Ira Lee Collings to Encore SIMPLY, IRA LEE at Don't Tell Mama This Friday

Singer Ira Lee Collings returns to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC on Friday, February 24th at 7 PM with an encore presentation of Simply, Ira Lee (A Gay Geezer Celebration Through the Looking Glass..warts and all).

Ira Lee first presented this celebration of his 80th birthday last spring and then again in October, 2016. 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. Anne-Allegra Bennett of Center on the Aisle said "He puts life, energy, and compassion into the music, and from the very beginning, he conveys his range of character and emotion." 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 in Cabaret Scenes, Joel Benjamin wrote "Ira Lee Collings sings a quiet 'At Last,' a buoyant 'Just In Time,' a very sweet 'He Touched Me,' a moving 'Come In From The Rain' and a triumphant 'Nothing Can Stop Me Now!'

Ira Lee has appeared in the Metropolitan Room Marathon, at the 2016 Aids Day Celebration and placed in the top ten in the "Mama's Next Big Act" competition at Don't Tell Mama. He has also appeared in Cabaret Cares at the Metropolitan Room.

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" and promises a few surprises.

For more 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.

Photo by Sheree Sano