Alex Rybeck News

How can you fit Broadway composer Charles Strouse’s entire career into a 90-minute show?

The Mabel Mercer Foundation’s invitation predicted“A Swell Party” and last night certainly was!  KT Sullivan artistic director of the foundation hosted an elegant evening to celebrate the legacy of Charles S Bullock, Chairman Emeritus, Board of Trustees, and his favorite composer Cole Porter at the legendary Pierre Hotel in Manhattan.

It was another special event at 54 Below on Monday night... but this one was REALLY special. See why in this Broadway World Cabaret exclusive photo essay.

The original Off Broadway cast recording of “Other Lives: The Story Songs of Michael Colby” (Jay Records), a cycle of story songs by lyricist Michael Colby (Charlotte Sweet, Ludlow Ladd), with music by a variety of composers, including Alex Rybeck, Larry Hochman, Joseph Thalken, Steven Silverstein, will be officially released on CD and all digital music platforms on Friday, June 16th.

This month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Urban Stages will present its 39th annual benefit, taking place on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 starting a 6:30pm at the legendary club The Players - 16 Gramercy Park South, NYC. 

Rita Gardner was not only a part of THE FANTASTICKS' history, she is one of the reasons it became historic in the first place.

Westport Country Playhouse will present a musical concert, “Ari Axelrod - A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway,” on Monday, May 15, at 7 p.m. The internationally acclaimed, award-winning show honors the songs, stories, and contributions to American musical theater by Jewish composers, such as Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Carole King. Tickets are $25.

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and expand the art of the cabaret, honor the music of Broadway, and provide an unparalleled experience to diverse communities.

Karen Akers brought her consummate artistry, marvelous colleagues, and all the stuff of legend to her latest Birdland offering.

The much-revered and oft-praised cabaret artist Karen Akers shone brightly last night in her return to the cabaret stage.

The Cafe Centro Cabaret Series produced by Sanford Fisher is winding down for the season and it’s sending its sold out  audience of ladies (and gentlemen) off with the music of movie star looking male singers filling the night air with romance. 

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the New York solo concert debut of Brittney Johnson – who made history as the first Black actress to play “Glinda” in Broadway’s Wicked – on Monday, May 1 at 7:00 PM.

In all, my angels, ARI AXELROD LIVE AT BIRDLAND is one of the best LIVE albums this rainbow writer has heard… maybe ever.

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present two-time Tony Award nominee and two-time Drama Desk winner Gavin Lee – making his Birdland debut with his solo show “Steppin’ Out with Fred Astaire” – on Monday, May 29 at 7:00 PM.

54 BELOW presents JEFF HARNAR & ALEX RYBECK: OUR 40th ANNIVERSARY SHOW on Tuesday June 13th, 2023 at 7pm. Harnar and Rybeck made their cabaret debuts together at Palsson's Supper Club (now The Triad) on June 13th, 1983.

On the evening of April 6th, in advance of “NATIONAL PET DAY,” (April 11th), Founder/President of the Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan, hosted a tribute exhibit to Acting Animals. See photos from the event.

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are open this April with a full slate of nightly performances! See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets!

BIRDLAND THEATER will present an evening with Broadway veteran Sean McDermott – star of Falsettos, Starlight Express, Grease, and the original cast of Miss Saigon – on Monday, April 17 at 8:30 PM.

See photos from Encompass Opera Company's gala honoring Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, and Marilyn Maye.