1996 CRITIC'S CHOICE AWARDS
The decision
to choose Nancy LaMott as Critic's Choice Entertainer of the Year
was made months before her untimely death on December 13, 1995. Surely,
with two major engagements at The Algonquin Oak Room and the Chestnut
Room at the Tavern on the Green, coupled with the recent release of
her breakthrough album, "Listen To My Heart," she is without peer
in cabaret and 1995 was her most triumphant year.
John Hoglund's Pick of the Best Shows of 1995
in alphabetical order
TOM ANDERSEN
- Eighty Eight's
This terrific
tenor combined crooning, country and swing for an entertaining act
that showcased his charm and took him to another level. Plus, he released
a debut album, "Far Away Places'" that's a dream.
LISA ASHER
- Don't Tell Mama
Her show,
"I Am A Town," celebrated her Kentucky roots with songs by Carpenter,
Carnelia and more. Funny and poignant, it was a real winner by one
of the city's fast-rising talents.
ANN &
LIZ CALLAWAY - Rainbow & Stars
This incredibly
gifted sister act was one of the season's most applauded shows. And,
their live recording captures and act that everyone is still talking
about.
BABY JANE
DEXTER - Eighty Eight's
Her "Big,
Bad & Blue" was a powerful, gutsy show that took big risks. No
wonder it proved to be another run-away hit for this dynamite diva.
NATALIE
DOUGLAS - Eighty Eight's
Her searing
jazz show took her to that level of authority worthy of the big time.
Here is a major talent with plenty of pipes and loads of personality
to spare.
CHRIS
DURANG & DAWNE - The Triad
They're easily
the wackiest act around. This trio of madcaps satirizes everything
from Sondheim to "Star Search," and they couldn't be funnier.
JUANITA
FLEMING - The Supper Club / Judys*
A welcome
return for this joyous singer who brought the best elements of gospel,
jazz and swing to a great show. An inspirational singer whose heart
glows.
JEFF HARNAR
- Eighty Eight's
His consummate
"Fifties Gold" show ran in repertory with his other three highly acclaimed
shows, and its six-week run was one of the year's most acclaimed and
entertaining cabaret events.
RICK JENSEN
- Eighty Eight's
His "Spring
Harvest," was a memorable and poignantly funny one-person musical
revue written and performed by an openly gay artist that connected
with its audience perfectly on every level.
KATIE
LaBOURDETTE - Don't Tell Mama
Her amazing
one-woman portrait of Marilyn Monroe was beyond impersonation. She
was funny, touching and always intelligent, and the show was a brilliant
tour de force.
GINNI
McMATH - Eighty Eight's
"Mostly Dyed
Blonde," her cabaret debut was thoroughly winsome and fun. Her talent
for musical comedy and pathos are sure to bring her to the highest
order in record time.
TOM POSTILIO
- Tavern on the Green
Booked into
a major venue after only two debut shows at Eighty Eight's, this young
Big Band singer broke every attendance record at the Tavern. A classic
crooner, he's a major talent destined for great renown.
Outstanding Male Vocalist: ROHN SEYKELL (The 5 Oaks)
Outstanding Female Vocalist: BARBARA CARROLL (Bemelman's Bar)
Outstanding Singer / Pianist: Charles deForest (Danny's)
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