West Bank Cafe Announces Upcoming Shows at Laurie Beechman Theatre
By: Reynard Loki Oct. 22, 2008
The West Bank Café announces upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue. For reservations, please call 212.695.6909.
Every Friday from 10:30pm to 3am
No cover, no minimum
This weekly open-mic schmoozefest for the theatrically inclined has become the hit of midtown, hosted by iron-lunged Brandon Cutrell and Alysha Umphress, with Ray Fellman at the keys. Come hang and belt out a showtune or two. No cover, no minimum. You never know who might drop by.
Saturday, November 1 @ 4pm
$20 cover
Accompanied on piano by his music director, David Lahm, with Gene Perla on bass and Brian Woodruff on drums, Larry Remmers explores the many ways we are touched in our lives.George Evans
Saturday, November 1 @ 7pm
Sunday, November 2 @ 7pm
$20 cover
In the first of two new shows presented in as many nights here at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, Canadian vocalist George Evans explores the brighter side of love and passion in "Happy Madness: songs of love and hypomania," (11/1). This curious concoction is built around the challenges, the excitement, passion, thrills and obsession that befall an unsuspecting victim. Though a bit of a roller coaster ride, the song list is nonetheless totally devoid of torch songs - for those you'll have to come back and hear the second new show, "Glad To Be Unhappy: music to slit your wrists by" (11/2), the following night. Bright or dark, happy or sad, choose the program w hich best suits your frame of mind!
Saturday, November 1 @ 9:30pm
$25 cover in advance, $30 at the door
"You're coming back! You were born to do this..." the panel of judges declared when confident crooner and comic Shawn Ryan made his debut on NBC's America's Got Talent. Shawn is also coming back to New York, where he was previously seen performing comedy and jazz standards at the Cabaret Convention, as well at Helen's and The Duplex Cabaret Theatre, among other venues. A rising star, Shawn Ryan will play a 3-night engagement at the Laurie Beechman Theatre.Cashino
Sunday, November 2, 9, 16, 23 @ 9:30pm
$20 cover
Pepper Cole and Johnny Niagra are at it again. This swingin' musical duo from L.A. are sure to bring joy to even the darkest of souls. Featuring Susan Mosher (Hairspray) and John Boswell.Voice From the Great White Way: Judy McLane
Monday, November 3 @ 7pm
$25 cover
The Beechman's acclaimed Voices From the Great White Way=2 0series concludes with a special performance from Mamma Mia's Judy McLane. Bobby Cronin: Think Big
Monday, November 3 @ 9:30pm
$10 cover
Bobby Cronin is the writer/composer of B.R.A.T.T. Camp, 'Til Death Do Us Part, A Christmas Carol, That's Andy (conceiver/add'l material) and others. Think Big will premiere group and production numbers from Bobby's musicals, featuring: Autumn Hurlbert (Legally Blonde), Brad Bass (Wicked, Memphis), Jared Gertner (Spelling Bee), Jenn Furman (Wicked), Ben Cameron (Wicked, Aida), Adam Fleming (Bare, Hairspray), Kate Pazakis (Jerry Springer), Tracy McDowell (final cast of Rent), Ed Romanoff (Hairspray, Most Happy Fella), Brian Gallagher (Tommy Euro Tour), Robyn Elizabeth Lee (B.R.A.T.T. Camp), Alexandra Melrose (Caraboo at Goodspeed), Aaron LaVinge (Rent tour) and Shelia Coyle (Rent tour). Choreography and staging by Richard J. Hinds (Pippin at Deaf West, High School Musical Tour), Jessica Redish (Adding Machine) and Bobby Cronin and Johanna Pinzler (Ergo Theatre Company). Musical direction and arrangements by Justin Hatchimonji and Bobby Cronin. Jackie Draper
Thursday, November 6 @ 7pm
Sunday, November 9 @ 5:30
$18 cover
Travel with Jackie A Between Yesterday and Tomorrow,@ guided and inspired through songs by Legrand, the Bergmans, Reinhardt, Brel, Frishberg, Coleman, Lee, Berlin, Rodgers, Hammerstein, Schwartz, Diet z, Sting, and Zippel, among others. Jackie launches musically into tomorrow -- in English, French, and Italian -- with determination, courage, and humor, aided by Music Director Gregory Toroian at the piano, Ritt Henn on bass, and special guest -- dancer Franklin Ayala. Helen Baldassare directs.Jason Wynn: Not (More Of) The Same Old ^&%#@
Saturday, November 8 @ 9:30
Saturday, November 22 @ 9:30
$15 cover
2007 MAC winner Jason Wynn brings the highly anticipated sequel to his smash hit Not The Same Old @$% to The Laurie Beechman! This show is "anything but ordinary" - packed with Pop, Rock, Originals and (oh okay) a Showtune or two. The songlist represents a wide variety of songwriters, including: Jason Wynn, David Yazbek, Ike Turner, John Cameron Mitchell, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Jason Mraz, Paula Cole and so many more! Directed by 2008 MAC winner Miles Phillips, the show features a bitchin' band and a collection of some of New York's best singers joining in the fun! The Chalks: Live & In Person
Saturday, November 8 @ 6:30pm
$10 cover
They have their hearts in Nashville, their tongues in their cheek, and their finger on the pulse of America. Don't miss The Chalks: Live & In Person when they bring their high octane, seriously fun music and comedy back to The Laurie Beechman Theatre. You're gonna have a good time or your money back.Voice from the Great White Way: Alison Fraser & Mary Testa
Monday, November 10 @ 7pm
Monday, November 24 @ 10pm
$25 cover
Third extension! The Laurie Beechman Theatre is very pleased to welcome two of Broadway's most esteemed performers - Alison Fraser and Mary Testa (with special guest, Annie Golden), as part of our celebrated Voices from the Great White Way Series. Accompanied by a four piece band led by Allison Leyton-Brown, the evenings will feature music written by songwriter Rusty Magee. Audiences can expect to hear tunes from Magee's musicals The Green Heart (written with Charles Busch) and The Czar of Rock and Roll (written with Lewis Black), as well as Magee's iconic New York ballad, New York Romance. Niki Scalera in Meaningful Affairs
Monday, November 10 @ 9:30pm
$20 cover
Niki Scalera (Broadway's "Penny Lou Pingleton" in Hairspray) attempts to show her less nerdy and more soulful side in Meaningful Affairs. The evening features songs ranging from rock to jazz to r&b, showcasing her comic and dramatic prowess. Special guest appearance by Ms. Scalera's co-star in Hairspray, Tevin Campbell.SPOTLIGHT Series Presents: True Story
Tuesday, November 11 @ 7 & 9:30pm
$10 cover
Up-and-coming performers share life stories through song. Email thespotlightcabaret@yahoo.com for reservations. Directed by Ryan Scott Oliver.Music Box
Wednesday, November 12 @ 8pm
$10 cover
The Beechman's own sound and light guru, Joey Pier, puts together this wonderfully eclectic evening from the world of independent music. Expect five or six of New York's most compe lling up and coming bands, trios and soloists.Jonathan Whitton
Thursdays, November 13, 20 @ 7pm
$15 cover
Jonathan returns to the solo cabaret stage at The Laurie Beechman Theatre for the first time since his 2008 Bistro & MAC Award wins with an encore engagement of his celebrated second cabaret piece, Something Beautiful. Erin Granfield
Sunday, November 16 @ 4pm
$15 cover
Return engagement of Erin's NYC cabaret debut featuring the lesser known works of composers including Richard Rodgers, Joni Mitchell, Stephen Sondheim and more. The program offers an eclectic mix of songs, from Broadway to folk to disco, most of which fall on the more "rarely heard" side of the spectrum. MAC/Bistro award winning Lisa Asher directs. Award winning composer Douglas J. Cohen is music director.What's the Point?!
Fridays, November 14 & 21 @ 7pm
$15 cover
The acclaimed musical comedy revue returns to NYC af ter engagements in Cincinnati and Montreal! This "must see" musical pokes fun at all the things that deserve it in our contemporary world including gun control, plastic surgery, internet dating, Mel Brooks, gay animals and one infamous Mexican villain! Music by Alan Cancelino, lyrics by Hector Coris. Starring Hector Coris, Patrick Garrigan and Eadie Scott. Musical direction by Alan Cancelino, choreography by Susan Haefner, Directed by Collette Black. Scot Albertson
Saturday, November 15 @ 7pm
$25 cover
Scot's fourth CD has been recorded and is set to be released December 30, 2008 @ 9:30p.m. on the Laurie Beechman stage. Both Scot's 3rd and upcoming 4th CDs feature string presentations of jazz standards arced with Broadway classic songs that create beautiful and soaring music. Scot's August 14, 2008 performance @ the Laurie Beechman celebrated his one year anniversary of monthly appearances. The String Sextet includes: Daryl Kojak-Pianist/Musical Direction, Tom Hubbard-Bass, Rex Benincasa-Percussion, Antoine Silverman-Violin, Cenovia Cummins-Violin, and Chris Cardona-Viola. Special Guest Pianist: Jerry Scott. For more information, please visit www.ScotAlbertson.com.NY Theatre Barn presents The Hole
Saturday, November 15 @ 9:30
$18 cover
The Hole is a theatrical ro ck experience about looking for love in all the darkest places. The Hole takes you on a journey through a night in the life of a young actor and a Manhattan sex worker, and the company they keep. Self medicated with drugs and vodka, young New Yorkers search for validation, love, and a sense of self in and around a notorious East Village dive bar. Part play, part rock show, The Hole is told in three parts: the pre-party, the party and the hangover. Gurland and Farley sing Rodgers and Hammerstein
Sunday, November 16 @ 7pm
Wednesday, November 19 @ 7pm
$16 cover
Award winning vocalists Brian Farley and David Gurland team up for their first full show together: an evening of RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN, accented by edgy humor and gorgeous harmonies. Already great interpreters of the American Popular songbook, this will20be the pair's first foray into the catalog of arguably the greatest songwriting team in history. Featuring songs from Carousel, The Sound of Music, The King and I, this years biggest Broadway hit South Pacific, and many more! Laura Pavell
Monday, November 17 @ 7pm
$15 cover
A heartfelt journey into a Catholic girl's dating history, complete with stories, songs and plenty of self-deprecation.Cabaret Cares
Monday, November 17 @ 9:30
$25 cover
Cabaret Cares is a benefit series that brings together the best of the Broadway and Cabaret communities to raise funds for Broadway Cares and Help Is On the Way Today, and not for profit organization providing funds for children living with HIV. Judy Barnett
Tuesday, November 18 @ 7pm
Tuesday, December 2 @ 7pm
$18 cover
Award winning jazz vocalist Judy Barnett is also an accomplished songwriter. These evenings comprise an eclectic array of original songs featuring Judy's lyrics with music by piani st/composer Ted Kooshian, plus some "all Barnett" tunes.Will & Anthony
Tuesday, November 18 @ 9:30
$15 cover
Conceived and performed by twin brothers Will & Anthony Nunziata, "Two of A Kind" interweaves the American Songbook, sketches, and family stories to create an evening reminiscent of the Golden Age of the Variety Show. Recently performing their two-man show around the country with top Pops Orchestras and throughout the Caribbean and Europe, Will & Anthony make their highly anticipated return to the Beechman! For more information, please visit www.WillandAnthony.com.Molly Pope in The Diva-lution of Molly Pope
Wednesday, November 19 @ 9:30
$20 cover
The fabulous Molly Pope is back on the boards with her thrilling evening of standards. Musical Direction by Sonny Paladino, Directed & Produced by Ben Rimalower. "Transports the audience back to the thriving Greenwich Village nightclub scene of yesteryear, where girl singers with big, robust voices and gumption to match took their first bold steps up the ladder to stardom. She's got the stuff, and there may be a ladder for her yet."- Adam Feldman, Time Out New York Opus Fund for the Cure
Thursday, November 20 @ 9:30
$25 cover
A charity fundraiser for Opus Fund for the Cure for Pulmonary Hypertension featuring a performance from singer Teresa Vincent and guitarist Tom Dempsey.Opera Risque: The Angels
Saturday, November 22 @ 3pm
Sunday, November 23 @ 2pm
$25 cover
A dramatic story of love through time using operatic favorites in an unexpected way. This sexy poperatic drama is not for the shy.Single Voice: Honoring the Songs & Career of Christine Lavin
Saturday, November 22 @ 7pm
$35 cover
A stellar roster of performers comes together to celebrate the brilliant Christine Lavin. Featured: Francesca Amari, Booth & Pat, Suzanne Carrico, Joan Crowe, Oscar nominee Jeff Daniels, Julie Gold, Ray Jessel, Hilary Kole, Phoebe Kreutz, Noel Paul Stookey, The Tedd Firth Band & surprise guests!Elegies for A ngels, Punks & Raging Queens
Sunday, November 23 @ 5pm
$15 cover
An evening of musical theatre written by Janet Hood and Bill Russell that is inspirational, touching, dramatic and humorous. Celebrates the lives of some remarkable people who have lived with and died from AIDS. Directed and performed by students and alumni of Nazareth College.Christine Pedi in Yule Be Swell, Yule Be Great
Sunday, November 30 @ 7pm
Sundays, December 14, 21, 28 @ 7pm
Monday, December 1 @ 8pm
Mondays, December 8, 15, 22 & 29 @ 7pm
Friday, Dec 26 @ 7pm
Saturday, December 27 @ 7pm
Tuesday, December 30 @ 7pm
$55 ticket
Tis the season to be a diva! Liza Minnelli, Ethel Merman, Joan Rivers, Julie Andrews, and many more legendary ladies help usher in the holiday season when longtime Forbidden Broadway diva Christine Pedi brings her Holly Jolly Christmas Folly to the Laurie Beechman Theatre. With her spot on impressions and award winning comedic flair, Christine belts out your favorite yuletide hits with a twist! Her now legendary "12 Divas of Christmas" truly has to be seen to be believed! For tickets: www.TicketCentral.com or 212-279-4200.
Photo credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
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