Mark Nadler Brings CRAZY 1961 To The Beechman 12/1-18

Call him crazy, but the international cabaret star Mark Nadler is packing over 61 songs and 61 newsworthy events in his new show, "Crazy 1961," a celebration of the year of his birth that has its New York premiere at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street, in a three-week engagement from December 1 to 18. Nadler, who world-premiered the show in June at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in Australia (where he has headlined for four seasons), mixes scholarship and showmanship in this heady brew. "Crazy 1961" performs on two consecutive Thursdays, December 1 & 8, both at 7pm, and two consecutive Sunday matinees, December 11 & 18, both at 1pm.

Backed by the orchestra of his hands on piano, and by Scott Johnson on guitar, Mark Lopeman on reeds, Robert Sabin on bass, and Sherrie Maricle on drums, Nadler propels himself further into the musical stratosphere than he's ever gone before. Invited for the ride are a wild assortment of tunesmiths, singers, cultural icons, and groups as varied as Neil Sedaka, Elvis Presley, Betty Comden & Adolph Green, Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini, Noel Coward and Mr. Ed.

Equal parts raconteur and provocateur, Nadler is known for his stupendous probes of songwriters - the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, and Tchaikovsky. This time he marks time by diving headlong into his birth year, which he shares with such luminaries as Diana Spencer, Barack Obama, George Clooney, the Ken Doll and the Pillsbury Doughboy.

But Nadler doesn't just shower us with random facts. His time-marking ruminations lead us to what might seem like a turning point to some, and a place of no return for others. In fact "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. Speaking of erections, Nadler, who is no shrinking violet, even returns to moment of his conception, as he tenderly pays tribute to his parents, who were a bit loopy, but clearly not as crazy as their son.

Mark Nadler celebrates our collective golden anniversary in "Crazy 1961," for four shows only, at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, located within the West Bank Café, 407 West 42nd Street. Performances are Thursdays December 1 & 8 at 7pm, and Sundays December 11 & 18 at 1pm. The music charge is $25, with a $15 food and drink minimum. As a bonus, Nadler will throw a special birthday celebration for his co-birthday celebrants -- the Ken Doll and the Pillsbury Doughboy - on the Sunday pre-theatre matinées.

For reservations call 212/695-6909, or visit http://www.westbankcafe.com/beechman_theatre.html