Countess LuAnn de News

Anyone who lives in New York City, or visits (people from South London and Scotland were in the house) knows that the hottest spot on a Tuesday night is Susie Mosher’s “The LINEUP” at the Birdland Theater, downstairs of the legendary Birdland Jazz Club. I must also share with you that the staff are wonderful, as are the cocktails, service and food menu.

Countess Luann de Lesseps knows that money can’t buy you class, but it can buy you an unforgettable evening of cabaret, starring an iconic cast member of “Real Housewives of New York,” when Countess & Friends return to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Friday, January 21 at 8pm.

Christopher Metzger-Timson’s hit show makes its grand return to The Green Room 42 just in time to kick off the holiday season with a peppermint twist! The Beltress Power Hour features Broadway's most beloved divas alongside fresh new voices as they belt out the most iconic Christmas tunes.

The ever-so-popular Countess Luann's holiday show always sells out every performance. This year, lucky fans worldwide will see the show via live stream.

FEINSTEIN’S/54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club, will give a royal welcome to Countess Luann de Lesseps, as she adds a live-streamed performance to her upcoming sold-out run at the club on Tuesday, December 7 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.

Billy Stritch brought the musical elegance of his wildly successful internet show “Billy’s Place” to the glamorous Cabaret Room at The Wick Theatre last night. Miami and Palm Beach celebs turned out for the event as did Billy’s South Florida fans who filled every table in the CDC compliant Cabaret space created by Marilyn Wick.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actor, singer, and drag legend Jeffery Roberson (aka Varla Jean Merman) about the 1966 cast recording of 'The Mad Show.' They also discuss Coco Peru, Frank DeCaro, Heklina, Joanne Worley, Linda Lavin, 'The First Wives Club,' Carol Burnett, Sandy Duncan, Barbra Streisand, Ann Reinking, Leslie Jordan, Marisol Montalvo, and Charles Busch. Varla talks about performing the role of Mary Sunshine in 'Chicago' on Broadway, and shares stories about working in Provincetown with queens such as Jinkx Monsoon, Peaches Christ, Liza Lott, and BenDeLaCreme. In addition to her hilarious onstage performances, Varla is also known for her work in Richard Day's beloved 2003 comedy film 'Girls Will Be Girls.'

ce. In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to singer and actress Linda Eder about Barbra Streisand's 1965 album 'My Name is Barbra.' They also discuss Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Whitney Houston, Glenn Close, Frank Wildhorn, 'The Scarlet Pimpernel,' Andrew Lloyd Webber, 'Sunset Boulevard,' Eydie Gormé, Michael Bublé, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, 'Annie Get Your Gun,' Vikki Carr, Eileen Farrell, Betty Buckley and 'Hello, Dolly!' Known for her powerhouse vocals that have drawn comparisons to Streisand, Linda has performed in concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall. She has also performed on Broadway, where she originated the role of Lucy in 'Jekyll & Hyde,' for which she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.

Following a record number of nominations and votes, winners have been announced for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards, brought to you by TodayTix!! The nominees were set, audiences voted, and now we get to recognize NYC Cabaret performers for their outstanding achievement!

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actor and drag star Cesar Villavicencio (aka Pixie Aventura) about Whitney Houston's Greatest Hits. They also discuss Freddie Mercury, Queen, Chita Rivera, Judy Garland, Bohemian Rhapsody, and RuPaul's Drag Race. Pixie talks about working with an audience, her process of creating unique and highly compelling material, and the importance of bringing about more Latinx representation in media. She also talks about being a 'research queen' and shares some of her inspirations from music, television, and film. Pixie performs nightly to packed audiences at NYC clubs like Barracuda, Hardware, Therapy, and Playhouse.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-winning Broadway star Faith Prince about Liza Minnelli's 1972 live album 'Liza with a Z.' They also discuss Tina Landau, Fanny Brice, Funny Girl, Jule Styne, Judy Holliday, Mary Rodgers, Gwen Verdon, 'Fosse/Verdon,' Scott Frankel, Comden and Green, and Marilyn Maye. Faith tells stories of how she landed lead roles in shows like 'Guys and Dolls,' 'Bells Are Ringing,' and 'The First Wives Club,' and shares valuable advice on how to set yourself apart at auditions by bringing your intelligence into the room and onto the stage. She also talks about what it means to be your authentic self and the value of being present as a performer and in life. Faith's fabulous live albums 'Leap of Faith' and 'Total Faith' are available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

The keeper of the keyboards, Billy Stritch, heads into the busiest month of his year so far.. and it's only the first month of the year! Read his chat with Stephen Mosher to learn how it all started and how he's going to keep it going with a song in his heart.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello about the soundtrack to the 1973 film adaptation of 'Godspell.' They also discuss Julie Andrews, 'The Sound of Music,' Lesley Ann Warren, Marni Nixon, 'West Side Story,' 'Evita,' Mary Testa, 'Oliver,' 'Gypsy,' Barbra Streisand, Barbara Cook, Comden and Green, 'Falsettos,' 'Kiss Me Kate,' Marin Mazzie, and 'Parade.' They talk about Carolee's secret, closeted soprano past and the fact that she has never taken a voice lesson. Carolee is currently starring as America's coast-to-coast Dolly Levi in the national tour of 'Hello, Dolly!'

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to four-time Tony-winning lighting designer Kevin Adams about the soundtrack to the 1973 film 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' They also discuss 'Hair,' Barry Dennen, Barbra Streisand, Sandra Bernhard, 'Without You I'm Nothing,' Jodie Foster, Madonna, Tommy, Rupert Everett, Michael Mayer, Spike Lee, Jennifer Holliday, Stephen Trask, and John Cameron Mitchell. Kevin shares stories from his career, from working as a gogo dancer, to working on music videos, to collaborating with legendary directors and performers at The Mark Taper Forum, The Public Theater, and on Broadway. Kevin's credits include 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch,' 'Spring Awakening,' 'Passing Strange,' 'Next to Normal,' 'The Cher Show,' and 'SpongeBob SquarePants.'

There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! The people have spoken nominations are set, and now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatre's achievements and performers are recognized!

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-winning Broadway star Laura Benanti about Tori Amos's 1992 album 'Little Earthquakes.' They also discuss Patti LuPone, Arthur Laurents, Joni Mitchell, Elaine Stritch, Liza Minnelli, Marni Nixon, Lizzo, Brandi Carlile, and Julie Andrews. Laura talks about her starring roles in Broadway hits such as 'The Sound of Music,' 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,' 'Gypsy,' 'She Loves Me,' and 'My Fair Lady.' She shares stories from her career, including her 'up-the-octave' portrayal of Dolly Levi in high school. In addition to the theater, Laura has appeared on TV in 'Supergirl,' 'Nashville,' and 'The Sound of Music Live' opposite Carrie Underwood. She is also a regular on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' and has tickled viewers nationwide with her hilarious portrayal of Melania Trump.

It's December! Voting is now underway for the 2019 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards, brought to you by TodayTix! Now you can vote to make sure your favorite local theatres and performers are recognized. Check out the first set of stats below.

Christopher Metzger-Timson's hit show returns to The Green Room 42 to kick off the holiday season with a peppermint twist! Your favorite all-stars of The Beltress Power Hour are BACK and ready to belt out the most iconic Christmas tunes. The night will be filled with drinking games, audience participation, and, of course, a Power Hour Finale of the fiercest 60 seconds from all your favorite holiday songs! From Mariah to Whitney to Kelly to Babs- the belting is sure to impress while you sit back, relax, and put the 'spirit' in 'holiday spirit!'

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony-winning lyricist and director Scott Wittman about Frank Sinatra's 1966 live album, 'Sinatra at the Sands.' They also discuss Bette Midler, Patti LuPone, Sammy Davis Jr, Edie Beale, Christine Ebersole, Count Basie, Barbara Cook, Dusty Springfield, Ute Lemper, and Bridget Everett. Scott talks about playing 'cocktail lounge' growing up, and how his love for live albums influenced his career in theater and cabaret. Scott has worked on a number of successful Broadway shows such as 'Hairspray,' 'Catch Me If You Can,' and 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' as well as the TV show 'Smash' and the movie 'Mary Poppins Returns.'

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to cabaret superstar Natalie Douglas about Nina Simone's 1961 album 'Forbidden Fruit.' They also discuss The Eagles, 'South Pacific,' Mitzi Gaynor, Roberta Flack, Barbra Streisand, Karen Mason, Joe Williams, and Dolly Parton. Natalie shares stories about moving to New York and working at famous piano bars such as Brandy's and The Duplex. She now sings to audiences around the world and can be seen performing at her monthly residency at Birdland in New York City.