BWW Reviews: 22nd New York Cabaret Convention Opening Night

Donald Smith greeted all the performers as they were about to set upon the stage at the Cabaret Convention last night, but unfortunately it had to be with a letter from him posted backstage at Lincoln Center. Mr. Smith is still in rehab after surgery (back soon) and this was the first time the Mabel Mercer Foundation's founder was not able to be among the assemblage of cabaret fans and marvelous performers that make this three day event the highlight of the "cabaret year"
However, Mr. Smith's touch was apparent by the quality of the artists chosen to appear in this years convention. Rick Meadows, Director and Production Stage Manager of the show started the evening off with some wonderful words from Donald, and then introduced Andrea Marcovicci to pinch hit for Mr. Smith.

The usual Cabaret Convention audience filled the seats at Rose Theater. Fans, aficionados, pundits, critics and American Songbook addicts. They were not disappointed as one by one some of the finest veterans and newcomers took the stage.

The list in order of appearance speaks for itself: Liz Callaway, Colleen McHugh, Jennifer Sheehan (presented with this years Dorothy Loudon Award For Excellence In Cabaret), Barbara Carroll, Sidney Myer, Christine Andreas, Sylvia McNair, Bill Charlap/Sandy Stewart, Craig Rubano, Corky Hale, Steve Ross, and Emily Bergl. Karen Mason could not be present. Unable to get a flight in time from Chicago where she is in rehearsal, Karen was Presented with The Mabel Mercer Award.

The Cabaret Convention is sponsored by THe Mabel Mercer Foundation, Produced by Donald Smith, Production Stage Manager Rick Meadows, Stage Managers Joey Boyles, Marnee Hollis, Nancy Slusser, Louis Tucci. Associate Production Manager Sarah Peterson, Lighting Design Alexander Carney, Administrator Alyce Finell and Program Coordinator Jason Martin. Performance Manager for Rose Hall at Lincoln Center was Nicholas Adler.

The Convention continues on October 21st & 22nd.

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff