Having written a plethora of words about Marissa Mulder over the past couple of years, I had planned on relegating a review of her mid-November, two-show run at the Cafe Carlyle to a relatively short critique in my seasonal compilation column (due to post a day or two or three before Santa arrives, for those keeping score at home). But once I got started I went way over my self-imposed word count for such things and decided it should be broken out into this stand-alone review. Speaking of 'breakout,' although the first known use of the phrase 'breakout year' came 35 years ago, it has become the standard expression in sports or entertainment when referring to someone who has become a sudden or smashing success, especially in comparison to past efforts. If anyone in the world of New York cabaret could be said to have had a 'breakout year' in 2013, it would have to be Marissa Mulder. And this angelic young woman-in voice, looks, and personality-hasn't even hit 30 yet.
Ann Hampton Callaway's latest show in late November at 54 Below—her new home away from home—was another one of those slam dunk entertainments she's produced in the past year or so that clearly have put her near the top, if not at the very top, of the female cabaret performer depth chart. Listen, not counting the Broadway stars like Patti LuPone (who are now doing cabaret, mainly at 54 Below), or the top-notch jazz singers like Jane Monheit, you be hard-pressed to think of any major veteran cabaret singer in the country—and that includes Barbara Cook, Marilyn Maye, Andrea Marcovicci, and Amanda McBroom—who are plying the trade better these days than Ann Hampton Callaway.
Now in its seventh season, the Bankhead Theater will welcome seven holiday-themed events with music, dance, and comedy providing a range of entertainment designed for audiences of all ages. Dance in its many forms provides a vivid and spectacular backdrop for the season with three very different programs. First, the sizzling new 'XXMAS Ballet,' a 20th anniversary celebration of classical dance and lively character numbers, will be presented by the acclaimed San Francisco-based Smuin Ballet, who return to the Bankhead for three performances beginning tonight, Nov. 29.
Now in its seventh season, the Bankhead Theater will welcome seven holiday-themed events with music, dance, and comedy providing a range of entertainment designed for audiences of all ages. Dance in its many forms provides a vivid and spectacular backdrop for the season with three very different programs.
For the eighth year, singer and recording artist Russ Lorenson comes home for the holidays with his annual
show, Christmas in San Francisco, for two performances only at 7:30pm on December 13 & 14 at Pa'ina Lounge & Restaurant, 1865 Post Street in San Francisco. The guest artists for this year's show are San Francisco jazz
legends Wesla Whitfield, Mike Greensill and Veronica Klaus. Tickets are $25-$45 and available online at http://ChristmasInSF.com or by calling (415) 674-3863.
Some people, especially some cabaret reviewers and cabaret fans, might think it's lazy or a copout or both for a performer to keep recycling previous shows. But when the Café Carlyle comes a'callin' you: A) May not have enough time to create a totally new show or B) Want to pitch the big game with your best stuff or C) All of the above. Since I only started reviewing cabaret in late 2010, I missed the Laurie Beechman Theatre debut of Jennifer Sheehan's 2009 show You Made Me Love You: Celebrating 100 Years of the Great American Songbook, and missed it again when she brought it to the Metropolitan Room in 2010. So I, for one, am not complaining that she dusted off the critically praised set again (with the new slug 'Timeless Classics and New Treasures' from said Songbook show) for her debut last Saturday night at the prestigious Café Carlyle. Sheehan may have been booked for the room's new 10:45 late night series and not the prime time slot, but at least the Carlyle is giving opportunities to exciting young cabaret performers like Sheehan (and Marissa Mulder, who will make her debut at the room on November 7). With You Made Me Love You, Sheehan made everything old new again-at least for me.
The Show Goes On Productions presents To Carry On... a Tribute to the Life and Music of Laura Nyro written and performed by Mimi Cohen. Gretchen Cryer directs and Jeffrey Klitz music directs. The production opens on Ms. Nyro's 66th birthday, tonight, October 18th, and runs for six performances beginning tonight, October 18 to Sunday, October 27, 2013, at The TBG Theatre, 312 West 36th Street, 3rd Floor in NYC.
After 45 years in show business, Andrea Marcovicci - aka The 'Queen of Cabaret' (KGO Radio) - celebrates her 65th birthday with a brand new concert at Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington on Saturday, November 23 at 8 PM.
Last night was Falling In Love With Love: The songs of Rodgers & Hart, hosted by Andrea Marcovicci andJeff Harnar; performances by the cohosts plus, Karen Akers, Christine Andreas, Joyce Breach, Anna Bergman, Liz Callaway, Lauren Fox, Eric Michael Gillett, Clint Holmes, Todd Murray, Steve Ross, and Iris Williams. Check out photos below!
For four magical nights in October, the Mabel Mercer Foundation present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll. Jones was just honoerd during the festivities and you can check out photos below!
Popular Chicago cabaret artist, Hilary Ann Feldman, celebrates one of Hollywood's greatest stars and one of the world's most beloved citizens in these two encore performances of 'My Fair Audrey' November 14-15 at Davenport's Cabaret in Chicago.
For four magical nights this week, the Mabel Mercer Foundation will present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from today, October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll.
Amber Martin, Tori Scott, Never Sleep Alone, Nikki M. James, Erin Markey, Bridget Everett, Andrea Marcovicci, Lady Rizo, Julie Klausner, Our Lady J, Tammy Faye Starlite, Jackie Hoffman, Sandra Bernhard and Pam Ann are set for the 'Women of Comedy and Cabaret' series at Joe's Pub at the Public, running October to December 2013. Details below!
Amber Martin, Tori Scott, Never Sleep Alone, Nikki M. James, Erin Markey, Bridget Everett, Andrea Marcovicci, Lady Rizo, Julie Klausner, Our Lady J, Tammy Faye Starlite, Jackie Hoffman, Sandra Bernhard and Pam Ann are set for the 'Women of Comedy and Cabaret' series at Joe's Pub at the Public, running October to December 2013. Details below!
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