The Cabaret Chronicles: Liz Callaway, 'After Hours' with John Proulx, Raissa Katona Bennett, and More!

Happy Saturday!  It's been a busy week for me, but a "good" busy, as it was filled with plenty of entertaining performances! 

On Sunday evening, I headed over to Feinstein's at Loews Regency for the opening night celebration for their new "After Hours" entertainment.  Featuring singer/pianist John Proulx, "After Hours" will take place 5 nights a week (Sunday - Thursday), beginning at 10 p.m.  I had a wonderful time; Mr. Proulx was excellent, and there was a classy yet relaxed atmosphere.  The air of sophistication that Feinstein's is so well known and respected for was still there, but there was more of a "letting your hair down" feeling about the night.  It is the perfect place to head after the theater or a cabaret show, or even just to take in some music after a late dinner.  No matter what the reason for going is, once you're there, you'll find it hard to leave!  Mr. Proulx's entertainment is always present, but never overbearing and his smooth, Chet Baker-like vocals are incredibly easy on the ears.  I'll definitely be heading back soon! 

Monday night found me back at Loews Regency for Broadway and cabaret veteran Raissa Katona Bennett's Feinstein's debut.  Backed by a terrific 4-piece band (musical director Mark Janas on piano; Ritt Henn on bass, Myra Casales on percussion, and Sean Harkness on guitar), Ms. Katona Bennett easily wound her way through an eclectic list of songs, ranging from pop to Broadway, showing off her wide vocal range and her well-developed acting chops.  One of my favorite moments of the show was the Tom Jones /Harvey Schmidt song, "Is It Really Me," which, she quipped, took on new meaning for her after she married a plastic surgeon!  Another favorite was Christine Lavin's "Good Thing He Can't Read My Mind," to which Ms. Katona Bennett brought an understated, wry sense of humor, much to the enjoyment of the packed house.  Towards the end of the show, she introduced a new song, "Bye, Bye Ingenue," written especially for her by the talented Michael John LaChiusa.  It was an interesting song, and the concept of saying goodbye to youth through the eyes of a celebrated female performer would make for an interesting show all on its own!  It was a triumphant evening for the lovely diva, and I was pleased to be in the audience.  Ingénue or not, I think the cabaret community will be very happy to keep her around for a good long time to come. 

After Raissa's show, it was off to Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland for yet another terrific show!  The marvelous Marilyn Maye was in the house and did a terrific medley of autumnal songs from her Johnny Mercer show, Brian Nash brought the house down with his hilarious rendition of "One Day More" from Les Miz, teenager Alex Getlin charmed the crowd with a great "What More Do I Need," Natalie Douglas treated us to a sultry "Fever," and William Blake nearly blew the roof off the place with his soulful singing.  Oh, and Chita Rivera was there, taking it all in.  Unbelievable!  

Tuesday evening found me at the Metropolitan Room to catch the amazing Liz Callaway in her show, Passage of Time, which was a celebration of the release of her new CD.  The room was packed to the gills, and Ms. Callaway had the entire audience enraptured from her first note.  Blessed with a voIce That's simultaneously sweet and powerful, Ms. Callaway soared through a terrific program that included a number of songs from the new CD, as well as several additional selections.   Her "Eleanor Rigby," performed with a '70s-style groove, was hauntingly beautiful (I know, "'70s-style groove" and "hauntingly beautiful" may seem mutually exclusive, but believe me - it works!) and her beautifully sung duet with sister Ann Hampton Callaway, "That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" received an extended standing ovation in the middle of the show!  Musical director Alex Rybeck must be credited with creating some truly outstanding arrangements, including several interesting couplings of songs, such as "Make Someone Happy"/"Something Wonderful," "I'm Not That Girl"/"Just Another Face," and "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head"/"Singin' in the Rain."  Interspersed among the songs were anecdotes from her successful Broadway career, which were charming and funny, and helped to create a wonderful rapport with the audience.  Kudos, too, to the musicians (musical director Alex Rybeck on piano, Jered Egan on bass, Kevin Kuhn on guitar, and Ray Marchica on drums) for helping to create such a terrific show! 

Where I'm going this week...  

Sunday, October 25^th:  Kathleen France at The Metropolitan Room in her show, Book Of Love.  This is Kathleen's cabaret debut, and after having heard her at several open mics around town, I'm very excited to be able to catch it.  Show begins at 9:30 p.m. 

Monday, September 28^th:  Cast Party at Birdland.  Hosted by Jim Caruso this fantastic open mic runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. but make sure you get there early to sign up if you want to sing!  In recent weeks, Marilyn Maye, Chita Rivera and Celeste Holm have all popped in - you just never know who's going to show up! 

Wednesday, October 28^th:  Wednesday Night at The Iguana.  Hosted by Richard Skipper and Dana Lorge, this weekly singers' showcase has become extremely popular.  Each week features four or five special guests, each of whom performs a 3 song set, and throughout the night, "surprise guests" are called up to perform, too!  This week's special guests are Laurie Krauz, Angela Shultz, Kathryn Allen, and yours truly!  AND, it's a speciAl Halloween edition this week, so attendees and performers are encouraged to come in costume!  Show runs from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. 

Friday, October 30^th:  Rob Langeder: Undead In Hell's Kitchen.  MAC Award winner Rob Langeder will be taking the audience on "an unholy thrill ride of a show guaranteed to put you in the Halloween Spirit!"  Featuring a rockin' band and special effects, this seasonally appropriate show is playing at Don't Tell Mama at 7 p.m.

Pictured: Liz Callaway