"Marlenen & Co." - Verena McBee sings the songs of Marlene Dietrich and other film stars of the time at Cabaret Room at PANGEA, 178 2nd Ave (betw. 11th & 12th Streets) , NYC, NY 10003

Verena McBee will bring Marlene Dietrich aka “Lola” as she appeared in “The Blue Angel” to life. Along with other famous songs from that era by German & American stars as Zarah Leander, the Comedian Harmonists and the Andrew sisters and composers like Frederick Hollaender and Kurt Weill, you’ll be in best company and in for a most entertaining night! Lots of material hadn’t been translated into English yet. Verena presents them in her mother language German in her own translations. It’s a whirlwind of music and fun and you’ll get to enjoy the artistry of Alberto Pibiri on piano and Stefano Battaglia on bass. Don’t miss out on this one night only opportunity !!!!

“The evening’s best highlight came in the form of Weimar “kabarett,” a piece called “Surabaya Johnny” by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht. ‘In every woman’s life, there’s a Johnny,’ McBee declared, ‘the one who comes and goes, and leaves you hurting.’

The intense piece made the most of McBee’s considerable acting skills. Her expressive eyes and face delivered the full meaning of the song, even when singing in German.” (Andrew Poretz, May 2025)