Don Kelly News

GREAT LADIES, GREAT SONGS at Don't Tell Mama is proof-positive of why Amy Beth Williams has had the longevity she has, and why she has all the awards she has. Get your seat now.

With her NYC Cabaret debut, Shannon Daley has displayed a foundation built on talent and training, and desire to put in the time and work.

Directed by Lennie Watts, with Musical Director Steven Ray Watkins, Sean Murphy on Bass, and Don Kelly on Drums, and featuring her son, Rafi Martinez - this show takes us on Shannon's personal journey through becoming an empty nester and rediscovering and pursuing her dreams during a pandemic. There is an eclectic mix of songs from new and old artists from Broadway, American Songbook, Rock and Pop hits, as well as four parodies that she wrote. This show premiered at Don't Tell Mama on October 3, 2021.

A genial raconteur with a big, big voice and a touch of the Borscht Belt, Bennett Silverstein is a beloved fixture on the open mic and cabaret scene. In his latest show, Chateau Bennett '52, he reminisces about his lifelong love affair with the Great American Songbook, a star-crossed romance, and the dawning of his eighth decade with optimism, maracas, rim-shot jokes, and his own cheeky original lyrics spicing up vintage Broadway and Tin Pan Alley favorites.

Popular cabaret artist and open-mic emcee Natasha Castillo presented an encore of her Eighties tribute show, and Broadway World was there to catch the fun in the act.

With his new show LEGENDS OF LAS VEGAS, Frank McDonough takes on the great men of the Vegas stage. And he is equal to the task.

Inspired by Bobbie Gentry, Marnie Klar has done a deep dive into the works of the women of song, the result being a concert that spans the decades.

The Broadway World Awards are proud welcome the members of the band to the proceedings this year because they are the backbone of the music industry. Attention must be paid.

More and more, creativity pours out of the artists of the community onto the internet. Here are some of the lates works to be found online.

Respected cabaret artist Gretchen Reinhagen waited for years to go into the studio to record a CD, but when she did it, she got it right on the first try.

With the Coronavirus stopping all social gatherings and causing the closing of Don't Tell Mama for the duration, MAC has made a change from the previously announced event which was to be held at the club.

The MAC Awards were scheduled to be celebrated on March 30th at Sony Hall. Instead they will be announced via Facebook Live from Lennie Watts' home. The times are a little different now, but the celebration of art is the same.

This Month, FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com/Feinsteins or call (646) 476-3551.

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has announced the 2020 MAC Award nominees. The nominees were determined by votes cast by the active MAC membership, except for the four song and recording categories, which were determined by special committees.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW presents Broadway sensation Avery Sommers (Ain't Misbehavin', Showboat, Chicago, Platinum) with her hit show, For Sentimental Reasons.

Avery Sommers will make her debut at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York City on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 9:30 PM with her acclaimed show, For Sentimental Reasons. One of the most versatile performers, who can sing anything from blues and gospel to musical theater and standards, Avery brings to the stage a blend of it all plus some very personal stories and highlights from her successful career including Broadway, cabaret performances, and appearances at major venues like Carnegie Hall.

Last night “Those Girls” celebrated Karen Mack's birthday at The Laurie Beechman with special guests Susie Mosher and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph who brought Lolly Lardpop and a special birthday message for Karen.

Let's be frank. A lot of us in the Coachella Valley remember the music of the 60's very, very well. Just the first few notes of familiar songs can ignite memories of young love, a memorable party, long ago friendships or a school dance. Indio's Desert Theatreworks is currently presenting Beehive: The 60's Musical, and as wonderful as the presentation on stage was, I was delighted to look around at the audience. Faces seemed to literally light up as various songs started, friends and couples nudged each other as they recognized each iconic song, and smiles abounded everywhere.

One of the most enjoyable treats of this holiday season is the Desert Theatreworks (DTW) production of Mary Poppins, wrapping up its successful run this weekend. As Mary herself would say, it's practically perfect in every way

Feinstein's/54 Below presents Broadway sensation Avery Sommers (Ain't Misbehavin', Showboat, Chicago, Platinum) with her hit show, For Sentimental Reasons. One of the most versatile performers, who can sing anything from blues and gospel to musical theater and standards, Avery brings to the stage a blend of it all plus some very personal stories and highlights from her successful career including Broadway, cabaret performances, and appearances at major venues like Carnegie Hall. You might also want to warm up your vocal chords and be prepared to sing along with Avery as she makes her way from The Great White Way to the Great American Songbook and even ventures into the music of the 60s and 70s. This is one show you don't want to miss!