Ira Lee Collings to Celebrate 80th Birthday at Don't Tell Mama
Ira Lee first presented this show this spring and will revisit it in October with some additional surprises. 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 1960s. 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."
Ira Lee has appeared in the Metropolitan Room Marathon and 2016 Aids Day Celebration and placed in the top ten in the "Mama's Next Big Act" competition at Don't Tell Mama. He will be appearing in Cabaret Cares at the Metropolitan Room on September 24th at 6:30 PM.
Ira Lee's show includes songs by Jerry Herman, Mack Gordon and Harry Warren, Lee Adams and Charles 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 information on Ira Lee Collings, visit shereedtm.wix.com/ira-lee-collings.
There is a $15 cover and 2 drink minimum for Ira Lee Collings at Don't Tell Mama with a $10 cover for MAC members. No credit cards accepted. Reservations suggested: (212) 757-0788 or go to www.donttellmamanyc.com/shows.
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