Frank C. DiLella

Hal Prince visited the band, (led by Billy Stritch) and Linda Lavin in the legendary Cafe Carlyle last night and BroadwayWorld was there.

Gingold Theatrical Group (David Staller, Artistic Director) continued its 12th Season of PROJECT SHAW with its 126th concert presentation, a rare staging of Shaw's riotous and ironic comedy, Captain Brassbound's Conversion.

The Friars Club hosted a one night only event last night that will be remembered for many years by Ben Vereen.  Chita Rivera brought him to the club for what Ben thought was a small dinner in his honor.  When Ben walked out of the elevator the huge mahogany  doors of the Milton Berle Room and Barbra Streisand Room swung open to a capacity crowd of Friars shouting "SURPRISE" and singing Happy Birthday.   It was an emotional happy celebration as Ben's many friends toasted the legendary performer and humanitarian.  Friar Board Member and Chairman of the Friars Admission Committee Bill Boggs officially made Ben Vereen an Honorary Friar.  As Bill pointed out to Ben in his presentation,  " I have the power to bestow this title on you….. being an Honorary Member entitles you to walk into the club at any time, enjoy a great meal in the Frank Sinatra dinning room…..and pay for it! "  

Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti made her Cafe Carlyle debut last night and Broadwayworld was there. The five-time Tony nominee opened the Carlyle's fall season with Tales from Soprano Isle, which featured songs from Laura's career along with humorous anecdotes and experiences that she has encountered on and off the stage and screen. Laura just completed her Tony nominated role as Amalia Balash in the hit Broadway musical She Loves Me, She also recently garnered rave reviews for her hilarious portrayal of Melania Trump on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Laura told the opening night Cafe Carlyle audience that it was not only her Cafe' debut. As she gently patted her 5 month pregnant tummy she said it was also her daughter's.

Last night at his home Tommy Tunehosted a cocktail party the one and only Carol Channing welcoming her back to NYC. Ms. Channing was toasted and honored by guests including Tyne Daly, Donna McKechnie, Lucie Arnaz, Lorna Luft, Brooke Shields, Liliane Montevecchi, Robert Klein, Michael Riedel, Frank DiLella, Arlene Dahl, Peter Glebo, Wayne Gmitter, Jim Caruso, Bruce Vilanch, Chris DiLella Jamie deRoy, Richard Skipper and more. Cinderella's Laure Osnes and her husband Nathan Johnson serenaded Ms. Channing with Before the Parade Passes By.