Mark Nadler Performs 'Crazy 1961' at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 12/1-18

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.

 

Equal parts raconteur and provocateur, Nadler mixes scholarship and showmanship as he explores 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. (All arrangements by Mark Nadler.)

 

But Nadler doesn't just shower us with random facts. The year was, in fact, crazy: "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 the 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 performs "Crazy 1961," at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, located within the West Bank Café, 407 West 42^nd Street, on 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