Eda Sorokoff News

Friends, Fans, and Friars gathered in the Frank Sinatra Dining Room last night as host and theater historian Richard Skipper 'celebrated' Julie Budd. Julie shared songs and stories from a career that saw her appearing in every major venue, on every major Television Show, and with most of the legendary performers of our generation.

International Opera Superstar and Tony Award Winner Paulo Szot filled every inch of Feinstein's/54 Below with his glorious once in a lifetime baritone voice last night. Broadway's supper club was also filled to capacity with a passionate audience mesmerized by his cabaret performance which celebrated the music from Paulo's native Brazil. It was a brilliantly constructed show based upon the encounter of Frank Sinatra and Tom Jobim 50 years ago. Paulo went through the Antonio Carlos Jobim songbook with is thrilling voice and also an interesting narrative which analyzed the infectious Brazilian harmonics and rhythms. There were also some tunes from The Great American Songbook, and no romantic is ever the same after hearing Paulo Szot sing Rodgers & Hammerstein's This Nearly Was Mine from South Pacific.

Some of the most momentous moments in music have happened on the stages of Birdland. Currently New Yorkers are witnessing performances by two of the worlds finest musician/entertainers in a musical salute to Nat King Cole that will add magnificently to Birdland's history. Clint Holmes and Billy Stritch have teamed up this week to produce an extraordinary musical event in tribute to Nat. Clint Holmes is one of the most exciting entertainers and jazz vocalists this country has produced, and Billy Stritch's enormous talents as a pianist, arranger and vocalist are world renowned. Both of these giants equally share the stage during this show in Birdland's new Theater. The combination of the two jazz/pop superstars is breathtaking and the one negative is that you can only see it from May 8-11. The word is out…. the seats will be scarce for this exceptional 4 night 6 performance Birdland special event.

It was all about brilliant melody, harmony, rhythms, and profound lyrics last night as the songwriters Marcy Heisler and Zina Goodrich celebrated over a quarter-century of romantic comedy writing with a one-night all original show. As in all of their highly entertaining musical adventures, Marcy & Zina brought along some of their super talented and famous friends. Lots of great new songs in this show, but of course some of their classics were included, although I had to settle for a regular coffee and not one from the Latte Boy.

He may have made his big mark with his arrival on Broadway in 2012 as Jesus in the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, but last night Paul Alexander Nolan's solo debut cabaret show at Feinstein's/54 Below will now make him a superstar in nightclubs and solo concerts. With a voice that thrills, and is capable of affectively singing all genres of music from Freddy Mercury, Billy Joel, McCartney/Lennon, Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein and even J. Fred Coots 1930's 'For All We Know ', and Eden Ahbez's Nature Boy, Paul Alexander Nolan had a sensational entrance into the world of Cabaret. He's a remarkable actor, musician (guitar) and singer who possesses a voice that can go anywhere over the musical spectrum in any octave and rhythm.

Alan Cumming said it quite accurately ….'I've known Frances (Ruffelle) for almost 30 years but she never ceases to surprise and amaze me with the ways she reinvents herself, finding new levels of expression and excellence, always with total commitment and her signature sensual passion. I cannot wait to see what she does next.'

I don't think a day goes by that I don't hear Dean Martin's voice in my head coupled with a flashback of an image of how cool he looked in his tux walking out on stage. Last night at Lorenzo's Cabaret in the Hilton Garden Inn his daughter Deana brought Dino's music and charisma back to life in Richard Nicotra's Las Vegas type supper club located on Staten Island in NYC.

'Ladies & Gentlemen, Julie Budd'…….That intro has been said by Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, Carol Burnet, Danny Thomas, Marvin Hamlisch, Joan Rivers and Liberace among others. Last night it was Jim Caruso who introduced Julie to a room full of her fans in the Birdland Theater. As Jim pointed out to an excited audience, Julie was one of the first artists he thought of for Birdland's new space.

Come to Cafe Carlyle to hear arguably one of the best jazz/pop guitarist/vocalists of our generation. Also be prepared to laugh a lot during John Pizzarelli's show. He has that Seinfeld like ability to talk about anything and find the humor in it. This was a fun evening in every way, and even the unison single note conversations between the hammers hitting the strings by pianist Konrad Paszkudzki and John's fingers flying over the guitar's strings had a melodic jocularity to them. The Cafe Carlyle feels like a large living room and John Pizzarelli is about the best guest you could ever have at the party. He has done many different theme shows at The Carlyle and this Nat King Cole tribute has the tunes and stories to make it one of his most effective.

Last night in the historic University Club some of New York's most esteemed citizens gathered to honor two of the most remarkable men in the music world……  Pianists, Educators, and humanitarians Melvin Stecher & Norman Horowitz.  The Gala celebrated the 60 years of the Stecher Horowitz Foundation and it's Founders and Executive Directors Melvin and Norman.  

As Johnny Carson once said about a super singer (Marilyn Maye), 'you young singers if you want to see how it's done listen to this'….I'm sure if Johnny had heard Clint Holms, Veronica Swift, and Nicolas King he would be giving that same instruction to aspiring vocalists. Last night the three gave an awesome display of musicianship when singing the unique songs of Ken Laub. The exciting Tedd Firth arrangements were played by the swinging Sherrie Miracle Diva orchestra with pianist and music director Firth conducting.

They may not be on the same page politically at all times, but Mike & Henry were at the same table in agreement about Steve Tyrell last night at Cafe Carlyle. In fact, when the votes were counted after the show, Steve Tyrell was a winner by a landslide in his 14th term as Cafe Carlyle super star (after taking over from Bobby Short in 2005). Steve's voice is not only a favorite in all corners of the USA, it's also been a favorite of some of the most important dignitaries of our generation. Bill and Hillary Clinton came to see Steve perform on one of her first nights out after the 2016 election. He has played for Presidents Bush and Trump. Tyrell has performed on stages all over the world, entertaining the likes of President Santos of Columbia, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Nowadays it's quite common for a show to have '& Friends' in it's title. I don't know if Broadway Producer and entertainer Jamie deRoy invented the concept, but over the last 30 years she sure has perfected the inclusion of having her uber talented friends perform in Jamie deRoy & friends variety shows. In fact, some folks must think '& friends' is Jamie's last name, she has an impressive contact list (remember rollodex).

Dave Lawrence, President and CEO of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County today announced that a sold-out crowd of 180 friends, supporters and music fans attended this season's final CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversation. It was held last Monday at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and, like all of the C&C Conversations this season, it was completely sold-out.

It wasn't Dean, Sammy, & Frank last night starring in Rat Pack night at the Pelican Cafe Cabaret but it was Chris, Jill, & Rich. Supporters and friends of Dick Robinson's Society For The Preservation of The Great American Songbook gathered at North Palm Beache's answer to the 1960's exciting nights in Las Vegas when those super stars cavorted in front of tables filled with celebrities. However the Pelican did have Michelle Lee at a ringside table and Dick Robinson seizing the moment made his way through the throngs of Michelle fans to give the audience a quick interview with the Broadway, Film, and TV star. I'm sure 'The Old Jock' will be airing it on his Legends Radio stations (100.3FM) and worldwide on the internet in the near future.

Lynn University welcomed renowned singer, actress and recording artist Christien Andreas last night with her acclaimed show, PIAF-No Regrets. Christine brings to life the triumphs and heartbreaks of the famed French chanteuse, in her own words and those of her friends-and of course-her music.

The tables at Table 26 were all filled last night. There was also a long wait list for any last minute openings at this trendy West Palm Beach restaurant. However, it wasn't just because of the menu….. the 'Special of the Night' was arguably one of the most popular singers of The Great American Songbook, Steve Tyrell. He will be performing at the chic Dixie Highway establishment for five shows thru March 24th. Steve's voice, in addition to being recognizable all over the planet is very familiar to the folks in Palm Beach because of his many sold out seasons at the legendary Royal Room at The Colony Hotel during it's years as The Place' to be for Palm Beach entertainment. His music is also constantly heard on the air waves in South Florida and worldwide on Dick Robinson's Legends Radio stations. 'The Old Jock' Mr. Robinson and family were in the house for Steve's opening night. Legend Radio's popular morning hosts Jill & Rich Switzer, who are also skilled performers were the opening act for Mr. Tyrell, and it's safe to say that this had to be one of the best nights ever at Table 26. Who know's Eddie and Ozzie of Table 26 might be singing 'This Could Be The Start Of Something Big' after Tyrell's engagement. Stay tuned.

It was the luck of the Irish, the Italians, the Jews and everyone else in the Pelican Cafe last night.  

Anka Palitz, The Actors Fund National Ambassador Vice Chair and founder of the Heart & Soul Gala was honored at the Gala's 10th Anniversary in Palm Beach at The Breakers last night, along with Gillian Murphy, Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and Ethan Stiefel, Principal guest instructor at the American Ballet Theatre. Tony and Emmy Award winning actress/singer/dancer Bebe Neuwirth hosted The Actors Fund event which featured performances by local Florida dancers.

Fresh from the 40th Anniversary Actors Fund benefit concert of 'They're Playing Our Song' at the Music Box Theatre in NYC, it's star Lucie Arnaz joined entertainer and Key West impresario Randy Roberts for 'We're Singing Our Songs' at the Tennessee Williams Cabaret Theatre.