George Ball News

The 10th Anniversary STELLA BY STARLIGHT Gala is set for tonight, May 11, 2015 at The Prince George Ballroom in New York City.

The final performance of Manhattan Youth Ballet's spring production, Stories that Dance: Shakespeare and his Legacy, was full of joy. Four story ballets were performed with the young dancers involved in the story telling, rather than just going through the movements.

59E59 Theaters will welcome the final production of the inaugural 5A Season, the NYC premiere of LONESOME TRAVELER, written and directed by James O'Neil. Produced by Off-Broadway Across America in association with the Rubicon Theatre Company (Ventura, California), LONESOME TRAVELER begins performances on Saturday, March 7 for a limited engagement through Sunday, April 19.

As the days dwindled down to a precious few in 2014, a few cabaret goers and performers in what is affectionately but also self-mockingly called the “cabaret community” would sidle up and ask if I was planning my annual end-of-the year “Best Of” column, similar to the “Top 20 Bests and Favorites” piece over the first half of the year I posted back in early July. I would respond in the negative with very reasonable and believable excuses, but the truth is I didn't want to reveal my “Bests” of the year until the voting for the 2014 BroadwayWorld New York Cabaret Awards had ended. There's enough baggage and backstage whispering that comes with administering the BWW Awards, so I wasn't about to publish any opinions that might influence the vote while it was in process. I may be crazy but I'm not masochistic. But now all bets are off. You want lists? I'll give you lists.

The day is finally here! After one month of voting on preliminary nominees in 17 categories, the results of more than 5,000 ballots were considered along with the selections of BroadwayWorld's cabaret section editors to determine the final nominees for the 2014 BroadwayWorld.com New York Cabaret Awards. Joining cabaret icon Marilyn Maye with four nominations is budding star Carole J. Bufford, who made the final ballot for two different shows during 2014 and as 'Best Female Vocalist' and 'Performer of the Year.' Among Maye's nominations were 'Performer of the Year,' two shows in the 'Best Celebrity Show' category, and a 'Best Director' nomination for her work with jazz singer Gabrielle Stravelli (who received two nominations). In addition to her usual nod for 'Best Jazz Vocalist,' jazz star Jane Monheit received two other nominations as 'Performer of the Year,' and as 'Best Host' for her new variety show at Birdland, Jane Monheit's Jazz Party (Monheit also co-starred with Clint Holmes in another nominated show, Frank Wildhorn and Friends in the 'Best Revue' category.) Eric Michael Gillett also earned three nominations for 'Best Show, Male,' 'Best Male Vocalist,' and 'Best Director.'

As many times as I have seen Man of La Mancha, I relish the music and high dramatic moments of this classic piece of theatre. Being, naturally, that the production of it is top notch, with the right actors and skilled direction! GCT's current revival is top of the line. I remember seeing Richard Kiley, the original Cervantes/Alonso Quijana/Don Quijote in a Broadway revival in the 70s and was blown away by his ferocious commitment to the role. He spoke and sang to the last row of the balcony without even trying because of his brilliant focus on relaying the message of peace, justice, love and the simple joy of living in harmony with your fellow-man. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Well, GCT's production is quieter, more subdued, but every bit as serious, entertaining and nurturing.

New York cabaret audiences have for years been blessed with extremely entertaining performing marrieds like John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molasky, Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, and Michael Garin and Mardie Millett. But after experiencing the thoroughly enchanting October 8 performance from Amanda McBroom and her husband George Ball at 54 Below (there was a second performance on October 14), it's difficult to imagine a cabaret couple more compelling. In short, the Balls were having a ball and, ultimately, so did their audience.

Golden Globe winner, Amanda McBroom - the international nightclub and theater performer and composer of the hit song 'The Rose,' joins with her husband -- multi-award winning theater actor George Ball -- to present the New York debut of their show, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING -- An Evening of Love Songs for Grownups, at 54 Below. The second show is set for tonight, October 14th at 7:30pm.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

Amanda McBroom - American international cabaret performer and writer of the hit song, 'The Rose,' and her husband, multi-award winning musical theater lion George Ball - presented the New York debut of their show, 'Some Enchanted Evening - Love Songs for Grownups' earlier this week, and BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the evening!

Golden Globe winner, Amanda McBroom - the international nightclub and theater performer and composer of the hit song 'The Rose,' joins with her husband -- multi-award winning theater actor George Ball -- to present the New York debut of their show, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING -- An Evening of Love Songs for Grownups, at 54 Below. Shows are tonight, October 8th at 7pm and October 14th at 7:30pm.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

This October and November 54 BELOW presents a lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54thStreet. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.

Golden Globe winner, Amanda McBroom - the international nightclub and theater performer and composer of the hit song "The Rose," joins with her husband -- multi-award winning theater actor George Ball -- to present the New York debut of their show, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING -- An Evening of Love Songs for Grownups, at 54 Below. Shows are October 8th at 7pm and October 14th at 7:30pm.

Award-winning theater actor/singer, George Ball, celebrates a major milestone with the immediate release of his solo recording debut, 'Think of Me' (Gecko/LML Music). Mr. Ball describes 'Think of Me' as a recording for the 'grownup at heart.' He uses his famous baritone in a contemporary format here with an unusual repertoire that embraces story songs, heartbreakers, contemporary and country-tinged tales of love in its many guises. The recording was inspired by his wife, Amanda McBroom. It is available today on iTunes, LMLMusic, Amazon and other retailers.

Rubicon Theatre continues the company's 16th Not Your Typical Season with a special run of Love, Loss, and What I Wore -- a witty and wise celebration of womanhood adapted by Nora and Delia Ephron, creators of such hits as 'When Harry Met Sally,' 'Sleepless in Seattle,' 'You've Got Mail,' 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' and 'Silkwood.'

Rubicon Theatre continues the company's 16th Not Your Typical Season with a special run of Love, Loss, and What I Wore -- a witty and wise celebration of womanhood adapted by Nora and Delia Ephron, creators of such hits as 'When Harry Met Sally,' 'Sleepless in Seattle,' 'You've Got Mail,' 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' and 'Silkwood.'

January and February have seen sell-out performances at the Crazy Coqs and March and April look set to continue the trend.

January and February have seen sell-out performances at the Crazy Coqs and March and April look set to continue the trend.

Please help salute renowned music historian Rick Starr, former manager of the legendary sheet music store Hollywood Sheet Music, and pillar of the entertainment community. Rick offered his expertise in classic popular song and theatre music to scores of singers over the years.