Ilene Graff Sings at Sterling's Upstairs
By: James Sims
Grammy nominated singer and actress Ilene Graff, best known as Marsha Owens on the long running ABC hit series "Mr. Belvedere," seems to be living the good life, as the theme song to the her popular 1980's sitcom proclaimed, and is doing so on a high note.
Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's in Studio City, Calif., welcomed Graff to the cabaret style evening as she performed classic showtunes and a mix of newly arranged medley's on December 10 with friends, family and Broadway fans filling the quaint club. With the recent Actors' Fund Tribute Musical Monday series at the Pantages Theatre, and the previous events with Kevin Earley (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and Amanda Abel (Late Night Comic) at Sterlings, the ambiance of a smoke-filled cabaret is alive and well in Los Angeles, although with strict health codes, smoke is no longer welcome.Graff, who aside from her turn on television performed on Broadway in Promises, Promises, I Love My Wife and Grease, of which she still retains the charming perkiness of Sandra D., chose a perfect selection of melodies for her soothing vocals, including songs from Company, Porgy & Bess and 42nd Street. Joined on stage by husband and musical director Ben Lanzarone, the evening garnered much adoration from the crowd, many of whom were familiar faces of television past.
Produced by Michael Sterling, Sterling's Upstairs, "L.A.'s newest and most elegant supper club," is a venue for Broadway performers and nightclub artists alike. For more information, visit www.vitellosrestaurant.com or www.IleneGraff.com.
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