Natalie Douglas News

Today's top stories: The Prom on Netflix has found its Emma, and more!

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.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Joe Gulla in The Bronx Queen on December 27th at 9:30pm. Playwright/actor/reality star Joe Gulla, best known for his award-winning shows, Bronx Queen Trilogy, Garbo, Gay.Porn.Mafia, Sleeping With The Fish, and his sold-out engagements at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, makes his Feinstein's/54 Below debut with The Bronx Queen.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to legendary writer and New York nightlife fixture Michael Musto about the 1968 album 'Diana Ross and The Supremes Sing and Perform Funny Girl.' They also discuss 'The Wiz,' Motown, Barbra Streisand, 'Mahogany,' Liza Minnelli, Madonna, 'Evita,' Nancy Walker, Mary Wilson, 'Follies,' and Marilyn Maye. Michael talks about the first time he saw the movie 'Funny Girl,' as well as his attempt to see Diana Ross live in Central Park. Michael can be seen performing live at venues around New York City, and his weekly column can be found on NewNowNext.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to playwright, composer, and lyricist Michael R. Jackson about Tori Amos's 1994 album 'Under the Pink.' They also discuss Liz Phair, Joni Mitchell, Mariah Carey, alt rock, Fiona Apple, 'Show Boat,' William Finn, 'In Trousers,' 'Raisin,' Sondheim, 'Company,' 'Rent,' and 'Passing Strange.' Michael talks about how he discovered his favorite songwriters and how they influenced his own writing process. Michael's acclaimed new musical 'A Strange Loop' recently played to sold-out audiences, and the cast recording is now available from Broadway Records.

Next week, FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents 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.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to playwright, composer, and lyricist Michael R. Jackson about Tori Amos's 1994 album 'Under the Pink.' They also discuss Liz Phair, Joni Mitchell, Mariah Carey, alt rock, Fiona Apple, 'Show Boat,' William Finn, 'In Trousers,' 'Raisin,' Sondheim, 'Company,' 'Rent,' and 'Passing Strange.' Michael talks about how he discovered his favorite songwriters and how they influenced his own writing process. Michael's acclaimed new musical 'A Strange Loop' recently played to sold-out audiences, and the cast recording is now available from Broadway Records.

This is the 12th year Sullivan has held a celebration of artists born in a 20th century year, 100 years after their birth; many of the songs were originally composed by Ervin Drake, though the show also hosted tributes to Liberace, Nat King Cole, and Tennessee Ernie Ford.

The third night of the Mabel Mercer Foundation's New York Cabaret Convention hosted by Judy Garland expert John Fricke and actor, singer, humorist Klea Blackhurst had many noteworthy performances during it's three hours last night at Rose Theater. However, the most touching and dramatic Judy Garland minute was not musical. It happened when Sidney Myer a New York City Cabaret superstar related a story from his youth. It seems that Sidney survived the stress of the 50's and 60's of being “different” in the all boy New Jersey Prep School he attended (which Sidney recalled was populated by boys who specialized in terrorism) by focusing on his love of music and his worship of Judy Garland. He described to a spellbound Convention audience of being brought to a Judy Garland concert by his parents, he had his sign “ We Love Judy” in hand and with thousands cheering her as she walked down the aisle in a twist of fate he accidentally came face to face with her. Judy shook his hand and he managed to get out a “thank you” even though he had rehearsed a speech for years if this kind of moment ever happened. . There wasn't a dry eye in the house after his story. The evening had many humorous and emotional moments as Emmy Award winning host John Fricke, who is considered the preeminent Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz authority related many stories about Garland. Klea Blackhurst is probably one of the most effective and beloved Convention hosts and she used her wit and music to make it as always one of the most enjoyable of Convention nights.

There was so much heart, love and entertainment on the stage of The Rose Theater last night, as The Cabaret Convention celebrated the legacy and the music of the legendary Judy Garland

The Broadway at Birdland concert series presented singer Natalie Douglas in a continuation of her monthly residency, “Tributes.” On Monday, Natalie celebrated the artistry, brilliance and singular achievements of the consummate musician, beloved icon, award-winning actor, director, producer & ultimate vocal Goddess, Barbra Streisand. Musical director for the evening was Brian Nash, with Saadi Zain on bass.

It was a spectacular start to the four night 2019 Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater Last night.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to playwright, composer, and lyricist Michael R. Jackson about Tori Amos's 1994 album 'Under the Pink.' They also discuss Liz Phair, Joni Mitchell, Mariah Carey, alt rock, Fiona Apple, 'Show Boat,' William Finn, 'In Trousers,' 'Raisin,' Sondheim, 'Company,' 'Rent,' and 'Passing Strange.' Michael talks about how he discovered his favorite songwriters and how they influenced his own writing process. Michael's acclaimed new musical 'A Strange Loop' recently played to sold-out audiences, and the cast recording is now available from Broadway Records.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actress and singer Bridget Everett about Prince's legendary 1984 album Purple Rain. They also discuss Bread, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Patti LuPone, Little Richard, Lillias White, The Life, Tina Turner, Kiki & Herb, Murray Hill, Allison Janney, Brooks Ashmanskas, RuPaul, karaoke, lowbrow brilliance, and finding solace in music. Bridget talks about growing up with six siblings and how she found her way from Kansas to New York's electrifying downtown scene. Bridget can be seen in a number of TV shows such as Inside Amy Schumer, Lady Dynamite, Unbelievable, and Camping, as well as the upcoming AJ and the Queen on Netflix.

The magnificent Nancy McGraw returns to the cabaret stage and, with Mark Nadler, presents a picture perfect night of cabaret.

Club44 Records recently celebrated the upcoming release of Christmas at Birdland, featuring Billy Stritch, Jim Caruso and Klea Blackhurst, at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club in New York, NY. The party was attended by a host of Broadway, jazz and cabaret industry professionals, including Max von Essen, Natalie Douglas and Karen Mason, to name a few.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz about Judy Collins' 1967 album 'Wildflowers.' They also discuss Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, The Supremes, 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf,' Motown, 'Bye Bye Birdie,' and Leonard Cohen. Stephen talks about the conception and creation of a number of his works, including 'Wicked,' 'Godspell,' 'Pippin,' 'The Baker's Wife,' 'Working,' 'Rags,' and 'The Prince of Egypt.' He tells stories about working with artists such as Howard Ashman, Charles Strouse, Steven Spielberg, and Whitney Houston, and talks about collaborating with Alan Menken, with whom he wrote the songs for the hit Disney films 'Pocahontas,' 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame,' and 'Enchanted.'

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz about Judy Collins' 1967 album 'Wildflowers.' They also discuss Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, The Supremes, 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf,' Motown, 'Bye Bye Birdie,' and Leonard Cohen. Stephen talks about the conception and creation of a number of his works, including 'Wicked,' 'Godspell,' 'Pippin,' 'The Baker's Wife,' 'Working,' 'Rags,' and 'The Prince of Egypt.' He tells stories about working with artists such as Howard Ashman, Charles Strouse, Steven Spielberg, and Whitney Houston, and talks about collaborating with Alan Menken, with whom he wrote the songs for the hit Disney films 'Pocahontas,' 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame,' and 'Enchanted.'

Award winning jazz singer Nicolas King will swing into the historic Orinda Theatre along with 7-time Emmy Award winning jazz legend Mike Renzi for his Bay Area concert debut.

In this episode, Ben and Daniel talk to actor and comedian Cole Escola about Judy Garland's beloved 1961 Grammy-winning live album Judy at Carnegie Hall. They also discuss Bernadette Peters, Liza Minnelli, Barbara Cook, and Marin Mazzie. Cole talks about how he discovered each of these legendary performers and how live albums and concert patter have helped inform his own career. Cole currently writes for and stars in Amy Sedaris's Emmy-nominated show At Home with Amy Sedaris on truTV.