Cabaret Theatre + Broadway News

BWW Reviews: Force of Nature Lauren Robert Rocks Iridium Again

(5/24/2013) - Four songs into Lauren Robert's show at Iridium this past Tuesday night (her third appearance at the jazz club since last August), she was already producing her usual pulsating, percussive, and passionate presentation of hard-driving blues and soulful pop when the show took a transformative turn and reached a higher ground. The mature, sultry, blue-eyed blonde, whose sound goes beyond blue-eyed soul, put on her Louisiana accent cultivated from years playing down south with her old band, Mojo Hand, and told her audience that the set's fifth song was 'inspired by the swamps and sexy action of N'awlins.' Then Robert and her new band, which included three members of the old gang, really got their mojo going, jumped into a musical swamp boat and navigated through a Robert original called 'Two Alligators' (from Mojo Hand's 1992 album Zulu Parasol), an intense and rhythmic mix of blues, hard rock n' roll, and Zydeco, and that featured a cool background vocal arrangement and Robert playing a washboard-better known as a fotoi (fo-twa)-draped down her chest. Like an alligator, the song stalked and then snapped, and with Noe Matos supplying some frenetic percussion, it was a draw-dropping number that wouldn't let you stop bouncing in your seat.

Joy Franz, Hunter Herdlicka and More Set for SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED at 54 Below, 5/26

(5/23/2013) - Sondheim Unplugged, hosted by Phil Geoffrey Bond, makes a return visit to 54 Below this Sunday, May 26th at 7pm.

Sherie Rene Scott to Bring PIECE OF MEAT to 54 Below, 6/17-29

(5/23/2013) - Sherie Rene Scott returns to 54 Below for the highly-anticipated reprise of her acclaimed show 'Piece Of Meat' for a limited two-week engagement. 'Piece Of Meat' is an exhilarating evening about human desires - carnal, culinary and otherwise. Ms. Scott explores her singular storytelling and musical abilities with songs by Joni Mitchell, Paul McCartney, Talking Heads, Pete Townshend, Annie Lennox, Dire Straits, Buddy Holly, Kate Bush and Noah & The Whale, along with original compositions by music directorTodd Almond. The show features musical staging by Michele Lynch and direction by Lear Debessonett.

Pittsburgh CLO Presents SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM, Now thru 8/18

(5/23/2013) - Pittsburgh CLO presents the Stephen Sondheim celebration, Side By Side By Sondheim, which will run tonight, May 23 through August 18 at the CLO Cabaret.

Sally Kellerman to Perform at Vitello's Jazz and Supper Club, 6/5

(5/22/2013) - Sally Kellerman, the Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated celebrated actress, voiceover virtuoso and singer, returns to Vitello's Jazz and Supper Club for 'SALLY KELLERMAN LIVE!,' an evening of intimate and laid back music and conversation presented in her own inimitable style, backed by The Andy Langham Trio. The ONE NIGHT ONLY performance will be presented on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 4939 Tujunga Avenue; Studio City, Calif. Kellerman's program will include some new takes on familiar songs.

STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes at 54 Below with Bebe Neuwirth and More!

(5/22/2013) - Click below to watch the a new sneak peek at 54 Below, Broadway's Nightclub in the heart of the Theatre District, featuring interviews with Bebe Neuwirth and more!

Photo Flash: Frank Wildhorn, Capathia Jenkins and More Perform in FRANK & FRIENDS at Birdland

(5/22/2013) - This past Monday, Frank's pals included Las Vegas and supperclub headliner Clint Holmes and Broadway mainstay Capathia Jenkins. (Holmes has recently been traveling the country singing Wildhorn's songs and praises, and Jenkins made her Broadway debut in the composer's production of The Civil War before starring in Caroline, Or Change and Newsies.)

kef theatrical productions Sets KEF KIDS CABARET for 7/1

(5/22/2013) - kef theatrical productions has announced the upcoming event KEF KIDS CABARET, an evening of songs featuring some of Broadway, TV and Film's biggest little stars, performing numbers of their own choice. The evening of music will be presented on Monday, July 1st at The Cutting Room (44 East 32nd St. btw 5th and Madison) at 7:00 PM. Tickets for the one-night-only event are $20 in advance or $25 at the door (food/beverage minimum not included) and are available at www.thecuttingroomnyc.com or by calling 212.691.1900.

FREEZE FRAME: Morgan James, Bruce Vilanch, Judy Kuhn & Nikki M. James Preview 54 Below Shows!

(5/22/2013) - Earlier today, Broadway actor/singer and Epic Records recording artist Morgan James (Motown: The Musical, Godspell, The Addams Family, her recent debut CD release 'Morgan James Live, a celebration of Nina Simone"), Tony Award winner Nikki M. James (The Book of Mormon), Tony Award nominee Judy Kuhn (Passion, Les Miserables, Chess, Rags, Sunset Boulevard, the upcoming album "All This Happiness"), six-time Emmy Award-winner Bruce Vilanch (TV's "Hollywood Squares," Broadway's Hairspray) previewed their upcoming 54 Below shows. Check out a photo preview from the festivities below!

Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch to Return to Bemelmans at The Carlyle Hotel, 6/9

(5/22/2013) - Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch return to Bemelmans at The Carlyle Hotel with their evening of swinging standards on Sunday, June 9, then running every Sunday in June, from 9pm - 12 midnight. The two performers, who have performed extensively on their own, gained national exposure together as the host and musical director of the wildly popular open mic, Cast Party, which celebrates talent every Monday at Birdland in NYC, and tours nationally. During their November run at Bemelmans, the duo received critical acclaim, and made news when rock legend Bono joined them in an impromptu performance. In their upcoming Carlyle run, Caruso and Stritch will be joined by bassist Steve Doyle.

BWW Reviews: Lovely Laura Benanti Is A Dazzling 'Idiot's' Delight in Her New Show at 54 Below

(5/22/2013) - Halfway through her opening night at 54 Below on Monday, Laura Benanti unveiled the evening's showstopper, a multi pop-song mix titled 'Inappropriate Medley.' No, Benanti didn't faux strip her way through the songs as if she was replaying her past role as Gypsy Rose Lee, but she frantically ripped through eight songs, including Beyonce's 'All the Single Ladies,' 'Old Man River,' Sonny & Cher's 'I Got You Babe,' Aretha Franklin's 'Respect,' and culminated the riff by boogying like Tina Turner on 'Proud Mary,' and playing a tambourine tossed over by her Musical Director/pianist Todd Almond. As the audience commenced with raucous cheering, an almost out-of-breath Benanti quipped, 'I can't wait to read the review tomorrow that says Laura Benanti is an idiot.' Well, Laura Benanti may be a lot of things, but idiot is not one of them.

Frances Ruffelle Begins Gig at 54 Below Tonight

(5/22/2013) - Tony Award-winning LES MISERABLES onstage and onscreen star Frances Ruffelle will be coming to NYC for a special show at 54 Below tonight, May 22.

Mandy Patinkin to Perform in DRESS CASUAL at SOPAC, 6/22

(5/21/2013) - Celebrating its 7th consecutive season, SOPAC hosts a one-night only benefit concert with Broadway's master songman, Mandy Patinkin, on Saturday, June 22nd at 8:00pm. Accompanied by Paul Ford on piano, Patinkin brings his critically acclaimed theatre concert titled 'Dress Casual'.

Missi Pyle to Bring Solo Show to Joe's Pub, 6/15

(5/21/2013) - Broadway & Hollywood actress MISSI PYLE returns to Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette St) Saturday, June 15th @ 11:30pm with her solo show Sexy As Hell, following a nearly sold-out LA engagement. Come experience one of Hollywood's most exciting, hilarious and unpredictable actress, as she pushes SOME of your boundaries. Missi aims to prove that though funny and with 'strong features', Missi is in fact Sexy As Hell. She was just waiting till she turned 40 to show you.

Orfeh, Patti Murin and More to Bring Adele to Life at THE POP SHOW, 6/10

(5/21/2013) - Farah Alvin (Nine, Grease!, The Marvelous Wonderettes) , Anika Larsen (Avenue Q, Rent, Closer Than Ever, Xanadu), Patti Murin (Wicked, Lysistrata Jones), Samia Najimy Finnerty, N'Kenge (Motown: The Musical, Sondheim on Sondheim), Orfeh (Legally Blonde, The Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm, Love, Janis, Saturday Night Fever), Jarrod Spector(Jersey Boys, Les Miserables) and American Idol Finalist Erika Van Pelt will comprise the lineup for the June 10 edition of The Pop Show, part of the Broadway at Birdland series at Birdland Jazz Club. The 7pm concert will feature the songs of Adele.

Photo Flash: DROOD Cast, Norm Lewis, Jessie Mueller, Pasek & Paul and More Perform at Birdland

(5/21/2013) - For the past ten years, Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland has been the ultimate place for Broadway folks to mingle and celebrate each other, as evidenced by Monday night's jammed-to-the-walls open-mic-fest. Scroll down for photos from the starry evening!

Max Crumm, Katie Thompson and More Set for 22@54 at 54 Below

(5/21/2013) - Max Crumm (Grease, F#%king Up Everything), Daniel J. Edwards (Anything Goes), Sevan Greene, Adam Halpin (Dogfight, Glory Days), Patty Nieman, Eileen Patterson, Aaron Riesebeck, Katie Thompson (Giant, Big Fish) and Carrington Vilmont (Phantom of the Opera) will be joining the concert cast of 22@54.

Photo Coverage: Friars Club Hosts Jazz Masters Samba Guitar Battle

(5/21/2013) - The legendary Friars Club featured a night of Brazilian Jazz and cuisine in the Frank Sinatra Dinning Room last night. Produced by Howard Leder and Hosted by Stan Gilbert it was a typical Friars evening of good comedy, good music, and good food. Guitarists Vic Juris (USA) and Romero Lubamba (Brazil) provided the rhythms of Brazil and the Friars kitchen created some special delicacies for the evening. The Stone Brothers supplied the always available Friars humor for the event.

Photo Coverage: Sabrina Wender Brings LA DOLCE VITA to Le Cirque's Musical Mondays

(5/21/2013) - Musical Monday Nights continue in the Cafe at the world famous Le Cirque restaurant. Elegant Sabrina Wender was the menu addition last night. A singer-songwriter, dancer and actress, Sabrina Wender has a true passion for the arts. She has recorded a CD of pop music in Italy and also has an in-depth knowledge of American Jazz and Swing music of the 30s and 40s. As a teenager, Sabrina attended summer courses at the High School of Performing Arts in New York and has continued to further her musical studies both in Europe and the U.S. She has composed original ballad songs and soundtracks for documentaries about Italy which she produced and edited herself. As a dancer, Sabrina studied ballet at the Royal Academy of Dance and jazz at the California Club in Milan and currently attends The Steps School in New York. She has performed in music videos for Sting and Zucchero in collaboration with choreographers Momix and David Parsons. Sabrina has appeared on various television programs, including the Italian TV Network RAI where she was the female lead performer on the Saturdayevening variety program "Rido.' She also studied acting at Thomas G. Waites Acting Studio in New York.

BWW Reviews: Eden Espinosa Charms Nashville Audiences...Cabaret Style

(5/21/2013) - Come to the CabaretThe Absinthe Cabaret, that is. Saturday night was the inaugural event of the newly formed Absinthe Cabaret in Franklin, TN. Executive Producer, Carolan Trbovich lined up a fantastic first event, with Broadway star Eden Espinosa headlining, and theatre and stage musician Johnny Rodgers hosting. Eden is best known for her roles as Elphaba in Wicked, for playing Maureen in the final cast of RENT on Broadway, and for originating the role of Brooklyn in the musical Brooklyn. Johnny Rodgers has toured with Liza Minnelli and appeared on Broadway with her during her show, Liza's at the Palace.

Janet Krupin, Jarrod Spector and More Join Janine McGuire in LET'S MAKE NOISE Concert Tonight

(5/21/2013) - Tonight, May 21, composer/lyricist Janine McGuire will present an evening of her original music in 'Let's Make Noise: The Music & Lyrics of Janine McGuire.'

Lea Salonga Returns to the Cafe Carlyle With BACK TO BEFORE, Now thru 6/8

(5/21/2013) - The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel will welcome back Tony Award-Winner Lea Salonga to the Cafe Carlyle for her highly anticipated three-week engagement. Her new program, 'Back to Before,' is a nostalgic repertoire in which she revisits her life as a New Yorker and pays tribute to her favorite ladies-most notably Ella Fitzgerald and her idol, Barbra Streisand. 'Back to Before' will be making its debut at the Cafe Carlyle. Ms. Salonga's engagement at the Cafe Carlyle will run from tonight, May 21st to June 8th.

Molly Ringwald and More Set for Melbourne Recital Centre's American Songbook Series from June 14

(5/20/2013) - Melbourne Recital Centre has presented for the third year the highly acclaimed and popular American Songbook series. After a sold-out success last year American Songbook series returns bigger and better this year with a fabulous line up of local and international artists.

BWW Interview: Tonya Pinkins, UNPLUGGED and Sizzling

(5/20/2013) - Tonya Pinkins, triple threat actor/singer/comedian, will put her full repertoire to work in UNPLUGGED, a performance at Joe's Pub.

Laura Benanti, Frances Ruffelle and More Set for 54 Below, Now thru 6/1

(5/20/2013) - Coming up at 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. 54 Below also launched its series of late night events. Joining Tuesday nights' popular "Backstage" with Susie Mosher is the "54 Piano Bar," a new vocal competition - 'The Callback," and more, including: stage and television star Laura Benanti, High Fidelity in Concert, WGBO Jazz Series: Karrin Allyson Quartet, Tony winner Frances Ruffelle, Charlie Rosen's Broadway Big Band, Sondheim Unplugged and Simply Streisand.

2013 Tony Nominees and More Set for Birdland Jazz Club, Now thru 5/26

(5/20/2013) - Birdland Jazz Club has announced their exciting line-up of extraordinary talent for today, May 20 - May 26, 2013.

Brian d'Arcy James and More Join Kevin Cole for DreamCatcher Benefit Concert Tonight

(5/20/2013) - Great American pianist Kevin Cole [fresh from Carnegie Hall, protege of Marvin Hamlisch], with special guests Brian d'Arcy James [Shrek; Next to Normal], Klea Blackhurst [Everything the Traffic Will Allow], and Ryan VanDenBoom [Annie] will perform a Benefit Concert to support DreamCatcher Entertainment, an independent theatre and film company, celebrating their 5th Anniversary.

Jeff Blumenkrantz, Caroline Bowman and More Set for SONGS IN THE KEY OF EQUALITY Tonight

(5/20/2013) - Tonight, May 20 some of the brightest stars on the musical theater and cabaret scene will converge at Greenwich Village nightclub Le Poisson Rouge to benefit Swish, an organization of straight allies for the LGBT movement.

Mykal Kilgore & Zoe Sarnak Set for NEW VOICES Concert Tonight

(5/20/2013) - The acclaimed series 'Monday Nights, New Voices' will return to the Duplex Cabaret Theatre tonight, May 20th, 2013 produced by composer Scott Alan.

BWW Interviews: Deborah Boily Talks Cabaret, Career, and Concert

(5/19/2013) - Deborah Boily is preparing for her cabaret performance of DEBORAH BOILY - ONE NIGHT ONLY.

Photo Flash: Miss NY, ANNIE Orphans and More Perform at West Side YMCA Benefit

(5/19/2013) - On Monday May 13th, the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in the historic West Side YMCA played host to a completely sold out crowd for their 3rd annual 'Little Theater, Big Dreams' benefit cabaret. Scroll down for photos from the evening!

CABARET LIFE NYC: Running Out of Superlatives to Review Ann Hampton Callaway's Recent Sarah Vaughn Tribute Run

(5/19/2013) - It's taken me two weeks to write this review of Ann Hampton Callaway's recent 8-shows-in-four-days run at Dizzy's Jazz Club at Lincoln Center, where she paid musical tribute to the late, great Sarah Vaughan, and I hope you buy the reason for such procrastination. Since late September last year, I've now seen four different Callaway cabaret shows at three different venues and reviewed two of them and, well, writing about how terrific Ann is on a cabaret/nightclub stage is getting a bit difficult as well as boring. I mean, I'm running out of words in my personal thesaurus to describe Callaway's consistent excellence, not to mention how she seems to provide a periodic master class in cabaret performance. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt I needed to prove I was up to this reviewing challenge, and a show as wonderful as From Sassy to Divine: A Celebration of Sarah Vaughan deserved more kudos on what Rachel Maddow calls, 'The Internet Machine.'

Scott Evan Davis and Cast of PICTURE PERFECT Set for EXPOSED at Time Out Lounge Tonight

(5/19/2013) - 'Exposed: Scott Evan Davis in Concert' will be presented tonight, May 19th at the Time Out Lounge at New World Stages. Joining singer-songwriter Davis for the 9PM concert will be the cast of 'Picture Perfect' including: Kim Grogg, Erik Sisco, Vicky Modica, Jamie Hartmann and Joshua Dixon.

Terri White Makes LA Concert Debut at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal Tonight

(5/19/2013) - Continuing its nearly 7 year reign as the most critically acclaimed, award-winning supper club of its kind in the greater Los Angeles area dedicated to presenting the best of Broadway performers and nightclub artists in concert, Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal welcomes Broadway's Terri White tonight, May 19, direct from her critically acclaimed cabaret concert in the Barbara Cook Spotlight Series at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' in Washington, D.C.

DALE AND BILL SING BROADWAY Comes to The Grove Theatre in Upland Tonight

(5/19/2013) - Beloved for their long-running Home for the Holidays concerts, singers Dale Kristien and Bill Hutton make a rare spring appearance at The Grove Theatre for Dale and Bill Sing Broadway.

BWW Reviews: 2012 MetroStar Talent Champ BILLIE ROE Delivers a Gritty, Winning Tribute to Tom Waits

(5/18/2013) - You probably don't have to feel sorry for a mature, experienced female singer who decides to tackle the gritty music of Tom Waits and calls her show 1978 NYC Underground, but it was still tough not to feel for Billie Roe as she performed this week at the Metropolitan Room. Roe, who in 2011 offered the highly-praised Dangerous Women: Life In Film Noir, admittedly has yearned to present a Waits songbook for 35 years, but just a couple of months before her four-show run which ends tonight at 9:30 pm (her prize for winning the 2012 MetroStar Challenge Competition at the Met Room), rising cabaret star Marissa Mulder staged a Tom Waits-themed show that was close to perfect in every way and earned rave reviews from the New York Times and BroadwayWorld.com.

Martha Lorin and Paul Smith to Reunite at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal, 5/26

(5/18/2013) - Distinguished vocalist, recording artist and interpreter of the Great American Songbook Martha Lorin will appear at Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal Sunday May 26 accompanied by legendary musical director Paul Smith for an evening of lush standards, it was announced today by producer Michael Sterling and co-producer Ralph Lampkin, Jr. of the Lampkin Music Group in Chicago.

Eden Espinosa Headlines Absinthe, A Broadway Cabaret's Launch in Franklin, TN, Tonight

(5/18/2013) - In a city that radiates music, the time has come to provide an innovative experience that celebrates the intimate cabaret infused with the bold sound of Broadway. Enter, Absinthe, A Broadway Cabaret, opening tonight, May 18th in Jamison Hall at The Factory in Franklin, TN.

Harry Middlebrooks Headlines 2013 Young Artist Benefit Concert in Sonora Tonight

(5/18/2013) - Todd Schroeder has announced the talent line up for his 18th Annual Young Artist Benefit Concert in Sonora, California tonight, May 18th. Headlining the show is Harry Middlebrooks, wrtter of the smash hit 'Spooky' in 1967; Robyn Spangler, BroadwayWorld's 2011 Cabaret Artists of the Year; Multi-platinum selling songwriter Kevin Fisher and many more; Songwriter and recording artist Brooke Lundy and many more.

NATALIE JOY JOHNSON'S TIME OF THE MONTH Comes to Joe's Pub, 5/27

(5/17/2013) - Are you cramping? Is your job giving you a heavy flow? Is PMS making you a total bitch? In her own twisted take on the old-school variety hour, Natalie Joy Johnson has the remedy you've been waiting for: 'Natalie Joy Johnson's Time Of The Month.' The Show will play Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette Street) on Monday, May 27th at 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $20.