BWW NY Cabaret Editor STEPHEN HANKS to Bring His Don McLean Songbook Tribute Show to Don't Tell Mama, 6/20

By: May. 28, 2015
Enter Your Email to Unlock This Article

Plus, get the best of BroadwayWorld delivered to your inbox, and unlimited access to our editorial content across the globe.




Existing user? Just click login.

He doesn't want to say "Bye, bye" to Miss American Pie just yet.

In the summer of 2013 and early 2014, BroadwayWorld New York cabaret editor/columnist and Cabaret Scenes Magazine feature writer Stephen Hanks fulfilled his long-held fantasy to perform a cabaret show based on the songbook of 1970s pop singer/songwriter Don McLean, who wrote the classic song, "American Pie." Hanks' show BEYOND AMERICAN PIE: THE DON McLEAN SONGBOOK was staged four times at Manhattan's Metropolitan Room and once at Stage 72 (The Triad), and Hanks says the reaction from reviewers and audience members was surprisingly positive.

"After the shows people told me, 'I didn't realize Don McLean wrote so many great songs' and others said, 'Man, that Don McLean was a great storyteller.'"

With that thought it mind, Hanks is bringing back his Don McLean "tribute show," only this time as DON McLEAN: STORYTELLER, and he'll be performing it at the World Famous Don't Tell Mama "Brick Room" on Saturday, June 20 and Monday, June 29, both shows at 7 pm. The revised version of the show will include story songs that were not part of the original set list. Joining Hanks will be his Musical Director and Guitarist, the Award-Winning Sean Harkness, with Frank Ponzio on piano and Skip Ward (20th) and Christopher North (29th) on bass. Tickets are $20/$15 for MAC Members, with a two-drink minimum and cash only. Don't Tell Mama is located on 343 West 46th Street and phone number is: 212-757-0788.

"I've always felt that Don McLean was one of the most underrated pop singer/songwriters of the early 1970s," says Hanks. "He got lost in the shuffle because people like Elton John, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Carole King, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell were such superstars. Some people consider McLean a one-hit wonder because of 'American Pie,' and I wanted to do a show that explored the greatness of his songbook. Now the show will focus on songs that reveal his wonderful ability as a storyteller and I hope I can do them justice."

Here's what reviewers and audience members said about Hanks' performance in BEYOND AMERICAN PIE:

"Stephen Hanks has been reviewing the work of other singers and is clearly an avid learner of what works and doesn't work in a cabaret act. He demonstrated a real affinity for the songs of Don McLean. Except for occasional pitch problems, he turned in a masterful performance."--Cabaret Scenes Magazine

"A well-structured show featuring songs by McLean which deserve to be noticed. Hanks displayed impressive ease and presence on stage, delivered well-thought out (and funny) patter, and had passion for the writer and his songs."--Bistro Awards

"Hanks gave a truly professional performance. He was totally connected to the material and to his audience throughout the show. I didn't catch him acting. He was real every moment."--Bobbie Horowitz, Songwriter and Cabaret Performer

"It's Hanks' sincere, soulful delivery that makes the show so absorbing. The show is perfectly paced and the songs tenderly performed-a bravura performance."--Perry Barber, Songwriter

For more information and reservations for DON MCLEAN: STORYTELLER at Don't Tell Mama, go here.



Videos