Raissa Katona Bennett News

The not-for-profit musical theater development group Manhattan Musical Theatre Lab (formerly Musical Mondays Theatre Lab) has announced that the third presentation of its 2013-2014 season is the new musical, WATER FROM THE MOON, written by MAC Award Winning Cabaret Performer Rosemary Loar and her husband Robert W. Atwood. In fall 2011, MMTL presented the Loar/Atwood musical Spoolie Girl, which was subsequently nominated for 11 'Best of the Fest' awards at the 2012 Midtown International Theatre Festival, including winning the award for 'Outstanding Music and Lyrics' and a nomination for 'Best Production of a Musical.'

ERIC Michael GillETT will present BOB O'HARE in an encore performance of Recovery: A Show About Getting Better on December 22, 7pm with with the Tom Nelson Trio (Tom Nelson, Musical Director and Piano; Tom Kirchmer, Bass;Peter Grant, Drums) at Don't Tell Mama. Today, it was announced that additional performances have been added for Jan. 26 and Feb. 10. Tickets are $20 music charge with 2 drink minimum ($15 for members of MAC and Cabaret Hotline Online) - no credit cards. Reservations(212) 757-0788 (after 4 p.m.)

Voting is now underway for Cabaret! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Urban Stages, in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano have announced additions to WINTER RHYTHMS 2013 performer line-up now running throughSunday, December 15, 2013 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). Tickets are $30 per show (unless otherwise noted).Tickets may be purchased on www.smarttix.com or 212 868-4444.

ERIC MICHAEL GILLETT will present BOB O'HARE in an encore performance of Recovery: A Show About Getting Better on December 22, 7pm with with the Tom Nelson Trio (Tom Nelson, Musical Director and Piano; Tom Kirchmer, Bass; Peter Grant, Drums) at Don't Tell Mama. Tickets are $20 music charge with 2 drink minimum ($15 for members of MAC and Cabaret Hotline Online) - no credit cards. Reservations (212) 757-0788 (after 4 p.m.)

There's a new Open Mic Night in town, and it's quite the place to be! Kenneth Gartman hosts the monthly Open Mic Night on the 3rd Saturday of every month at Unity Center in Norwalk, CT. The next concert is set for Saturday, December 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. $10 cover. The Unity Center is located at 3 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Norwalk, Conn.

If you're wondering whether or not 2013 was a fantastic year for the cabaret art form in New York, all you have to do is scan the amazing list of nominees for this year's BroadwayWorld New York Cabaret Awards and you'll know it was one of the best ever. So now it's time for all you cabaret performers and fans to vote for the best singers, musicians, songs, and shows of the year. Voting will continue until Sunday night January 5 and the winners will be announced later that week. We hope that all the winners will be able to perform in the Award show on Sunday night February 23 at Joe's Pub.

It may not be like getting a gift on every one of the 12 Days of Christmas, but for cabaret and musical theater lovers, the 5th Annual Urban Stages Winter Rhythms series--presented over a dozen nights at the not-for-profit Off-Broadway theatre on 259 West 30th Street--could be the closest thing to opening a daily present by the tree. From December 3-15, dozens of singers and musicians will perform in an eclectic mix of a dozen shows plus late night and matinee 'extras,' with all the proceeds from ticket sales dedicated to the Urban Stages 'On Tour Outreach Program that brings more than 200 free multicultural theater and music programs to elementary and middle school age children and their families in libraries and schools throughout NYC five boroughs. Three years ago, Urban Stages Artistic Director Frances Hill brought in MAC and Bistro award-winning director, lyricist and producer Peter Napolitano to produce the Winter Rhythms program and broaden its scope.BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Columnist Stephen Hanks recently caught up with the Sol Hurok of Urban Stages to learn how Napolitano has helped Winter Rhythms evolve and to get some insights into this year's program.

Bob O'Hare made his cabaret debut in May of 2009 with 'Home: A Musical Journey.' It was a wonderful way to kick off his summer. It was well-received, with Sandi Durell lauding its 'carefully chosen songs cleverly intertwined' and 'truly realized' performances.

For four magical nights in October, the Mabel Mercer Foundation present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Last night was Before The Parade Passes By, hosted by KLea Blackhurst and starring Corinna SowersAdler, Raissa Katona Bennett, William Blake, Kevin Dozier, Liam Forde, John Forster, Gregory Generet,Tanya Holt,Eva Kantor, Stearns Matthews, Sally Mayes, Colleen McHugh, Marissa Mulder, Sidney Myer, Mark Nadler, Georga Osborne, and Nick Ziobro.

Last night was Falling In Love With Love: The songs of Rodgers & Hart, hosted by Andrea Marcovicci andJeff Harnar; performances by the cohosts plus, Karen Akers, Christine Andreas, Joyce Breach, Anna Bergman, Liz Callaway, Lauren Fox, Eric Michael Gillett, Clint Holmes, Todd Murray, Steve Ross, and Iris Williams. Check out photos below!

Bob O'Hare made his cabaret debut in May of 2009 with 'Home: A Musical Journey.' It was a wonderful way to kick off his summer. It was well-received, with Sandi Durell lauding its 'carefully chosen songs cleverly intertwined' and 'truly realized' performances.

For four magical nights in October, the Mabel Mercer Foundation present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll. Jones was just honoerd during the festivities and you can check out photos below!

For four magical nights this week, the Mabel Mercer Foundation will present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from today, October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll.

For four magical nights in October, the Mabel Mercer Foundation will present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll.

The 6th Season of The Concerts for City Greens, free outdoor concert series, concludes tonight, September 11th at 6:30 pm (Rain date: Thursday, September 12th at 6:30pm.) at Tudor City Greens, with a very special tribute concert: 'I HEAR AMERICA SINGING - Songs of Hope, Joy & Inspiration,' and will feature professional performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret, and jazz scene.

The 6th Season of The Concerts for City Greens, free outdoor concert series, concludes on Wednesday, September 11th at 6:30 pm (Rain date: Thursday, September 12th at 6:30pm.) at Tudor City Greens, with a very special tribute concert: 'I HEAR AMERICA SINGING - Songs of Hope, Joy & Inspiration,' and will feature professional performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret, and jazz scene.

The 6th Season of The Concerts for City Greens, free outdoor concert series, continues tonight, August 7th at 6:30 pm (Rain date: Thursday, August 8th at 6:30pm.) at Tudor City Greens, with 'AND THE WINNER IS...Featuring Songs from the Songwriting Contest Winner - LARRY KERCHNER', and will feature professional performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret, jazz, classical and comedy scene. All performers donate their time and talent to benefit MUSIC AND ART FOR GREEN. The concert will be hosted by Tudor City resident, Broadway and cabaret veteran Raissa Katona Bennett.

The 6th Season of The Concerts for City Greens, free outdoor concert series, continues on Wednesday, August 7th at 6:30 pm (Rain date: Thursday, August 8th at 6:30pm.) at Tudor City Greens, with 'AND THE WINNER IS...Featuring Songs from the Songwriting Contest Winner - LARRY KERCHNER', and will feature professional performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret, jazz, classical and comedy scene. All performers donate their time and talent to benefit MUSIC AND ART FOR GREEN. The concert will be hosted by Tudor City resident, Broadway and cabaret veteran Raissa Katona Bennett.

The 6th Season of The Concerts for City Greens, free outdoor concert series, continues on Wednesday, June 26th at 6:30 pm (Rain date: Thursday, June 27th at 6:30pm.) at Tudor City Greens, with 'Summer Sambas, Showmen & Sirens ,' and will feature professional performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret, jazz, and classical scene. All performers donate their time and talent to benefit MUSIC AND ART FOR GREEN. The concert will be hosted by Tudor City resident, Broadway and cabaret veteran Raissa Katona Bennett.