Laurie Beechman News

Everything old is new again--and vice versa-at PAST IS PRESENT, up-and-coming lyricist SARAH REBELL's Metropolitan Room debut, which took place on March 24, 2014. Watch the videos below, featuring performances by Teal Wicks (Jekyll & Hyde, Wicked), Autumn Hurlbert (NBC's Sound of Music Live!), Alex Brightman (Big Fish, Wicked), Samantha Massell (Encores! Little Me, Baz Luhrmann's La Boheme) and more!

Singer/songwriter Ruth Carlin returns to the Laurie Beechman Theater this spring with an illuminating exploration of the eclectic repertoire of iconic folkie turned cabaret favorite, Judy Collins. 'A Light in the Window - Songs of Judy Collins.' Performances are May 17th at 7:30pm and June 12th at 7pm. The show will be directed by Scott Barnes, with accompaniment by Carlin's Musical Director, Paul Greenwood, on Piano, Dick Sarpola on bass and John Redsecker on drums. The Laurie Beechman Theater is at Westbank Cafe, 407 W. 42nd St. NYC. For reservations, call: (212) 695-6909.

BROADWAY SESSIONS is described as an evening of musical performances, games and open mic featuring a new Broadway guest each week. The show is created and hosted by Ben Cameron (Bway Wicked, Aida and Footloose) and features musical director Joshua Stephen Kartes on piano.

The Broadway Ballyhoo offers an amazing (and different) array of top-flight New York entertainment every week for just a $25 cover charge with a $15 food/beverage minimum.

Two years ago, The New Ohio Theatre and IRT Theater (new neighbors in the historic Archive Building on Christopher Street) kicked-off their exciting new developing and presenting initiative: the Archive Residency. The Archive Residency offers select independent theatre companies a two-year commitment of space, artistic support, and institutional continuity for the development and presentation of a new work.

The Lady's Got Potential is named after the song from Evita about the ambitious woman on the rise, and is an evening of songs performed by some of the most exciting up and coming actresses working in musical theater today. Rimalower gave BroadwayWorld the scoop on the upcoming show and you can check out what to expect below!

After a sold-out run at NYC's Duplex Cabaret Theatre in 2013, the hit show Gay Camp will play a weekly run until April 25, 2014.

Hilarious music duo MEL & EL are back with a brand new edition of their long- running monthly comedy show. THE MEL & EL SHOW returns to NYC at Stage 72, 158 W. 72 Street, on Friday, April 25th at 7:00PM.

NYC cabaret artist Angela Shultz takes to the stage with her 2014 show 'Reality Check' on Saturdays, April 26 and May 10, both shows at 5:30pm, at Don't Tell Mama (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788; www.donttellmamanyc.com). There is a $20 cover charge plus a 2-drink minimum. (Members of MAC -- $15.) Reservations may be placed by calling (212) 757-0788 after 4pm daily or by visiting www.donttellmamanyc.com

BROADWAY SESSIONS is described as an evening of musical performances, games and open mic featuring a new Broadway guest each week. The show is created and hosted by Ben Cameron (Bway Wicked, Aida and Footloose) and features musical director Joshua Stephen Kartes on piano.

Scott Siegel's Broadway Ballyhoo, which features an entirely different show with different stars every week, starts its 10th month at the Laurie Beechman Theatre with Nightlife Award winning stars Carolyn Montgomery-Forant and Scott Coulter, plus Nightlife star Shana Farr, as well as two Broadway Rising Stars, Paula Buresh and Jeanette Minson.

'A man's reach should exceed his grasp. Or what's a heaven for?' once wrote the poet Robert Browning. The line is about setting goals, striving, and ambition, all of which can be commendable desires. But sometimes in the world of cabaret, the desire to achieve the next level or to raise one's personal bar can be an overreach and overly ambitious. Such was the case with two shows staged this past week by two accomplished singers-Shana Farr and Jillian Laurain--who over the past couple of years have garnered mucho kudos for their vocal prowess and solid shows. Nobody could fault these lovely ladies for pushing their performance envelopes, but in both cases they fell short of their goals.

After a sold-out run at NYC's Duplex Cabaret Theatre in 2013, the hit show Gay Camp will play a weekly run until April 25, 2014.

This April, May and June at 54 BELOW presents an exciting 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.

Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC), dedicated to advancing the art and business of live entertainment, held their 28th Annual MAC Awards celebration last evening at BB King's Blues club in Times Square. Winners in twenty-five categories were announced. The show was hosted by the vivacious singer, band leader, multiple MAC Award winner and 2014 Nominee, Terese Genecco. The gala was produced by Julie Miller and directed by Lennie Watts, the current MAC President. Don Rebic served as Musical Director. Presenters included Will Friedwald of the Wall Street Journal and designer Bob Mackie.

We have a new songwriting team to feature this week! Landon Braverman and Derek Hassler presented 'Where is the Man' sung by the talented Donna Vivino at our concert at 54 Below.

Tonight, March 27th, Broadway Sessions welcomes alums and the 2014 graduating class from Elon University.

Award-winning performer Shana Farr will begin a four performance engagement of her new solo show In The Still Of The Night -- a musical and poetic journey through the words and music of two of the 20th century's greatest and most prolific songwriters and poets, Noel Coward and Cole Porter - tonight, March 26, at 7:30 PM. Additional performances will take place at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 2, Thursday, April 17 and Saturday, May 31.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Eddie Marrero and his Big Band Orchestra 'Con Amor, A Concert Fiesta,' Monday, May 5 at 7 pm in the Laurie Beechman Theatre at West Bank Cafe in Times Square.

This Thursday, March 27th, Broadway Sessions welcomes alums and the 2014 graduating class from Elon University.