Sue Mathys Plays the Metropolitan Room, 10/24-11/10

A stage and concert star in German-speaking Europe, Sue Mathys is quickly attracting attention in the U.S. But she is far from your traditional German import. Her success performing in the U.S. since her concert debut at Carnegie Hall in 2008, hinges on her thorough embrace of American musical traditions.

In "Two Worlds, One Voice," the quantum-voiced Mathys shares the story of her distinctive career trajectory, singing some of the musical theatre songs that have cemented her reputation in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, but in English rather than German. With music director John Bell on piano, "Two Worlds, One Voice" plays the Metropolitan Room for a four-week, primetime engagement beginning Monday October 24. "Two Worlds, One Voice," which was seen briefly in 2010 at Urban Stages and the Metropolitan Room, performs Monday October 24; Sunday October 30; Thursday November 3, and Thursday November 10, all at 7pm.

Virtually unknown in the U.S. before her rapturously received American concert debut at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2008, the Swiss-born actress and singer received a thunderous ovation in her first appearance at the Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention last year. Last week she completed a run of "Gypsy" at the Lyric Stage in Irving Texas where the Dallas Morning News called her turn as Mama Rose "fascinating," saying she "sings with unprecedented tonal variety (...) Mathys can sound like any instrument in the orchestra."

Mathys starred as Norma Desmond in the German premiere production of "Sunset Boulevard" (directed by Trevor Nunn), and the German premieres of "Sweeney Todd" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." She portrayed Johanna Spyri in the Swiss world premiere and German premiere of "Heidi," a musical based on Spyri's world-famous novel. She starred as Maria Callas in "Master Class," as Rizzo in "Grease," and in the title role of "Piaf" for which she earned a Prix Walo as Outstanding Actress. She has also appeared as Sally Bowles in various German, Austrian and Swiss productions of "Cabaret."

In "Two Worlds, One Voice" Mathys sings many of the songs associated with these roles, plus other favorites from "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Follies," "Three Penny Opera," and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."

Sue Mathys continues her meteoric American rise in "Two Worlds, One Voice," in four prime time performances at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, on Monday October 24; Sunday October 30; Thursday November 3, and Thursday November 10, all at 7pm. The music charge is $20. For reservations call 212/206-0440. For more information or to order online visit www.metropolitanroom.com.