Curto Tributes Mary Martin & Ethel Merman at Davenport's

For her new show, Chicago's After Dark Award Winner for Outstanding Cabaret Artist Joan Curto has chosen the songs of two stars who defined the American musical theater. "Brassy, Sassy & Classy: The Songs of Ethel Merman and Mary Martin," provides a showcase for Curto's classic, sultry styling and emotional versatility.

This must-see event takes place for five performances only at Davenport's (1383 N. Milwaukee, Chicago), show times are November 14 - 17 at 8PM and Sunday, November 18 at 7PM. There is a $20 cover charge and two-drink minimum. Due to the high demand for these special performances, reservations are highly recommended by calling 773-278-1830.

From the 1930's through the 1960's, Ethel Merman and Mary Martin were the queens of Broadway. Combined, they performed more than 9,000 "knock-em dead" performances, in 25 of the greatest musicals ever written, by the greatest composers of all time: Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jule Styne, George and Ira Gershwin and Rodgers & Hammerstein. The show also marks a kick-off for Ethel Merman centennial celebrations (January, 2008).

Merman was the most successful musical comedy performer of her generation. Known for her loud, clear voice, she introduced some of musical theater's most popular songs, including "I Got Rhythm," "You're the Top," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and "There's No Business Like Show Business." Merman reached her zenith as Rose, the overbearing mother of Gypsy Rose Lee in Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim's Gypsy, singing such songs as "Everything's Coming Up Roses."

Broadway's other reigning queen during this era was Mary Martin, who made her mark originating roles in two of Rodgers & Hammerstein's greatest musicals: South Pacific and The Sound of Music. She also starred and won a Tony Award for Peter Pan, which became an annual family favorite for television audiences during the 1950's and 60's. The legendary Broadway divas made a historic joint appearance on Ford's 50th Anniversary televised show on June 13, 1953.

Curto has performed at many of the country's most prestigious music venues including New York's Jazz at Lincoln Center, Danny's Skylight Room and Helen's. One of Chicago's top female interpreters of the great American songbook, she has appeared at the Harris Theater, Park West, Maxim', the ASCAP and Chicago Humanities Festival concert series and the Mabel Mercer Foundation's Chicago Cabaret Convention. Joan's 2004 CD release, "May I Suggest?," garnered national radio airplay and critical acclaim and is available at www.cdbaby.com, digital downloads at iTunes and by visiting her web site at www.joancurto.com.  

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