Rachel Hanser News

Popular with audiences and sisters to an entire community of performers, THOSE GIRLS were born in 2016 and made their mark in the business in record time. See why.

Every March during Women's History Month, Goddard Riverside's Community Arts Program hosts an exciting month-long arts festival celebrating female artists and perspectives. All events are also written, directed, performed, or produced by women.

The renowned singer-songwriter is known and loved for all her talents and the fun that comes with her when she walks in the door. But her cookies!

On Monday, March 30th, the 2020 MAC Awards were broadcast via Facebook Live from the living rooms or Lennie Watts and Amy Wolk/Lorinda Lisitza in a split-screen presentation in which The Three Stooges of Cabaret made their community of artists laugh with many hi-jinks, giggles, grins, silliness, and an ongoing series of the new MAC Award theme song, penned by Wolk and Lisitza themselves. The intent was to bring some levity to a difficult time in the world and, judging by the comment scroll during the home-made telecast, the hardworking trio tickled the funnybones of many. As names were announced, recipients called in to say a few words (apropos to the proceedings, Mr. Watts' telephone ringtone is the Benny Hill theme song) and particularly moving speeches from the proceedings came from Lisa Viggiano, Meg Flather, and Jeff Harnar. The entire show can be seen on Broadway World HERE. Results of the voting can be seen below.

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.

During the live entertainment shut-down in New York City people will need entertainment. Stephen Mosher starts a new series on Broadway World Cabaret - a regular playlist the puts a light on the talents who fill the stages of the clubs of NYC.

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.

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.

Stephen Mosher looks back at the cabaret scene, as captured by his camera in 2019

THOSE GIRLS Sing The Boys (Vol. 1) pays tribute to the men who write and sing the songs, but it also pays tribute to the girl groups and to the strength of women working together.

Two more chances to see the pop/jazz vocal group THOSE GIRLS in 'Those Girls Sing the Boys (vol.1)', their newest show, on November 22nd & December 2nd at 7pm. This time around, the Girls bring their mix of harmony and humor to celebrate music from five decades of male artists (with their own spin on them, of course, and a killer band.) From Elvis to The Rat Pack to Bruno Mars and then some! Performances will be at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, downstairs at the West Bank Cafe, 407 West 42nd St. NYC - doors open 6:30pm. For tickets: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/956296 Directed by Lennie Watts, Musical Direction by Steven Ray Watkins. www.thosegirlssing.com

It was a grand night for singing or for dressing as your favorite song, at SINGNASIUM'S Fall Fun(d) Raiser! Singnasium Artistic Director and CEO, Lennie Watts and Board President Kim Grogg started the festivities, and music flowed like hot apple cider. There were no tricks, but A LOT of treats with performances by Rachel Hanser, Jim Speake, Heather Villaescusa, Carmen Cancel, Brad Simmons, Kristine Zbornik, KT Sullivan. Cissy Walken joined in as our glamorous auctioneer.

Join the multi-award winning vocal group THOSE GIRLS for 'An Evening With Those Girls', a very special event that's sure to be a great time filled with great music! Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Karen Mack & Wendy Russell joined forces three years ago to form this critically acclaimed harmony project that celebrates a wide & eclectic mix of musical styles - pop, jazz, country, standards, rock and all that's in between. 

A group of cabaret newcomers and veterans alike will join Meg Flather on July 14 and September 14 at Don't Tell Mama for MEG FLATHER SONGS: A CABARET SISTERHOOD, performing the work of the MAC and Bistro Award winner.

The 33rd Annual MAC Awards were handed out last night (Tuesday, March 26, 2019) during a glitzy evening at New York City's SONY Hall.

The 2017 winner of Mama's Next Big Act, Heather Villaescusa, is bringing her show, The Happiness Project-A 10 Week Guide, back to NYC's Don't Tell Mama, exactly one year to the date of her opening, on Sunday, March 3 at 6:00pm. The singer returns with her long-time director Lennie Watts and musical director Steven Ray Watkins through a 10-week journey trying to find happiness in the insanity of being a mother, holding down a full-time job, being in a contest and ninja fighting those gremlins in the brain. Heather Villasescusa is an award contender for the 2019 Mac Award for Female Vocalist.

Celebrating her third year of holiday magic, Mac Award winning and BroadwayWorld.com nominee drag artist Doris Dear, known as "America's Perfect Housewife", announces that the all new "Doris Dear Christmas Special", is honored and excited that Sean Harkness will be joining the party all three nights at The Triad Theater on December 19, 20 & 21st at 7pm.

NYC favorites THOSE GIRLS are back at Pangea for one more night of unplugged harmonic revelry! Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Karen Mack, and Wendy Russell joined forces to form this critically acclaimed & multi-award winning vocal project that brings a wide & eclectic mix of musical styles - pop to jazz, country to rock and everything in between - to stages of all shapes and sizes. 2017 & 2018 Award Winners - Best Vocal Duo/Group - Manhattan Assoc. of Cabarets & Clubs (MAC). Directed by Lennie Watts, Musical Direction Steven Ray Watkins.

NYC favorites THOSE GIRLS are back at Pangea for one more night of unplugged harmonic revelry! Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Karen Mack, and Wendy Russell joined forces to form this critically acclaimed & multi-award winning vocal project that brings a wide & eclectic mix of musical styles - pop to jazz, country to rock and everything in between - to stages of all shapes and sizes. 2017 & 2018 Award Winners - Best Vocal Duo/Group - Manhattan Assoc. of Cabarets & Clubs (MAC). Directed by Lennie Watts, Musical Direction Steven Ray Watkins.