Ira Lee Collings Returning to Don't Tell Mama in Celebration of 80th Birthday
Singer IRA LEE COLLINGS returns to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC to celebrate his 80th birthday with his new show Simply, Ira Lee (A Gay Geezer Celebration Through the Looking Glass..warts and all) on Wednesday, June 15th and Monday, June 20th at 7 PM. He will be joined by Musical Director John M. Cook on piano.
Born in a very small town in Indiana, the youngest of 8 children, Ira Lee began singing on the radio with his sister when they were kids. After studying at Chicago's Goodman Theatre, he moved to New York where he appeared off-Broadway and in regional theatre, and even opened for the great Dawn Hampton in the '60s. After many years of performing, he took a 25-year hiatus from show business, re-appearing a few years ago with several successful cabaret appearances in NYC. Last spring Ira Lee played two sold-out nights at Don't Tell Mama with a show titled "Gay Since 1935 - A Gay Geezer's Musical Odyssey." Kevin Scott Hall, BistroAwards.com, said: "Collings gives the impression of a life well-lived, with his heart smack-dab in the right place. He gives a self-assured performance, but he offers more than that. It's a celebration of life itself." Mark Dundas Wood said "He is a talented storyteller" and Stu Hamstra said "A true lesson in the real meaning of Cabaret."
More recently Ira Lee has appeared in the Met Room Marathon and 2016 Aids Day Celebration and placed in the top ten at Don't Tell Mama's "Mama's Next Big Act" competition.
Ira Lee's new show includes songs by Adams and Strouse, Bob Merrill and Jule Styne, Rodgers and Hart, Melissa Manchester and Carol Bayer Sager, and Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. Ira Lee says the show includes "something old and something older."
For more info on Ira Lee Collings, visit: http://shereedtm.wix.com/ira-lee-collings
There is a $20 cover and 2 drink minimum for Ira Lee Collings at Don't Tell Mama with a $15 cover for MAC members. No credit cards accepted. Reservations suggested: (212) 757-0788 or go to http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/shows
Photo by Sheree Sano
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