Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's, LA's "Cabaret destination" as described by the Los Angeles Times, rings in June with the celebration of its four-year anniversary.
Since opening its doors on June 9, 2006, the critically acclaimed supper club is the most distinguished venue of its kind in southern California. "We are thrilled to be cited not only by the media on both coasts, but performers on both coasts ... as the place to play in LA," says producer Michael Sterling.
Out of admiration for the performing arts, in particular musical theatre and classic American music, Sterling dedicated the supper club to his friend and mentor of many years, the late
Rosemary Clooney.
"Known worldwide as one of the most engaging "girl singers" of her generation," Sterling says, "Rosemary was a great recording artist, a mesmerizing concert headliner, a beautiful and wonderfully interesting film and television star; and an icon in American pop music. She taught me everything I know about music. I was not only a friend from my very early adult years to the end of her days, but her road manager for a lengthy, cross-country concert tour. The tour was an education I could have never received in a school. It was one of those rare, life experiences that resulted in a lifetime of knowledge and the development of that one passion we all harbor, but seldom get to act upon. She taught me everything I know about music. As a result, I made a vow to keep the music of her era (the Gershwins, Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Berlin,
Jule Styne,
Cy Coleman, Sondheim,
Johnny Mercer and so many others including their more contemporary successors...) alive and well in a club somewhere, at some point in my life."
That point came for Sterling in 2004, when intimate supper clubs supporting such music had almost completely vanished from the cultural landscape of Los Angeles.
"With only one club remaining in LA that year," remarks Sterling's Associate Producer Tony Monsour, "Michael seized the opportunity to keep his vow by partnering with Vitello's Restaurant in Studio City, CA. That was over 250 performers ago." He thanks Rosemary every week for her inspiration and pointing him in the right direction. And, I must say that Vitello's has been supportive of our efforts, every step of the way."
Though few audience members recognize the subtle significance of one particular table at Sterling's Upstairs, on each anniversary ... in memory of Ms. Clooney, the table is set with a rose in a crystal vase, next to a glass of white wine, and a personally inscribed George Hurrell photo of the late singer.
The anniversary celebration begins with the return of Broadway star
Amick Byram on Sunday, June 6 at 7:00 pm. A two-time Grammy nominee who has starred in such Broadway vehicles as Sunset Boulevard and Les Miserables, was Sterling's first solo headliner. Byram is a composer and a compelling singer of epic proportions who was featured as the voice of Moses in the animated hit musical motion picture The Prince of Egypt.
Popular performer, recording artist and Broadway heartthrob
Matt Zarley headlines the anniversary's other bookend weekend. Zarley, who's his own star quality and immense talent has been seen on Broadway in A Chorus Line, Cats, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Chicago and more, makes his debut at the club on Saturday, June 12 at 8:00 pm.
Relative newcomer
Domonique Paton completes the month at Sterling's on Sunday, June 27 at 7:00 pm. A true force of nature, Ms. Paton was first runner up in LA's Next Great Stage Star 2010, the most distinguished theatre talent competition in Los Angeles judged annually by an elite panel of over a dozen LA musical theatre professionals. She was most recently featured in the Los Angeles revival of Little Shop of Horrors, and has toured internationally with the mega hit musical Rent.
Attendance at Sterling's Upstairs is by reservation only: 818 754-8700. Package Prices are as follows: VIP Premium Package - $43 per person, inclusive of VIP reserved seating, a one-hour performance; and a $13 credit toward food and/or drink from the Chef's all-new VIP menu of upscale Sicilian appetizers and entrees. A limited number of General Admission Packages are also available at $31 per person, inclusive of general seating, a one-hour performance; and a credit of $13 toward food and/or beverage ordered from a limited General Admission menu.
Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's is located at 4349 Tujunga Ave. Studio City, CA 91604. Valet Parking is available.
During his career, Michael Sterling has represented such luminaries as
ElizaBeth Taylor,
Lance Armstrong,
Scott Hamilton,
David Copperfield,
Joan Collins,
Alan Thicke,
Burt Bacharach,
Carole Bayer Sager,
David Brenner,
Lance Burton,
Andy Gibb,
The Bee Gees,
George Harrison, Donny and
Marie Osmond and the Osmond Brothers, the Carpenters,
Robert Goulet,
Debbie Reynolds,
Donald O'Connor, and Broadway icon
Carol Lawrence ... among others. Aside from his celebrity clientele,
Mr. Sterling has represented various
National Theatre and arena tours, award-winning Los Angeles theatre productions, Emmy Award-winning television specials, celebrity books, and Grammy winning albums and CD's. He is also a critically acclaimed Director of musical theatre in Los Angeles; has produced numerous theatrical events and productions throughout southern California and in Las Vegas. In September 2009,
Mr. Sterling and former Broadway star
Dean Butler (
www.legacydocumentaries.com) and longtime Television co-star of Little House on the Prairie, were appointed Los Angeles Television co-producers and co-hosts for Broadway World TV (
broadwayworld.com), the largest internet site in the world for all things Broadway and theatre related.
On Monday, May 31, 2010,
Mr. Sterling and longtime colleague and theatre professional
Paul Stroili premiered their highly anticipated weekly radio show State of the Arts presented by Breakdown Services on
LATalkRadio.com. The 50 minute program airs Mondays at 4:00 pm Pacific Standard time.
For additional information on Sterling's, visit
www.myspace.com/sterlingsupstairs. In addition to Sterling's, Vitello's also offers outdoor dining and a unique variety of carefully selected wines. Plasma televisions are located throughout the restaurant. Live opera is performed in the restaurant's recently renovated downstairs Lounge and Bar. For a complete list of music entertainment at Vitello's, please visit www.vitellosrestaurant.com. For nearly 40 years, VITELLO'S has been known for its outstanding Sicilian cuisine, romantic atmosphere and superior service. In that time, it has also become recognized as one of the most famous restaurants in the United States.
