below! What a fantastic opening night, filled with incredible music and the unmistakable voice of a Tony and Grammy Award winner. JLY is truly one of the finest voices out there, and after a night like this, I think everyone in the audience would happily hit the road with him just to keep the music going!

John Lloyd Young

Eda Sorokoff, 54 Below

John Lloyd Young

John Lloyd Young

John Lloyd Young

John Lloyd Young

John Lloyd Young

Sean Harkness & Derek Nievergelt

Steve Marzullo, music director, & Ray Marchica, drums

54 Below

John Lloyd Young

John Lloyd Young: Songs From the Road

I could have created quite a stir with a headline announcing that Barbra Streisand sang at a Dutch Treat Club luncheon! It sounds like a sensational scoop, but the story is true—and it can be found in the club’s own archives.

Over the years, the Dutch Treat Club has welcomed an impressive roster of show-business legends, including Ray Bolger, Jerry Stiller and Ann Meara, Maurice Chevalier, and Jack Benny. Among those distinguished entertainers was a young “newcomer” named Barbra Streisand, who appeared at the club on April 10, 1962. She was joined by her co-star Lillian Roth, and together they sang songs from the Broadway musical I Can Get It for You Wholesale.

Founded in 1905 as a gathering place for creative minds, the club acquired its distinctive name from a simple tradition: members paid for their own lunches. More than a century later, that custom continues!

Members are welcome to bring guests, and Eda and I happened to bring someone with a particularly interesting connection to the afternoon’s historical tidbit: Richard Jay-Alexander, who has been associated with Ms. Streisand for the past 20 years. It was Richard’s first Dutch Treat Club luncheon, and he thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

The afternoon’s entertainment featured Phillip Officer, fresh from his appearance at the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center, where he received the foundation’s Donald F. Smith Award. Phillip was accompanied by the renowned music director Alex Rybeck.

The program then transported members to Hollywood’s golden age with a fascinating presentation on the life of screen legend Barbara Stanwyck. Victoria Wilson, author of A Life of Barbara Stanwyck: Steel-True, 1907–1940, offered a compelling look at the iconic actress and her remarkable life.

As always, members brought an interesting assortment of guests to the Tuesday gathering. Representing the U.K. was Sam Jewison, a singer, pianist, and conductor from Britain, who was invited by club member and fellow Londoner Ruth Leon. Jewison also performed at this year’s Cabaret Convention and received the Julie Wilson Award.

Club president KT Sullivan and entertainment chair Raissa Katona Bennett once again presided over an engaging afternoon filled with music, history, and good company.

Of course, some things have changed since the club’s founding in 1905. Raissa made one announcement that surely would have been unfamiliar to those early members: “Please turn off your cell phones!”

A century of tradition, a touch of Hollywood history, and a room full of fascinating people—another memorable afternoon at the Dutch Treat Club.

THE DUTCH TREAT CLUB

PHILLIP OFFICER & KT SULLIVAN

EDA SOROKOFF, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER, ALEX RYBECK, PHILLIP OFFICER

RAISSA KATONA BENNETT & KT SULLIVAN

PHILLIP OFFICER

PHILLIP OFFICER & ALEX RYBECK

VICTORIA WILSON

VICTORIA WILSON

VICTORIA WILSON & KT SULLIVAN

GERALD ESKENAZI…” On This Day In”

SAM JEWISON & RUTH LEON

RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER & ANN KITTREDGE

KT SULLIVAN, RICHARD JAY-ALEXANDER, EDA SOROKOFF

KT SULLIVAN

Barrington Stage Company, the award-winning professional theatre based in its state-of-the-art theatre and offices in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, held its annual NYC Gala last night at 54 Below. The evening honored acclaimed composer, lyricist, and three-time Tony Award winner, Jason Robert Brown, who was presented with BSC’s 2026 William Finn Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre. Also honored, for their continuing stalwart support, were Mary Ann Quinson, BSC’s Founding Board President and Honorary Board Chair, and her husband, Bruno Quinson.

The evening was chaired by Eda Sorokoff and Co-Chaired by Amanda Hembree and Leslie and Stephen Jerome.

A familiar presence on Barrington Stage Company’s Boyd-Quinson MainStage, Mr. Brown has performed in Pittsfield on numerous occasions and his work also performed there. Tonight however he took to the stage, with a group of his theatre pals for a special evening celebrating musical theatre and the New Works mission of Barrington Stage.

As Alan Paul, Artistic Director of Barrington Stage Co., remarked,“Jason Robert Brown is one of our greatest living composers and lyricists, and a champion of new work. He has graciously agreed to accept the William Finn Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre. When I think of Bill’s legacy and his desire for writers to find their own voices and write as authentically as possible, I think of Jason and his amazing body of work. I know Bill was very proud of Jason’s work in the theater, and they worked together on A NEW BRAIN. So it’s a big honor to give Jason the William Finn Award.”

Heartfelt tributes to Minkie and Bruno Quinson were given by Minkie’s son, Josh Taylor, and by founding Artistic Director, Julianne Boyd, who in her remarks noted, “Without you (Minkie & Bruno) there would be no Barrington Stage. Your passion for great theatre, your generosity from the very beginning and your commitment to excellence allowed BSC to produce the very best work possible.”

BSC Associate Artist Alysha Umpress hosted the evening, introducing Jason and his remarkable Broadway family, Carolee Carmello, Mykal Kilgore, Kate Baldwin, and Alysha, herself, all performing songs from the composer/lyricist’s rich body of work.

This BSC/NYC evening was a true theatre lover’s dream, bringing together one of the most celebrated and loved members of the Broadway community, performing his own work alongside some of Broadway’s best voices. The “live auction” yielded generous activity and added dollars for BSC’s New Works Fund and, as the prolific Mr. Brown humorously remarked from the stage, “I hope some of that money goes toward some of MY new work at BSC! Hey, Jason, it’s a no brainer!

See you next year!

JASON ROBERT BROWN

JASON ROBERT BROWN

ALAN PAUL, Artistic Director BSC

BRUNO QUINSON, ALAN PAUL, MINKIE QUINSON

GREG REINER, Executive Director

JOSH TAYLOR

JULIANNE BOYD, Founding Artistic Director

MOISES KAUFMAN

JASON ROBERT BROWN

JASON ROBERT BROWN

JASON ROBERT BROWN & CAROLEE CARMELLO

CAROLEE CARMELLO

ALYSHA UMPHRESS

ALYSHA UMPHRESS

JASON ROBERT BROWN & MYKAL KILGORE

JASON ROBERT BROWN & MYKAL KILGORE

MYKAL KILGORE

KATE BALDWIN

KATE BALDWIN

54 BELOW

ALAN PAUL & JASON ROBERT BROWN

JASON ROBERT BROWN & JULIANNE BOYD

LESLIE JEROME & STEPHEN JEROME

ALAN PAUL, EDA SOROKOFF, JASON ROBERT BROWN

MICHELE LEE & BRUNO QUINSON

GEORGIA STITT, JASON ROBERT BROWN, DEBORAH BROWN, DAISY PRINCE

EDA SOROKOFF & LINDA PURL

PATRICK DUFFY & MICHELE LEE

CATHERINE ADLER, RICHARD MALTBY JR., JAMIE deROY

BSC/NYC

NORMAN BOYD & JULIANNE BOYD

MICHELE LEE, RAISSA KATONA BENNETT, EDA SOROKOFF, KT SULLIVAN

BRUNO QUINSON, MINKIE QUINSON, DEBORAH JO RUPP

JASON ROBERT BROWN

JULIANNE BOYD, SHEILA RICHMOND, EDA SOROKOFF, MINKIE QUINSON

The 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade brings four-legged fashion, fabulous costumes and a little canine chaos to Avenue B.

Move over, Fashion Week. New York’s most fabulous runway has four legs, a wagging tail, and absolutely no intention of wearing last season’s couture.

On Saturday, October 17, the East Village will surrender its streets to the 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, a gloriously outrageous celebration of canine creativity that has become one of New York City’s most beloved Halloween traditions. Expect thousands of dogs and their equally enthusiastic humans dressed in costumes ranging from the adorable to the completely absurd. In a city where individuality is practically a competitive sport, these pups have mastered the art of making an entrance.

What began at Manhattan’s first dog run has evolved into an event celebrated as the world’s largest Halloween dog parade. This year, New York Dog Parade, the nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the bond between humans and their canine companions, is presenting the festivities with Kismet, the premium pet lifestyle brand founded by John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. With that kind of pedigree, one expects a certain level of star power, even if the celebrities are mostly covered in fur.

The main attraction is, naturally, the legendary costume competition. Over the years, these imaginative dog owners have demonstrated that no concept is too elaborate, no accessory too extravagant, and no canine too small to command a spotlight. From miniature superheroes and royal entourages to elaborate theatrical productions that happen to involve a leash, the competition is as much a showcase of New York ingenuity as it is a celebration of our four-legged friends.

And make no mistake, these dogs know when they’re being admired. Some will strut with the confidence of a Broadway leading lady on opening night, while others will look as though they’re quietly questioning their humans’ judgment. Either way, the entertainment is irresistible.

The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., heading south along Avenue B from East 13th Street to East 7th Street, beside Tompkins Square Park. Spectators are encouraged to claim their viewing spots around 10 to 10:30 a.m., particularly those hoping for a front-row seat to the canine couture extravaganza.

For those who believe a good party should last longer than a runway appearance, the festivities continue with a free Halloween festival on East 6th Street between Avenues B and C, running from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The block party will feature photo opportunities, giveaways, rescue initiatives, and plenty of opportunities for dogs and their humans to mingle.

Kismet will be supplying its signature Nugs treats for costumed canine marchers, while Fetch Pet Insurance, Earth Rated, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day for Pets, Allegra, and VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group) will add their own activations and surprises. For the first time, the costume competition will also be broadcast live, allowing dog lovers beyond New York to enjoy the festivities.

Although registration to march is already full, watching the parade and enjoying the festival are completely free. Due to limited capacity within Tompkins Square Park, only select registered participants will be eligible for the costume competition, but spectators need no invitation to join the fun.

There is something wonderfully New York about this event. The city that gave us Broadway, Studio 54, and some of the most extravagant fashion statements imaginable has also perfected the art of dressing a dachshund as a hot dog and treating it like a major cultural achievement.

And why not? In a world that can take itself far too seriously, an afternoon devoted to imagination, affection, and the occasional wardrobe malfunction is exactly the sort of joyful absurdity New York does best.

So bring your camera, your sense of humor, and your appreciation for a well-dressed pooch. The East Village is about to become the most fashionable dog park on earth.

The 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade takes place Saturday, October 17, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. along Avenue B from East 13th to East 7th Street. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on East 6th Street between Avenues B and C. Spectators are welcome, and no tickets are required.

KT SULLIVAN

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 are 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.

KT SULLIVAN

KT SULLIVAN

SUSAN MACK, ANN KITTREDGE, RIASSA KATONA BENNETT

KT SULLIVAN

KT SULLIVAN

ERIC YVES GARCIA

STEPHANIE POPE & CLINT HOLMES

ROBERT CUCCIOLI

ROBERT CUCCIOLI

RAISSA KATONA BENNETT

MADELINE JOY TRAVIS

SHANNA FARR

SHANNA FARR & CRAIG RUBANO

BRYAN ENG

BARBARA FASANO & ERIC COMSTOCK

RAISSA KATONA BENNETT & SUSAN MACK

GABRIELLE STRAVELLI & BARBARA FASANO

NATALIE DOUGLAS

NATALIE DOUGLAS & CLINT HOLMES

CRAIG RUBANO

JONATHAN ARONS

SEAN HARKNESS

DIVA LaMARR

T. OLIVER REID

MARIEANN MERINGOLO

JON WEBER & STEVE ROSS

RAISSA KATONA BENNETT & ARBENDER ROBINSON

CELIA BERK

KT SULLIVAN

KT SULLIVAN

RICK MEADOWS

SAM JEWISON

MELODIE WOLFORD

BEN JONES

MARK NADLER

MARK NADLER

MARK NADLER

MARK NADLER

MARK NADLER & KT SULLIVAN