Shana Farr Returns to Feinstein's, 8/11

Singer/actress Shana Farr, who made her debut at Feinstein's at Loews Regency last December, will return to Feinstein's with a brand new show - Whistling Away the Dark, A Celebration of Julie Andrews -- on Tuesday, August 1O and Wednesday, August 11 at 8:30 PM. The production celebrates Julie Andrews' early life and career, following her development from child performer to her fledgling years on the London stage to her stellar performance in My Fair Lady on Broadway in 1956.

In preparation for this new show about a performer she truly admires and respects, Shana did a great deal of research, poring through a number of books, including Ms. Andrews' autobiography, Home, watching and listening to countless hours of recorded interviews with Ms. Andrews, and speaking with a number of people who know or have worked with Ms. Andrews over the years.

Whistling Away the Dark is not simply a chronological history of Julie Andrews' early years. In creating this new show, Shana gives new interpretations to some of the more well-known songs associated with Ms. Andrews while also including a few lesser known musical numbers that nevertheless hold special significance in Ms. Andrews' life and career. The show includes classic songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, Henry Mancini, Noel Coward and other notable composers and lyricists, as well as the same operatic aria - "The Polonaise" from Mignon - which helped make Julie Andrews an overnight sensation when she sang it at the ripe, young age of 12!

Guided by director Eric Michael Gillett and musical director Fred Barton, Shana has created a show that captures the essence of Julie Andrews, touching on episodes in her childhood that later helped her develop into a multi-talented stage and film actress, concert performer and recording star. The production draws inspiration from Ms. Andrews' early television and stage appearances, the guidance and support she received from her mentors at just the right moments in her career, the education she received during her vaudevillian days and eventually her dynamic star turns in The Boy Friend and My Fair Lady on Broadway. She also utilizes other musical numbers to emphasize other significant stepping stones on Julie Andrews' road to international stardom.

There is a $25 cover ($40 for premium seating) and $25 food and beverage minimum. The dining room opens at 6 PM. For reservations and information, call 212/339-4095.

Shana Farr made an auspicious debut at Feinstein's last Christmas with her cabaret act Pure Imagination, a show she recently took on tour to St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri, where she performed in front of SRO audiences. As part of an already busy year, Shana is currently preparing to make her debut with Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera in its production of The Student Prince which will be presented from August 3 - 8. She recently won First Prize at the 1st Annual Sopranos Vocal Competition at the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival in New York City.

Shana's stage performances have been rewarded with critical praise from a number of respected members of New York's theatrical community:

In his New York Post review of The Yeoman of the Guard in 2007, Frank Scheck wrote, "Best of all was Shana Farr as the strolling singer Elsie....this beautiful young performer delivered a polished and vocally radiant turn."

In his Cabaret Scenes review of her recent St. Louis performance of Pure Imagination, Chuck Lavazzi raved, "Shana's performance was a tour de force . . . (she is) a very talented young performer from whom we should expect to hear great things . . . and who would appear to have a shining career path ahead of her."

Following Shana's performance as Laurey in Oklahoma! several years ago, Bruce Pomahac, Director of Music for the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, said, "Shana Farr is a most talented and lovely actress with an attractive sensibility that allows her to deliver the lyrics with wit and warmth and intelligence. She made a perfect Laurey, and I have no doubt that Rodgers and Hammerstein themselves would have enjoyed working with this bright young star."

When Shana is not busy performing, she puts on her entrepreneurial hat to manage her own line of silver and gemstone jewelry (Shana Farr Designs). She learned the art of fine jewelry design while employed for several years at the luxury jeweler Harry Winston in New York, after which she worked with a high-end, couture fashion designer, increasing her knowledge of the fashion world. Her designs have also been influenced by her global travels. To see her collections online, visit www.ShanaFarrDesigns.com

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