Allan Lazar

Friends, Fans, and Friars gathered in the Frank Sinatra Dining Room last night as host and theater historian Richard Skipper 'celebrated' Julie Budd. Julie shared songs and stories from a career that saw her appearing in every major venue, on every major Television Show, and with most of the legendary performers of our generation.

Nowadays it's quite common for a show to have '& Friends' in it's title. I don't know if Broadway Producer and entertainer Jamie deRoy invented the concept, but over the last 30 years she sure has perfected the inclusion of having her uber talented friends perform in Jamie deRoy & friends variety shows. In fact, some folks must think '& friends' is Jamie's last name, she has an impressive contact list (remember rollodex).

Put Lang Lang, Billy Joel, and Harry Connick into a piano blender and you will create something approaching the excitement of Peter Cincotti. Add in a dose of Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles and you're getting close to the final product. To my ears there is nothing better than the special bonding and coordination a singer pianist has. The fingers know exactly how to wrap around the vocal chords and Peter can do that extraordinary well .but last night at The Cutting Room it was a Long Way From Home which is the title of his newest album. Peter has a huge fan base and the exuberant demographically diverse audience were joining in on some of the new refreshing songs coming from this innovative composer/singer/pianist. The exhilaration and musical arousal created by his piano playing reminded me of the description of the effect the great classical pianist Franz Liszt had on his audiences who on occasion could not control their enthusiasm. I must say I was taken by surprise at the start of Peter's performance. A tall thin guy sneaked onto the stage who I thought was the best looking piano tuner I'd ever seen. It looked like he was about to prepare the strings for the hammering they would soon endure, but it was Peter who put his hands on the keys and the brilliant overwhelming technique and creativity let loose. This was a show in every sense of the word.

Birdland, the venue that has presented so many music luminaries in it's long history had the Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester on it's stage last night. Melissa, one of the true giants of the music world made her Birdland debut and celebrated the release of her 21st album, The Fellas. The album pays tribute to the male singers, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Mel Torme, and others who influenced her as a young artist.

The celebrities turned out for Haley Swindal's last show at Feinstein's/54 Below last night and BroadwayWorld was there.

Jamie deRoy's Friar Membership and her long running Jamie deRoy & friends Variety Show are about the same age.  Jamie became a member in 1988 along with Liza Minnelli, Joan Rivers and Brooke Shields.  Jamie brought this edition of the show to the Friars Club last night and the Frank Sinatra Dining Room was filled with Friars and Jamie's friends as they dined and were entertained by some of the best in the business. 

The Broadway at Birdland Concert Series welcomed Jamie deRoy & friends for a star-studded cabaret show last night and BroadwayWorld was there.

After a sold-out Feinstein's/54 Below debut, Lorna Luft returned to the club, and BroadwayWorld attended her final performance of the run. Below, look at photos from the performance!

Erich Bergen returned to Birdland last night for a two-night engagement in the Broadway at Birdland Series and BroadwayWorld was there.  Check out the photos below! 

For her annual Thanksgiving week show at 54 Below, Callaway crafted an exciting world premiere night of music centered on the songs of women songwriters who have inspired her. BroadwayWorld was there along with Michael Feinstein, Ginny Mancinni, Arlene Dahl, Clint Holmes, Marc Cherry and others. Billie Holiday's 'God Bless the Child,' Carole King's 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow?', and Dorothy Field's 'The Way You Look Tonight' are among the gems carefully chosen by he Platinum-selling composer and lyricist. Classics by Peggy Lee, Joni Mitchell, and Cynthia Weil, as well as songs by friends Michelle Brourman and Amanda McBroom reflect the unique female perspective on love, life, and the pursuit of happiness.

Haley Swindal brought her new show 'Pay to Win' to Feinstein's/54 Below last night - and BroadwyWorld was onhand to capture the evening!

Marilyn Maye was an audience member at Ann Hampton Callaway's final performance of her show 'On My Way To You' at 54 Below last night and Broadwayworld was there. Marilyn joined Ann for some spontaneous improvising and signing as did sister Liz Callaway who was also in the house. 'On My Way To You' just completed a sold out run.

Beloved star of stage and screen, Tony Danza made his Cafe' Carlyle debut last night and BroadwayWorld was there. The two-week engagement, entitled Tony Danza: Standards and Stories, will feature a selection of highlights from the Great American Songbook and more. Perhaps best known for starring on some of television's most cherished and long -running series, including Taxi and Who's the Boss?, Danza has also established himself as a Broadway star, a New York Times best-selling author and is indisputably one of America's most esteemed performers.

Last night Julie Budd gave her first performance as  the latest Artist In Residence at The Metropolitan Room and broadwayworld was there.  While enjoying a multi-faceted musical career, Julie's credits range from television to film, the New York stage, and symphonies all over the country, along with the most lavish casinos and showrooms everywhere.  She began her professional career at the tender age of twelve, after meeting record producer/orchestrator Herb Bernstein. He immediately took Julie under his wing and introduced her to Merv Griffin at a recording session in New York City. After hearing Julie sing, she was invited to appear on more than 100 of Merv's Shows.  

Show business' brightest stars memorialized one of their own yesterday, at A Tribute to Polly Bergen, at the American Airlines Theatre (227 W. 42nd Street). An Emmy Award-winning actress and singer, Ms. Bergen's career spanned more than six decades in films, TV, Broadway musicals and concerts. She passed away from natural causes September 20 at age 84. A Tribute to Polly Bergen, produced by Rex Reed and Michael Alden with creative consultant Deborah Grace Winer, celebrated her life and career with a star studded lineup of participants. They included Christine Andreas, Harry Belafonte, Arlene Dahl, Raul Esparza, Michael Feinstein, Gregory Harrison, Judith Ivey, Chris Matthews, Phyllis Newman, Kelli O'Hara and cast members from the 2001 revival of Follies.

There is a movie titled "A Table at Le Cirque" but for the New Years Party at Le Cirque last night one of the most gifted and celebrated composer, pianist, and singers left his table and sat down at a newly delivered grand piano in the legendary dining room. Neil Sedaka then proceeded to thrill the blue ribbon crowd with a bunch of his hit songs.

Musical Mondays continued at Le Cirque with last night's performance by Matt Baker & Nicholas King. The music starts at 7:30 every Monday as Sirio Maccioni welcomes friends and guests at his renowned Le Cirque. The casual bistro Le Cirque Cafe offers a remarkably well-priced menu. Appearing in the Cafe on Nov. 17will be Jim Altamore. Cole Rumbough returns on Nov. 24.