Jennifer Sheehan News

On the second night of this year's 26th Annual Cabaret Convention, Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci hosted A Sentimental Journey: World War II Songs, inspired by Marcovicci's memorable Oak Room at The Algonquin show, I'll Be Seeing You--Love Songs of World War II. (The CD is highly recommended.) As always with this pair's Convention contribution, the show was a treat in part because of its singular glamour. Much of our audience was exceptionally familiar with and nostalgic about these songs. A few had to be politely quieted for singing along, more than a few took each other's hands. It seems I've heard that song before . . . the co-hosts begin, warming the room.

Jeff Harnar & Andrea Marcovicci hosted the second day of the Mabel Mercer Foundation's New York Cabaret Convention.  The Donald Smith Award was presented to Jeff by managing director Rick Meadows and Debbi Bush Whiting presented Celia Berk with The Margaret Whiting Award. Performing in the evenings concert were: Karen Akers, Danny Bacher, Julie Budd, Carole J. Bufford, Eric Comstock, Natalie Douglas, barbara Fasano, Jeff Harnar, Nicolas King, Karen Kohler, Andrea Mardovicci, Marissa Mulder, Todd Murray, Josephine Sanges, Jennifer Sheehan and Iris Williams.?

This week, Mark Nadler made his solo television debut on WNET (New York/13) and WLIW (Long Island/21) in the latest installment of the new Public Television series 66th & Broadway (photo below). My friends, in the contemporary cabaret world, this is a BIG DEAL. Let's face it: When 100 people show up to a show on the same night it is an event, so the possibility of thousands (or--dare we dream--millions) of people watching Mr. Nadler perform in the comfort of their homes is beyond exciting. It is Cabaret Nirvana, Shangri-La, and Xanadu combined, the kind of exposure a cabaret artist dreams about but rarely receives.

Sunday night, Mark Walter topped off a year of Herculean accomplishment in preserving his father's legacy with a concert at the Cutting Room that went off like fireworks. Somewhere, composer /lyricist/arranger/pianist Cy Walter (right in Lloyd Diaz photo), was beaming. In 2015, Mark completed his father's discography filed with The Library of Congress, created a spanking new website, established The Cy Walter Foundation, and put out a two CD package of pre-1950's music with Harbinger Records. The Sunday concert, with expert Musical Direction by the inimitable Tedd Firth, was an opportunity not only to salute a multifaceted talent, but also for many, including Mark (photo below left), to hear songs that haven't been performed for 60 or 70 years.

It's an undeniable, outstanding, and extraordinary musical milestone, to be sure: 2015 marks the thirtieth anniversary of The Mabel Mercer Foundation! Not only has the organization survived the ongoing and vastly fluctuating public tastes in music, lyrics, and performers, it has proliferated and burgeoned in its three decades of commitment to the classic, "Great Popular Songbook" -- both past and present.

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents an all-star cast of 54 Below favorites for an evening celebrating the work of American Songbook pioneer, Irving Berlin. His catalog of songs spans the musical rainbow from rag to pop standard to Broadway anthem. Hear outstanding renditions of Irving Berlin's most memorable songs including 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', 'Always', 'There's No Business Like Show Business' and 'God Bless America'. The evening will be hosted by the incomparable nightlife diva, Molly Pope.

This week at 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars! Well after Broadway orchestras begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you some cabaret highlights for this week as picked by our theatre editors, including: Natalie Douglas in 'Hello Dolly...The Music of Dolly Parton'; TASTiSKANK: Featuring Kate Reinders and Sarah Litzsinger; Micky Dolenz: A Little Bit Broadway, A Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll; 54 Sings Irving Berlin: There's No Business Like Show Business; and The Cast of Phantom Sings Andrew Lloyd Webber.

This July and August, 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents an all-star cast of 54 Below favorites for an evening celebrating the work of American Songbook pioneer, Irving Berlin. His catalog of songs spans the musical rainbow from rag to pop standard to Broadway anthem. Hear outstanding renditions of Irving Berlin's most memorable songs including "Alexander's Ragtime Band", "Always", "There's No Business Like Show Business" and "God Bless America". The evening will be hosted by the incomparable nightlife diva, Molly Pope.

On Tuesday, June 16, 2015, Randie Levine-Miller presented and hosted Showstopper Divas --'The Broadway Songbook' at Stage 72/Triad (158 West 72nd Street) to benefit The Actors Fund*. Critically acclaimed theater and cabaret 'divas', Ivy Austin, Edna Kaufmann, Jennifer Sheehan, and Corinna Sowers-Adler entertained. Scroll down for photos from the concert!

A concert celebrating the city of lights with two Porter showstoppers!

Tonight, June 16, 2015 at 7:00 PM,  Randie Levine-Miller will present and host Showstopper Divas --'The Broadway Songbook' at Stage 72/Triad (158 West 72nd Street) to benefit The Actors Fund*.

On Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 7:00 PM,  Randie Levine-Miller will present and host Showstopper Divas --'The Broadway Songbook' at Stage 72/Triad (158 West 72nd Street) to benefit The Actors Fund*.

A concert celebrating the city of lights!

A concert celebrating the city of lights!

A theatre-tastic take on a rock classic!

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, presents TV stars Emily Bergl, Holt MaCallany, Broadway stars Rita Gardner, Anita Gillette, Amy Spanger, Lee Roy Reams, Raissa Katona Bennett and Cabaret stars Steve Ross, Baby Jane Dexter, Sidney Myer and Mark Nadler in 54 celebrates Julie Wilson tonight, May 9, 2015 and Thursday, May 14, 2015, both shows at 7pm.