The Cabaret Chronicles: Cast Party, Watts Happening, and More!

Happy December!  My goodness, how did it get to be the end of the year already?!  Well, after being on hiatus for Thanksgiving week, I was back in action this past week and managed to take in some terrific entertainment.  

On Monday night, it was off to Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland, as usual...and this Cast Party was more special than most, because it included a fantastic celebration for Kay Thompson's 100^th birthday.  Michael Feinstein and Sam Irvin, co-producers of the new 3-CD box set, "Think Pink! A Kay Thompson Party," were on hand to join in the celebration, as was "Eloise" illustrator Hilary Knight.  Ruth Williamson, Billy Stritch, Clarke Thorell, Dori Legg, Peter Mintun, and Jim Caruso himself all participated in Kay-themed performances, and throughout the night, gift bags including the new 3-CD box set, the DVD of Funny Face, and "Eloise" books autographed by Hilary Knight were raffled off!  As if the Kay Thompson celebration wasn't enough, there were also stellar performances by a whole slew of other talented performers, including Broadway's Mark Kudisch and Jeffry Denman, trumpeter Dominic Farinacci, folk goddess Christine Lavin, fabulous singer/songwriter Ray Jessel, and guitarist Sean Harkness.  What a fantastic night! 

On Wednesday evening, it was my 4^th Annual All-Star Birthday Bash at The Metropolitan Room, which ended up being a blast!  When I started the show in 2006, I figured that, given my love for music, what better way could there be to celebrate a birthday than to sing and have some of my talented friends sing, as well?!  Well, that year was so much fun that I decided to do it annually, and have been honored to have some very talented friends and colleagues participate over the years.  This year was no exception, and I was beyond excited by the talented lineup!  Performers included Jason Rosenbaum, Richard Skipper, William Blake, JeAnne MacDonald, Brian Gens, Steven Wing, Rob Langeder, Kelly Esposito-Broelmann, Fortune Esposito, and Tony DeSare, all of whom were simply fantastic.  It was a terrific night, and the best way I can think of to have celebrated my birthday! 

Thursday night found me at Don't Tell Mama for Watts Happening, the new monthly variety show hosted by well-loved cabaret veteran Lennie Watts.  With Steven Ray Watkins serving as musical director for the evening, Mr. Watts presented a highly entertaining lineup, ranging from cabaret "newbies" like Danielle Grabianowski (first runner-up in this year's MetroStar competition) to seasoned divas (and divos!) such as Klea Blackhurst, Lina Koutrakos, and Jay Rogers.  Mr. Watts was a fabulous emcee - funny, charming, and engaging - and did a wonderful job of moving the show along and introducing the various acts.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and I very much look forward to catching future shows!

That's about all I managed to cram in this past week, but I've got some great things coming up next week, so be sure to check back next Saturday for a new column!

Where I'm going this week...

Saturday, December 5^th:  Michael Feinstein and David Hyde Pierce Holiday Show at Feinstein's at Loews Regency.  Five-time Grammy nominee Michael Feinstein (THE authority on the Great American Songbook) and Emmy and Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce are teaming up for their first ever collaboration, and I can't WAIT to see it!  Having been a longtime fan of both of the entertainers, and a huge fan of the holidays, this sounds to me like it could be showbiz alchemy! 

Monday, December 7^th: Cast Party at Birdland.  Hosted by Jim Caruso this fantastic open mic runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. but make sure you get there early to sign up if you want to sing!  

Wednesday, December 9^th:  Maxine Linehan at Tainted Blue Recording Studio.  This talented Irish songstress is celebrating the release of her Petula Clark tribute CD, "What Would Petula Do?" and I am very much looking forward to being on hand to join in the celebration!  I saw Maxine performing the tribute earlier this year, and had a terrific time - can't wait to hear it again! 

Thursday, December 10^th: Gretchen Reinhagen in Special Kaye at The Metropolitan Room.  Gretchen debuted this Kaye Ballard tribute in California earlier this year and received glowing reviews!  I've seen her perform a few of the numbers from it, and am very much looking forward to seeing the full show!  

Friday, December 11^th: MetroJam at The Metropolitan Room.  MetroJam is the monthly open mic I have the honor of hosting, and this month, am thrilled that our special guest will be none other than Tony DeSare, who will be performing a 3 song set!  Signup begins at 9:30 p.m., the open mic runs from 10-midnight.  On hand to provide stellar backup for the performers will be the fabulous MetroJam band: John DiPinto on piano, Ritt Henn on bass, and Bobby Sher on drums.

Pictured: Jim Caruso

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