Raissa Katona Bennett News

On Thanksgiving Day, BroadwayWorld announced the nominees in 14 categories for the 2015 BWW New York Cabaret Awards. BroadwayWorld's cabaret editors and reviewers congratulate all the deserving nominees and everyone who performs in the great art of cabaret in New York. But today, as you munch on the leftovers from last night's dinner, it's time to actually vote for that one performer who you think is the absolute best in each category. Voting ends on December 31 and after a review of the ballots, winners will be announced officially early the week of January 4, 2016. (Note: There will not be a BWW Awards Show this year.)

Happy Thanksgiving Day, Cabaret Fans! Here's some breaking news you can discuss and debate in between courses at tonight's dinner: It's the final nominees for the 2015 BroadwayWorld New York Cabaret Awards. This year, the cabaret editors and writers at BWW have cited 116 nominees (including duos and variety show/recurring series producers) in 14 categories. In addition, this year six performers or musicians have been cited for special “Editor's Choice Awards,” led by veteran New York cabaret stars Karen Mason and Mark Nadler who have been named “Performers of the Year.”

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director, Peter Napolitano, Producer/Director of Musical Programming) today announced the line-up for this year's Award-Winning Musical event WINTER RHYTHMS 2015, which will begin Wednesday, December 2 and will feature some of New York's best musical performances through December 13, 2015 at Urban Stages Theatre. WINTER RHYTHMS 2015 marks the seventh year that Urban Stages has brought noted musical artists to its stage during the holiday period. The mission of Winter Rhythms is to bring the talents of known and unknown singers, musicians, lyricists and composers to the attention of the New York theater community while performing at Urban Stages Theater. Winner of the 2015 Ruth Kurtzman Benefit Series MAC Award, WINTER RHYTHMS benefits Urban Stages' acclaimed Outreach Program, which brings more than 200 free "arts in education" presentations to libraries and schools throughout the five boroughs. This year's event features 20 shows and more than 100 artists.

Urban Stages announces the line-up for this year's Award Winning Musical event WINTER RHYTHMS 2015, which will begin Wednesday, December 2and will feature some of New York's best musical performances through December 13, 2015 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30thStreet, just East of 8th Avenue). Tickets are $25 per show and may be purchased by visiting urbanstages.org or by calling (866) 811-4111. For complete schedule information, visit urbanstages.org.

The final night of this year's estimable Cabaret Convention, What I Did for Love/Taking a Chance on Love, hosted by Klea Blackhurst, saluted composer/songwriter Vernon Duke in Act I and composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch during Act II. It was a curious pairing, indeed.

The final night of The Mabel Mercer Foundation's New York Cabaret Convention was hosted by Klea Blackhurst. It featured the music of Marvin Hamlisch and Vernon Duke. Terri Blair the widow of Marvin was in the audience and was obviously touched by some thrilling performances of her husbands music. Check out photos from the event below!

MUSIC AND ART FOR CITY GREENS continues Season 8 of Concerts to benefit Tudor City Greens.

MUSIC AND ART FOR CITY GREENS continues Season 8 of Concerts to benefit Tudor City Greens.

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.

Theatre East presents Devil and the Deep, a new musical reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, at Theater 3 (311 West 43rd Street, NY 10036). Previews began Saturday, June 6 and the Opening is tonight, June 11th for the limited engagement.

Theatre East presents Devil and the Deep, a new musical reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, at Theater 3 (311 West 43rd Street, NY 10036). Previews begin tonight, June 6 and the Opening is Thursday, June 11th for the limited engagement.

Theatre East presents Devil and the Deep, a new musical reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, at Theater 3 (311 West 43rd Street, NY 10036). The Opening is Thursday, June 11th for the limited engagement. Music and lyrics are by Graham Russell (of Air Supply) and Katie McGhie, with book and additional lyrics by Melissa Bell.

Theatre East presents Devil and the Deep, a new musical reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, at Theater 3 (311 West 43rd Street, NY 10036). Previews begin Saturday, June 6 and the Opening is Thursday, June 11th for the limited engagement.

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 14, 2015 at 7pm.

New York Cabaret Community Honors Actor/Director/Photographer RUSS WEATHERFORD With All-Star Show at Metropolitan Room.