Move over mid-summer Metropolitan Room MetroStar Competition. You've got company.
Legendary theatre district cabaret nightspot
Don't Tell Mama--which has been a launch pad for countless future stars in cabaret and theater since it inaugurated its cabaret rooms in November 1982--has announced it will present the first annual
Mama's Next BIG Act! , a 12-week competition for entertainers that mixes styles and genres. Beginning Tuesday, June 9 at 9:30 pm, and running for 12 consecutive weeks every Tuesday through August 25,
Mama's Next BIG Act! will attract acts in multiple categories and then pit the top votegetters in head-to-head competition during the contest's final weeks. Voted by the audience and a cavalcade of celebrity judges, the contest will invite solo, duo, and group acts in the following categories:
music, magic, drag, burlesque, and
variety. (All acts may use the contest's resident music director, or provide their own accompaniment.)
"This will be the mother of all contests," claims
Lennie Watts (photo top), the President of MAC and a multiple award-winning cabaret show director, who is conceiving and co-producing the series with Don't Tell Mama's general manager
Limor Shekhter. "Diversity will be our watchword, but the judging process will demand the highest standards for originality, showmanship and pure entertainment value. This contest is not for the faint of heart or shrinking violets, unless of course they are incredibly talented."
The contest's permanent judges and weekly guest judges will be announced in the coming weeks. "Our judges will be entertainers and industry leaders who have nurtured live entertainment for many years, each in their own special ways," adds Watts. Acts will compete across categories from the start. "We want to crown the next BIG act, the one that stands out, the one that will have everyone talking."
"This outrageously original competition will continue Mama's legacy," comments
Sidney Myer (photo right), Don't Tell Mama's longtime booking manager. "Believe me, I can't wait to see what Lennie and his team cook up.
With Mama's Next BIG Act! we are sure to add to our pantheon of great entertainers this summer. The contest's winner will be showered with career and life-changing inducements: a fully-produced, four-show run of a new show, complete with publicity support; a 'making of' promo video; social media Vine clips of the winning performance, and a Black & Decker toaster oven." The winner's show poster will be permanently enshrined on Mama's Legacy Wall next to legends such as Karen Mason, whose show with Nancy Lamont opened the cabaret room in 1982.
According to the producers, here are the eligibility requirements to participate in
Mama's Next BIG Act!: There are no age restrictions but you must be able to apply online without asking what an mp3 or YouTube link is. Following the three preliminary rounds, the Top 30 contestants will earn chances to win a number of "pop-up prizes" offered every week. From among the Top 30 contestants the club hopes to recruit several acts to make guest appearances at Mama's internationally famous piano bar.
Mama's Next BIG Act! runs for 12 consecutive Tuesdays--June 9, 16, 23 (at 9:30 pm); June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18 and 25 (at 7:30 pm). The shows will be live-tweeted. Don't Tell Mama is located at 343 West 46th Street, between 8th & 9th Avenues. There is a $12 cover, plus a two-drink minimum, cash-only. For reservations
212/757-0788 (after 4 pm) or to reserve online go to
www.donttellmamanyc.com
