Don't Tell Mama to Launch New Talent Contest

Legendary Theatre District nightspot Don't Tell Mama is announcing the first annual "Mama's Next BIG Act!" a bigger than average, 12-week competition that mixes styles and genres. Beginning Tuesday June 9 at 9:30pm, and running for 12 consecutive weeks every Tuesday through August 25, "Mama's Next BIG Act!" will break new water in the competitions field by attracting acts in multiple categories and then pitting the top votegetters in head-to-head competition during the contest's final weeks.

Voted by the audience and a cavalcade of celebrity judges, the contest will invite solo, duo and group acts in the following categories: music, magic, drag, burlesque, and variety. (All acts may use the contest's resident music director, or provide their own accompaniment.)

"This will be the mother of all contests," claims Lennie Watts, who is conceiving and co-producing the series with Don't Tell Mama's general manager Limor Shekhter. "Diversity will be our watchword, but the judging process will demand the highest standards for originality, showmanship and pure entertainment value. This contest is not for the faint of heart or shrinking violets, UNLESS OF COURSE they are incredibly talented."

The contest's permanent judges and weekly guest judges will be announced in the coming weeks. "Our judges will be entertainers and industry leaders who have nurtured live entertainment for many years, each in their own special ways," says Watts. Acts will compete across categories from the start. "We want to crown the next BIG act, the one that stands out, the one that will have everyone talking," Watts explains.

"This outrageously original competition will continue the Mama's legacy," comments Sidney Myer, Don't Tell Mama's longtime booking manager. "Believe me, I can't wait to see what Lennie and his team cook up."

The eligibility requirements are simple: You must be older than a baby and able to apply online without asking what an mp3 or YouTube link is. Acts containing open flames and livestock are not eligible.

Don't Tell Mama, New York's one-of-a-kind triple threat entertainment Mecca, celebrates its 33rd birthday in November.

Equal parts raucous piano bar, casual cabaret music venue, and deliciously priced A-rated restaurant, Don't Tell Mama attracts visitors from around the world seven nights a week -- at its no-cover piano bar, restaurant and two intimate cabaret theaters. A launch pad for countless future stars in cabaret and theater, Mama's inaugurated its cabaret in November 1982 in a show featuring Broadway and cabaret star Karen Mason and the late great Nancy LaMott. This show and many others in those early years are immortalized on Mama's Legacy Wall which is festooned with original posters.

"With 'Mama's Next BIG Act!' we are sure to add to this pantheon of great entertainers this summer," Myer quipped. The contest's winner will be showered with career and life-changing inducements: a fully-produced, four-show run of a new show, complete with publicity support; a "making of" promo video; social media Vine clips of the winning performance, and a Black & Decker toaster oven. The winner's show poster will be permanently enshrined on Mama's Legacy Wall.

Following the three preliminary rounds, the Top 30 contestants will earn chances to win a number of "pop-up prizes" offered every week. From among the Top 30 contestants the club hopes to recruit several acts to make guest appearances at Mama's internationally famous piano bar.

"Mama's Next BIG Act!" runs for twelve consecutive Tuesdays -- June 9, 16, 23 (at 9:30pm); June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18 and 25 (at 7:30pm). The shows will be live-tweeted. Don't Tell Mama is located at 343 West 46th Street, between 8th & 9th Avenues.

There is a $12 cover, plus a two-drink minimum. Mama's is cash-only baby, so stop your crying. For reservations 212/757-0788 (after 4pm) or to reserve online go to www.donttellmamanyc.com.

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