Mark Nadler's CRAZY 1961 Extends Through January

History repeats itself as the cabaret provocateur Mark Nadler extends his mile-a-minute musical survey of 1961 into 2012. The special 51st anniversary of "Crazy 1961" plays three consecutive Sundays at 1pm – January 15, 22, 29 – at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street.

The New York premiere of Nadler's new club act opened on December 1 and played dates through December 18. Diving as he does into the roiling cultural and political cross-currents of this epoch year, Nadler rises to the occasion. The show features an astonishing, ten-minute, 50-song medley of the year's 50 top hits. All told, Nadler packs over 61 songs and 61 newsworthy events in an hour-long show.

What happened that year? The year was (and will be) was, in fact, a turning point: "The Music Man" and "Gypsy" ended long runs on Broadway, while The Beatles and Bob Dylan gave their first public performances. The Supremes made their first recording. Streisand her first television appearance, and Garland her legendary comeback at Carnegie Hall. Full of promise and danger, the year ushered in JFK's presidency, the Bay of Pigs, the Freedom Riders, the first human (and primate) in outer space, the Peace Corps, and the erection of the Berlin Wall. In addition to Barack Obama, two other iconic Americans also made their earliest appearances in 1961-- the Ken Doll and the Pillsbury Doughboy. Nadler himself popped out of the oven in October of that year.

Accompanying himself on piano, Nadler is flanked by Scott Johnson on guitar, Mark Lopeman on reeds, Robert Sabin on bass and Sherrie Maricle on drums. All arrangements are by Nadler.

"Crazy 1961" plays three consecutive Sundays at 1pm – January 15, 22, and 29 -- at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, located within the West Bank Café, 407 West 42nd Street. For reservations call 212/695-6909, or visit http://www.westbankcafe.com/beechman_theatre.html