Photo Flash: Ryan Raftery & Friends Make West Coast Debut at Upright Cabaret

After months of performing in the basement of a NYC's Paris Commune, Ryan Raftery took his "irreverent solo act" appropriately entitled 'Ryan Raftery & Friends: A Solo Act!' to the West Coast to debut at the Upright Cabaret in West Hollywood resulting in two sold out evenings of pure comedic cabaret!

Ryan Raftery & Friends performed on Fri and Sun, Oct 24 & 26, 2008.

Raftery, who regards himself as a comedian who sings, had the star-studded audience which included Hairspray lyricist Marc Shaiman in the palm of his manic hands. Also in the audience was Ugly Betty creator Silvio Horta, Hedwig and the Angry Inch's Stephen Trask, Niki Haris and Christopher Ciccone to name a few.

Opening with 80's mega-band Poison's Fallen Angel, a song about the turbulent life of a young star in Hollywood. Ryan's solo act recounts his own truly funny and sometimes heart-wrenching journey in Los Angeles as a young actor and aspiring star; seamlessly weaving his tale and song repertoire which included Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'If I Loved You', Ragtime's "Don't Take Much", Rihanna's 'Umbrella' and a perfect imitation of Tina Turner performing 'Proud Mary' which turned out to be an audience favorite on both nights. 

Ryan Raftery was supported by NY Music Director Daniel Lincoln who was also on the keys and Upright Cabaret's house band "The Bratt Pack" including Nick Perez (guitar), Matt Lucich (drums), and Chris Chandler (bass). Produced by Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel.

Created by producing partners Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel, UPRIGHT CABARET, L.A.'s famed "new generation cabaret" has quickly become the place for cabaret and live performance in Los Angeles. After only three years, the Upright stages in West Hollywood, Palm Springs, Catalina Island and Santa Barbara have been home to performers from over 75 Broadway shows as well as stars from Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Cold Case, How I Met Your Mother, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, House, Nip/Tuck and countless other film and television productions. At Mark's Restaurant in West Hollywood, Upright is more than an inventive cabaret, Proprietors Chris Diamond and Chef Wayne Elias along with a welcoming staff dish out charm, class and California cuisine at its finest.

For information including upcoming performances and tickets, please visit www.uprightcabaret.com

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Ryan Raftery

Daniel Lincoln

Ryan Raftery

Chris Isaacson, Ryan Raftery, Marc Shaiman, Daniel Lincoln and Shane Scheel

Ryan Raftery, Stephen Trask and Daniel Lincoln

Ryan Raftery and Upright's "The Bratt Pack" (L-R) Chris Chandler (bass), Music Director Daniel Lincoln, Ryan Raftery, Matt Lucich (drums), and Nick Perez (guitar)

Niki Haris, Ryan Raftery and Christopher Ciccone

Shane Scheel, Chris Isaacson and Silvio Horta

Ryan Raftery and Silvio Horta