Stephen Sorokoff News

During World War ll actors were among the very few who were left untouched to do their craft in Germany. There was a women named Eleonore who started in theatre at age 12, acting on stage with her father, Heinrich Schroth. Eleonore was one of the last generations of the most famous acting family in Germany, dating back 5-6 generations (like our Barrymores). One branch of the family was French, and one of it's members was an actor and famous rebel in the French Revolution under Robespierre. His name was Collot d'Herbois. Eleonore later recalled of "touring" as an actor and having to travel to the next town in the back of a potato cart for the next show. Her father had to walk behind the cart because there wasn't room for him. It was the middle of winter and his shoes had worn out so he was almost barefoot. Her cousin, Hannelore Schroth, became the first famous movie star after the war, the German version of Elizabeth Taylor. Her Uncle, Carl-Heinz Schroth also became famous on film, and is known as one of the most famous historic German comic geniuses, actors, and directors. He had the longest running comedy series called"Karschunke und Sohn, which was an exact parallel to "Sanford and Son". Eleonore moved to the United States with her family in 1971.

At 60-something-years-old, one can accurately describe Tovah Feldshuh as what plucky is when it grows up. Feldshuh's mother Lily died at 103 having lived, one gathers, like the character her daughter played in Pippin: 'Oh, it's time to start livin'/Time to take a little from this world we're given/Time to take time, cause spring will turn to fall/In just no time at all . . .' Later in her 54 Below show Aging Is Optional (which Feldshuh presents again tonight at 7 pm), we all sing the chorus, though no one with more gusto than the artist who delivers its lyric like a battle cry.

In a few weeks Tovah Feldshuh will be attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Last night she took her inspired performance at 54 Below to new heights.

When Mark Nadler, singing the iconic Irving Berlin song and Al Jolson standard 'Let Me Sing and I'm Happy,' strolls from the back of 54 Below to his rightful place center stage (accompanied by Nick Russo on banjo), he seems, in all respects, a jaunty, debonair thespian. The song is light, unembellished, infectious. What you're watching in truth is a state of the art ballistic missile unerringly headed for its target. 'My name is Mark and I'm a spotlightaholic.' Tonight Nadler celebrates two 'out of control' spotlightaholics--Danny Kaye and Al Jolson--both of whom put themselves (and kept themselves) in front of audiences every available moment. (The artist designates himself as a 'functional' sufferer of the compulsion.) Memorable anecdotes enlighten and entertain. 'In the spirit of Kaye and Jolson, however, this show is all about ME.' Four decades in, Nadler calls show business his religion. Judging by ensuing narrative, his zealous devotion is, in context, worthy of sainthood.

The growing numbers of listeners of "Backstage with Peter LeDonne" will swell because I've told my family, FB friends, and anyone I've ever met since first grade that I'll be heard on one of the segments of Peter's program this Sunday at 3pm on 970 AM. Yes, the dulcet voiced and knowledgeable Mr. LeDonne will be interviewing the Owner and Publisher of Times Square Chronicles, Suzanna Bowling and her Music/Cabaret Editor Stephen Sorokoff. I can report that the censors button came close, but not pressed during my air time. Also on the program was Broadway producer Kevin McCollum who spoke about his new musical Something Rotten and Martin I Kagan the Executive Director of Cultural Affairs at Pace University. Mr. Kagan informed the listeners about events scheduled at the school's Schimmel Center for the Performing Arts. As usual, Jamie deRoy came with her suggestions for entertainment activities in the Big Apple.

It was an emotional and touching night for lovers of Pastrami, Corned Beef, Lox, White Fish, Blintzes, Pickles, Cole Slaw and Mustard at the Friars last night. Cohen Media Group had the screening of The Movie Deliman in the Milton Berle Room. This film by Erik Greenberg Anjou celebrates 160 years of tradition and great stories by the Jewish Deli owners, operators and fanatics who are keeping the lox sliced thin and the Pastrami hot in the Jewish delicatessens that are still thriving around the world. Besides the food, Ziggy Gruber, operator of Kenny and Ziggy's in Houston, Texas is the star of this funny and heartwarming documentary. The film reflects the heart of a vital ethnic history. It's also a love story, not just about the food, but about the preservation of family, laughter and community that remains a fundamental part of a trip to a Jewish Delicatessen. What better place to see the wonderful film than the Friars Club were those traditions are celebrated every day. After the talk back with Ziggy Gruber, Fyvesh Finkel and Erik Greenberg Anjou, maitre d' Giuseppe Tarillo welcomed everyone into the Frank Sinatra Dinning Room. I guess that's what you call Jewish Fusion. It's great "having what the Friars were having".

Marilyn Maye always gets standing ovations but few more exciting than when Tommy Tune is in the audience to rise out of his seat for the marvelous Marilyn. Tune, the New York City designated Living Landmark, had recently finished getting his own standing ovations at Encores! production of "Lady, Be Good". He was among the other celebs at Birdland last night to witness another episode in the saga of the artistry of a Marilyn Maye and Billy Stritch performance.

As a founding member of the New York Dolls and in a prolific solo career, David Johansen has been a seminal force in rock and roll, influencing countless singers and bands to this day. Buster Poindexter, Johansen's celebrated alter ego showcases his elegant crooning through R&B ballads. As Poindexter, his previous engagements at the Cafe have been sellouts and he's become one of the most revered artists to grace the Cafe, with TheaterMania calling his Cafe show 'one of the most satisfying musical acts you're likely to encounter in New York,' adding 'this show is hot.' In what continues to become a Cafe tradition, the audience favorite returned to Cafe Carlyle for a two-week residency last night and broadwayworld was there.

Sometimes Broadway musicals run forever, like Cats or Les Miserables. But sometimes, Broadway musicals run for only a minute, like Merrily We Roll Along, High Fidelity, or Via Galactica. This is their story. If It Only Even Runs A Minute is the Bistro Award-winning concert series celebrating rare songs, behind-the-scenes tales, and inspiring photos from underappreciated musicals. Created and hosted by 54 Below Director of Programming Jennifer Ashley Tepper and Book of Mormon's Kevin Michael Murphy, with musical direction by Joshua Zecher-Ross, each concert includes performances and stories from original cast members and writers of selected featured shows, as well as new interpretations.

Brought back by popular demand, 2015 Bistro Award winner CELIA BERK returned to the Metropolitan Room with her warmly received first solo New York engagement. Directed by Jeff Harnar, with Musical Direction by Alex Rybeck, it featured songs from her debut album YOU CAN'T RUSH SPRING and what Celia calls her 'hidden gems: lesser-known songs from great songwriters.' Rex Reed has called Celia "one of the best singers I've heard in a long time".

Tommy Tune, Colin Donnell, Danny Gardner, Jeff Hiller, Erin Mackey, Patti Murin, Douglas Sills,Jennifer Laura Thompsonand Kirsten Wyatt starred in George and Ira Gershwin's Lady, Be Good, the opening production of New York City Center's 2015 Encores! season, which just concluded last night, February 8, 2015. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the closing night party below!

Artistic director Charles Busch -- in his Lyrics & Lyricists debut -- served up a cavalcade of stories and songs about the legendary women of Hollywood's movie musical Golden Age in 'Here's to the Girls!' last night, February 7, at 92Y. BroadwayWorld has there and brings you photos from the show below!

Jazz guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli, the technically proficient fretman with a soft voice, charming stage presence, and knack for uptempo swing, took the stage of Birdland last night, February 6, with his quartet and special guest Jessica Molasky. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you photos from the concert below!

In her current cabaret show at 54 BELOW, Marin Mazzie is taking audiences on a whirlwind ride through her formative years in Rockford, Illinois. She deftly interprets the hit music from the 1970s, making each of the iconic songs her own. With her brand of majestic power, dazzling belt, and her supple alto instrument, Mazzie enchants with her song selections and stories alike.

The York Theatre Company, dedicated to the development of new musicals and preserving musical gems from the past, continues the 2014-2015 season with the world premiere of the new musical play, Texas in Paris, written by Alan Govenar with spirituals, cowboy songs and country hymns, starring Tony award-winner Lillias White (Fela, The Life) with Scott Wakefield (Hands on a Hardbody). Akin Babatunde (Blind Lemon Blues) directs this two character play based on a true story, with music supervision by Amy Jones. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from opening night below!

There are some singers that like to conserve their voices. Johnny Mathis was one of them. He would edit his social conversations to incorporate just the smallest amount of words needed to have an exchange with someone. In fact he rarely answered the phone. I don't know if that's the reason his voice is still great, but I do know that talking a lot has not impaired the vocal chords of Marilyn Maye.

KAREN WYMAN - the celebrated pop/jazz vocalist currently celebrating a renaissance since her days performing on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' and 'The Dean Martin Show' - returned to The Metropolitan Room on Saturday, January 31 at 7:00 PM. BroadwayWorld brings you photos of her performance below!

Some of the best musical experiences have taken place in houses of worship. Sadly, Holy Cross Church in Times Square was the location of such an occurrence on Saturday as a Requiem Mass for Jean-Claude Baker who committed suicide on January 15th 2015 was held at the historic church. The Romanesque Revival style building was constructed in 1870 and is the oldest building on 42nd Street. BroadwayWorld brings you photos of the performances below!

Last night Cabaret aficionados gathered at 'Clip Joint' to see and hear rare footage of performances by Mabel Mercer, Bobby Short, Polly Bergen, Edith Piaf, Blossom Dearie, and many others.