Stephen Hanks News

So many cabaret shows, so little time . . . to write reviews that is. During his almost two years as a cabaret reviewer, BroadwayWorld.com critic Stephen Hanks managed to do a pretty good job of writing critiques during a show's run or soon after the run ended. But this summer he just couldn't keep up. Finally, here are observations on 10 performances over the past two months.

It was a soulful force of nature that shook the music memorabilia on the walls of the Iridium on the night of August 7. From her opening number-a song from her recently released debut CD 'Listen, I Mean It'-veteran R&B singer Lauren Robert gave her musical testimony through her intense interpretation of blues, gospel and rock songs. She meant it. And everyone gladly listened.

In preparation for the All-Day Long Island Al Jolson Festival (in Oceanside, NY) on Saturday, August 18, BroadwayWorld.com cabaret columnist Stephen Hanks offers his take on what made the 'World's Greatest Entertainer' so great, and muses about the reasons as to why he is such a devotee of the man who once owned Broadway and starred in the first talking picture.

If you're looking for some cool cabaret/nightclub shows over the next month, try these on for size: Darren Williams (July 26) and Lauren Robert (August 7) are ready to rock Iridium, while two lovely ladies of cabaret will be featured at Feinstein's: Karen Oberlin (July 24-28) and Raissa Katona Bennett (August 21-25).

Joe Iconis is a Tony Award-winning composer in the making, but until he wins that ultimate prize he's making a few stops along the way, like tonight when he and his 'Family' perform a concert of his 'Greatest Hits' at 54 Below.

If any New York cabaret performers staging shows last Wednesday evening (July 11) found their audiences a bit sparse, it's probably Dana Lorge's fault. The endearing and ditzy entertainment diva's final weekly talent showcase at Iguana NYC Restaurant on West 54th Street (just east of the new 54 Below) didn't bring out every cabaret connected person in the city, but it sure seemed that way. And if MAC had a vote for 'Variety Show of the Year,' Lorge's last Iguana presentation would win in a landslide.

During her recent show at 54 Below, Rebecca Luker's renditions of 16 Jerome Kern songs-some of which were more obscure pre-1920 ditties-were lovely and engaging. But as a complete nightclub performance, Luker's show was neither a compelling one-woman concert nor captivating cabaret.

Cabaret show producer Joseph Macchia (who is also a host at the Metropolitan Room) will be staging a second presentation of "Boys Night Out: The Music of the Rat Pack" at the Met Room on August 6 (9:30 pm), which will give him a month to work out the kinks after the show's somewhat shaky opening at the Met Room on June 18.

Broadway, television, and film acting veteran Brian d'Arcy James admitted he was pumped to finally perform a show of the 1980s pop songs he loves. The two-time Tony Award-nominee made a seemingly effortless transition from the Broadway stage to a nightclub stage, proving to be an energetic, engaging, enthusiastic, and effervescent concert performer with on-stage charisma and self-deprecation to spare during his first solo concert show at the new 54 Below nightclub.

There was no prohibition on Carole J. Bufford's talent during her break-out performance in 'speak easy.' a 16-song homage to the music of an era when only people imbibing in a secret club could spare a dime.

Lorinda Lisitza may be one of the best-kept secrets in the New York musical theater community, but with her standout cabaret show, Triumphant Baby (running for six shows this month at the Metropolitan Room), this terrific actor, singer, comedian--and inveterate poker--player may finally be dealt a winning hand.

Bick Goss and Frank Evans, Producing Artistic Directors of Musical Mondays Theater Lab, Inc. have announced the second show in their February Festival of New Musical "The Suicide, A Musical Comedy" on Thursday, February 9 at 5:30 PM.

Bick Goss and Frank Evans, Producing Artistic Directors of Musical Mondays Theater Lab, Inc. today announced their two show February Festival of New Musical Previews: BLING on Thursday, February 2 at 6:30PM and THE SUICIDE, A MUSICAL COMEDY on Thursday, February 9 at 5:30 PM. Both previews of the new musicals will be at the Jerry Orbach Theater in the Snapple Theater Center, 210 West 50th Street.

Comedian/actress/writer NANCY REDMAN has received the 2011 United Solo Best Comedian for her play 'CLUTTER: I'm Saving My Life and It's Killing Me', directed by AUSTIN PENDLETON.

THE FARTISTE will play its final performance on Sunday, November 27th (3 pm) at Sofia's Downstairs, 221 West 46th Street.

THE FARTISTE will play its final performance on Sunday, November 27th (3 pm) at Sofia's Downstairs, 221 West 46th Street.

Bick Goss and Frank Evans, Producing Artistic Directors, and Stephen Hanks, Board President of Musical Mondays Theater Lab, Inc. have announced that the organization's second new musical preview of the fall 2011-2012 season will be the premiere of SPOOLIE GIRL on Thursday, November 17th at 6:30 PM at the Jerry Orbach Theater in the Snapple Theater Center, 210 West 50th Street.

Over the weekend, the cast got a special treat when the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov caught the performance. After the show, he had some fun with the cast backstage.

Bick Goss and Frank Evans, Producing Artistic Directors, and Stephen Hanks, Board President of Musical Mondays Theater Lab, Inc. have announced that the organization's second new musical preview of the fall 2011-2012 season will be the premiere of SPOOLIE GIRL on Thursday, November 17th at 6:30 PM at the Jerry Orbach Theater in the Snapple Theater Center, 210 West 50th Street.

'THE FARTISTE', A Musical Comedy, will open Off-Broadway, at Sofia's Downstairs (221 West 46th Street) on Thursday, November 3rd.