Here is a recent CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE message sent to nearly 2,500 readers
of this free e-mail newsletter. Check at the bottom of the message for the way
you can have a free subscription.
CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE #030802
- MID-WEEK - Thursday, August 14, 2003
Since 1990 Your First, Best, and Only Complete Source of Cabaret News
If it's anything to do
with cabaret, you'll probably read it here first!
This is the "MID-WEEK CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE," part two of the issue we sent out on Monday. The MONDAY
issue includes the regular listings for cabarets around the world, and
also has information on all the banner ads running on the CABARET HOTLINE
ONLINE website. Soon, the Monday issue will also include listings of
shows offering discounts to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members. This "MID-WEEK"
issue will concentrate more on news, late breaking stories and notes
on shows seen.
SPECIAL ALERT
I want to alert my readers
to a trend that you might not be aware of - a gratuity already added
to your bill, without advance notice. I was rather surprised the other
night at the KING KONG ROOM at the Supper Club (240 West 47th Street,
NYC - 1-212-921-1904 - http://www.KingKongRoom.com/) room where this
practice reached an even more astonishing (and disturbing) level. First,
when I ordered the drinks and a small pizza, I was asked for my credit
card, which I was told would be returned to me at the end of the show
- and when I asked why, I was told it was so that I would not slip out
without paying. Then, at the end of the show, when my bill came (along
with my credit card, thankfully), the tape just showed a simple, lump-sum
total, plus a line where I could enter a gratuity, and then a line where
I could write the total, and finally a space to sign my name. I asked
for a more detailed bill, and about 5 minutes later I was presented
with a tape giving a full breakdown, and noticed that the club had already
added a 20% gratuity - and it was included in the "lump sum" amount
on the first bill I was presented! Now, 20% is about what I would normally
give if service was good - otherwise I cut back to 15%. In this instance,
the waiter service was abominable!
After ordering
our drinks, the waiter returned and asked me to give the recipe to
my drink a second time (a simple Seagram Seven with soda, squeeze
of lime - what can be hard to remember about that?). Next, she returned
to ask if I wanted ice in the drink. Then, when my drink was finally
delivered, my companion's drink was overlooked. We had to wait several
minutes for a simple bottle of Corona (no recipe required), to arrive.
We had ordered a pizza (there was only one offered on the short menu
- $12), but after a few minutes the young lady who took the order
returned to ask if we wanted the chicken sate or the beef sate. When
we reminded her that it was the pizza that we ordered, she hurriedly
retreated (I am a patient man, but by this time I was noticeably irritated).
Now, some of this might be acceptable if the room was filled - but
at that point there were only about 10 other customers (seated at
only 4 tables) in the room - and two waiters!
So, be aware
- don't be tricked into over-tipping, especially if service is not
up to par. Clubs here in NYC where we have noted the gratuity already
included in the bill (at least some of the time - and this practice
may have been revised) are THE DUPLEX, DILLON'S and KING KONG ROOM.
In many venues I do not get a bill, so please let me know if you encounter
any other cabaret clubs where you have noticed this practice - in
any city - so we can make our readers aware. Attending a cabaret show
is expensive, but most of the expense is fair and deserved. I just
dislike being billed for something without being made aware of it.
On this same
topic, I am often asked wether one should tip on the entire bill total
or just on the food/drink portion of the bill, exclusive of the cover
charge. I advise that you look around. Most major rooms - especially
those in hotels - have "union" waiters (here in NYC they are paid
$15-$17 per hour, plus full health/pension benefits), while most smaller
clubs hire performers as servers, and they receive nearly all their
pay based on your gratuity, and deserve to be tipped accordingly.
The smaller rooms usually charge a cover of less than $15, so at 15%
it only means a few bucks extra to you - but a lot to the server.
MAILBOX CLOSED?
It happens nearly every time
I send out another issue of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE - mail comes back
with the note "MAILBOX CLOSED." And often it is because the subscriber
has been receiving the issues at their business e-mail address. I always
pause to think about these rather business-like notices - cold and impersonal.
I hope the note means that the subscriber has moved on to a better job
at better pay at a new firm, but deep in my heart, in these times, I
feel that is probably isn't the case. Hopefully, things will change
for the better soon, and the employment rolls will increase once more.
I guess one of the problems for me is that I have gotten to know so
many of my readers, through their personal notes, their questions, their
membership donations or seeing them in performance. My self-employed
job has been a blessing to me because it has enabled me to meet so many
wonderful people - in person and by e-mail.
Someone has
come forward with a small donation to be used to give a SILVER membership
to at least 5 subscribers, so if you are someone experiencing hard
times right now, drop me a note. Your SILVER membership will allow
you to deduct $20 from your first banner ad in a membership year,
allow you to have your CD listed in the CD SALE section, get discounts
on cabaret shows and other events where offered, and get a listing
on the appropriate SILVER MEMBER page. And all will be in confidence
- the person making the donation does not even wish to know your name.
Drop me a note, please.
A BIG THANK YOU NOTE
Once again, I send a great
big thank you to all the many folks who have joined or rejoined as members
of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE in our 2003-2004 membership drive! It is really
thrilling to see several brand new members join, and so many folks rejoining.
Note that every membership donation I receive is acknowledged within
about 48 hours with a form e-mail letter. Please check that the amount
on the acknowledgement agrees with the donation sent (I have sent out
over 200 so far, and I am not infallible).
Note: Please
make sure that your checks are made out to Stu Hamstra, rather than
CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE. I have had to send back several checks.
ENJOY CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE?
WHY NOT JOIN TODAY?
If you enjoy the CABARET HOTLINE
ONLINE MESSAGE BOARD, all the BREAKING NEWS stories, the FAQs & TIPs
about cabaret, the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE e-mail newsletters, and all
the other information and support we provide, remember that none of
this would be possible without your membership donations. Nearly 250
folks have already signed up for 2003-2004. You can join for just $20
(SILVER LEVEL), or get special discounts and additional benefits with
a $75 (GOLD) donation (20% discount on banners, etc.). You might even
consider becoming a sponsoring member at a higher level.
All members
have the opportunity to list their CD for sale on the website, a listing
on the appropriate membership page including a link to their website,
and special rebates or discounts on banner advertising. Also, the
membership card is good for discounts on cabaret shows where offered.
For information
on becoming a contributing member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, check
at http://svhamstra.com/Membership.shtml
or else just send me a note at membership@svhamstra.com
with the single word "membership" in the subject line, and I'll send
all the details. You can even send your donation by credit card via
PayPal - http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/PayPalPayment.shtml
! If you make your donation by check, please make the check payable
simply to Stu Hamstra and send to 676A Ninth Avenue #120, New York,
NY 10036.
THANKS TO OUR RENEWING CHARTER
MEMBERS!
The following four additional
charter members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE joined in the past week for
2003-2004, making it the third year in a row that they have supported
the newsletter and the website:
Maureen Christine
David Maiocco
Cynthia Shaw
Valarie Sneade
Nearly 250
folks have already joined for 2003-2004, and a large portion are CHARTER
members, who have supported CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE for three years
in a row, since our membership system began! We'll be listing additional
charter members each week as they join. Thanks to all charter members
for your continued support!
ITEMS OF NOTE
THE MUSIC OF DAKOTA STATON
ON RADIO
On this coming Sunday, August
17th, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and
on the Internet at http://www.2600.com/offthehook/hot2.ram,
heard from 9:00 to 11:00 pm (ET) on Sunday nights, host David Kenney
will feature the music of DAKOTA STATON, playing some of the songs from
her career. David will also re-broadcast his interview with composers
JEFFREY MARX & ROBERT LOPEZ who will perform songs from their score
for the Broadway hit AVENUE Q. You are invited to e-mail your comments
and suggestions to David Kenney at: oldisnew@earthlink.net.
For more information, see http://www.oldisnew.org/
.
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN
CELEBRATES 25 YEARS!!!
David Kenney's EVERYTHING
OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and on the Internet
at http://www.2600.com/offthehook/hot2.ram,
heard on Sundays from 9:00 to 11:00 pm (ET), will have a 25th Anniversary
Celebration with a Benefit for WBAI-FM at DANNY'S SKYLIGHT ROOM (342
West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-265-8133 - ) on Monday, September 8th
at 7:00 pm. Karen Mason, Tom Andersen and Jessica Molaskey are scheduled
to perform, with others to be added. The show will be hosted by David,
and it will be taped for later broadcast. The $25 Cover Charge goes
to WBAI-FM (You can buy a table of 10 for $225) plus there is a $10
food/drink minimum.
NO BROADWAY CHATTERBOX THIS
WEEK & NEXT
Seth Rudetsky's BROADWAY CHATTERBOX
at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/
) will take a two-week vacation this Thursday, August 14th, and
next Thursday, August 21st. On Thursday, August 28th at 6:00 pm Seth's
guests will be Rebecca Luker & Danny Burstein. If you have any interest
in musical theater, you should be attending these interview shows every
Thursday. Cost is a $10 donation and 2-drink minimum. Best of all, all
proceeds go to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS (http://www.bcefa.org/
)! For details, visit http://www.geocities.com/broadwaychatterbox/
.
CAST OF "PHANTOM" IN SAN FRANCISCO
BENEFIT
The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation
presents a "One Night Only Cabaret" with the cast of Best of Broadway's
"The Phantom of the Opera" on Monday, on Monday, August 18th, at 7:30
pm at TEATRO ZINZANNI THEATRE (Pier 29 on The Embarcadero at Battery,
San Francisco, CA - 415-273-1620 - http://www.helpisontheway.org/
). Company members from the "Phantom" cast will join with some of the
cast from Teatro Zinzanni's "Love, Chaos and Dinner" in an outrageous
evening of music, comedy and dance. The show includes performances by
the New York Blues Diva, Sandra Reaves Phillips and Lisa Vroman from
the cast of "Phantom." Tickets: $35 & $50 - Tickets for the cast wine
and dessert party following the performance are an additional $25.
CD TAPING IN CHICAGO
Lampkin Music Group will present
Alexandra Billings in "The Story Goes On," a live CD recording event,
on Thursday & Friday, August 28th & 29th, at 8:00 pm at THE THEATER
BUILDING (1225 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL - 773-374-5252). Tickets
are $20.00. Songs include: The title song, "The Music That Makes Me
Dance," "Rose's Turn," "Angels, Punks and Raging Queens," and "Bill,"
written especially for Ms. Billings by Michael Thomas, creator of the
hit comedy farce "Hamlet - The Musical." The show is directed by Stephen
Rader, with musical direction by Russ Long.
RICKY IAN GORDON AT THE DUPLEX
To celebrate the release of
his new songbook, "Finding Home," celebrated composer RICKY IAN GORDON
will present two very special concerts of his work at the historic DUPLEX
CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438 - http://www.theduplex.com/
) on Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th at 6:00 pm. The
shows will feature special guests Lewis Cleale, Malcolm Gets, Rosena
Hill, Jessica Molaskey, Brooke Sunny Moriber, Billy Porter, Diane (Fratantoni)
and Brian Sutherland, and Michael Winther and Mr. Gordon at the piano.
There is an $18 cover, as well as a two-drink minimum, no credit cards
are accepted, and no one under 21 will be admitted.
MEMORIAL FOR ANDY GARCIA AT
TRIAD
"AND the ANGEL'S SING" will
be a celebration of Andy Garcia's life and his songs on Saturday, September
6th at 2:30 pm at THE TRIAD (158 West 72nd Street, NYC - 212-799-4599).
The celebration will benefit God's Love, We Deliver, and will be produced
by John Hoglund. Celebrated Broadway and cabaret artists will participate.
More details and scheduled performers will be announced shortly. There
is a $15 donation, 2-drink minimum. More information on Mr. Garcia can
be found in the "Remembering?" section of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/CabaretRemembers.shtml
).
CHICAGO CABARET PROFESSIONALS
HOLD "GALA 2003"
On Saturday, September 27th,
CCP (Chicago Cabaret Professionals - http://www.chicagocabaret.org/
) will hold "Gala 2003" titled "We Could Go On Singing - A Musical Feast
Celebrating 100 Years of American Popular Song" at MAXIM'S (24 East
Goethe Street, Chicago, IL - Tickets: 312-409-3106). Cocktails at 6:00
pm, and showtime is 7:00 pm. See the CCP website for details. Tickets
are $50.
BANNER SALES HEATING UP -
DON'T MISS OUT!
BANNER AD spaces on the CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE website are suddenly selling fast for the rest of the
month of August - I received two more banner orders in the past 3 days.
And the orders are coming in for September & October as well. Keep in
mind, I limit the ads to 20 banners per week, so if you plan to order
a banner, reserve your banner space as soon as possible. Over 6,000
quality, cabaret-loving folks visit our website each day - and they
look at on average of 6 or 7 pages each. Banner ads are displayed at
random in two places on nearly all 2,500+ pages. This means your ad
could be seen as many as 3,000 times each day, 21,000 times each week!
In addition,
those running banners get mentioned every week in the Monday issue
of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE e-mail newsletter (current circulation nearly
2,500) as long as the banner is running. Even more important, you
can run a banner for 2 weeks on CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE for just $80
- in full color - with a "live link" to your website, if applicable.
That's before any member rebates or discounts.
For information
on banner ads, check out the banner information page on the CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/BannerHere.shtml),
or simply send me a note at banners@svhamstra.com with the single
word "Banner" in the subject line and I'll send all the details.
D.C. ANDERSON KEEPS BUSY WHILE
ON PHANTOM TOUR
Bistro Award winning singer/songwriter
D.C. Anderson is currently in San Francisco at the ORPHEUM THEATER as
Andre in Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. But, in spite
of this rigorous stage performance schedule, D.C. has been keeping busy
in other performances. A few weeks back he performed in the successful
HELP IS ON THE WAY benefit alongside musical theater and cabaret favorites
Meg Mackay, Elaine Stritch, Michelle Lee, Sean McDermott, Lisa Vroman,
Lucie Arnaz, and others raising close to $150,000 for San Francisco
AIDS charities. On Monday the 11th, he appeared in a solo sold-out show
at SADDLEBACK COLLEGE (28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA -
949-582-4656).
On Monday,
August 18th, at 7:30 pm at TEATRO ZINZANNI THEATRE (Pier 29 on The
Embarcadero at Battery, San Francisco, CA - 415-273-1620 - http://www.helpisontheway.org/
) D.C. is taking part with other cast members of PHANTOM in a special
benefit for The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation's "One Night Only Cabaret."
D.C. will
also be performing at THE PLUSH ROOM at the York Hotel (940 Sutter
Street, San Francisco, CA - 415-885-2800 - http://www.plushroom.com/)
on Monday August 25th at 8:00 pm, accompanied by musical director
David Robison. New collaborations with Elizabeth Doyle, Carol Hall
and Billy Philadelphia will be featured as well as songs from his
recently published songbook, currently available at Colony Music in
NYC and Hollywood Sheet Music in LA. Cover is $20.00 and there is
a 2-drink minimum.
Future projects
for D.C. include a four week run, Fridays in October at 9:00 pm, at
THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438
- http://www.theduplex.com/)
of a revue of his songs called NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH - directed by
Lennie Watts and featuring Lennie, Julie Reyburn and Rob Sutton. Musical
direction by Stephen Randoy, with bassist Ritt Henn.
FEINSTEIN'S NYC FALL SCHEDULE
ANNOUNCED
FEINSTEIN'S AT THE REGENCY
(540 Park Avenue, NYC - 1-212-339-4095 - http://www.feinsteinsattheregency.com/)
has announced their Fall 2003 Schedule. The room opens with Ronan Tynan
(September 23rdÆ27th), then Tony Danza (September 30thÆOctober 11th),
Michael Feinstein & Jimmy Webb with "Only One Life" (October 13thÆ18th)
and Crystal Gayle (October 21stÆ25th). Betty Buckley appears next (October
28thÆNovember 8th), followed by Cleo Laine & John Dankworth (November
11thÆ15th), Carole Bayer Sager (November 18thÆ22nd). Michael Feinstein
will present "The Great American Holiday Songbook" (November 24thÆDecember
27th - some dates skipped) and the year ends wile a Special New Year's
Eve Celebration With Michael Feinstein on December 31st. FEINSTEIN'S
AT THE REGENCY plays the following schedule: Tuesday through Saturday
at 8:30 pm with late shows on Friday and Saturday at 11:00 pm. Jackets
are suggested, but not required. See their website for more details,
cover charges, etc.
FAMOUS NYC CHILEAN RESTAURANT
OFFERS LIVE MUSIC & DANCE LESSON
Audrey Appleby will be performing
at POMAIRE (371 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-956-3055) on Thursday, August
21st with a Latin Dance lesson at 8:30 pm, followed by a vocal performance
at 9:15 pm. This is a new venture for this well known restaurant on
NY's famous Restaurant Row, the only Chilean restaurant in Manhattan,
with lovely Chilean wines, fresh seafood from Chile, and a variety of
other dishes. Audrey will be performing her original songs, accompanied
by her musical composer, Beledo. There is no cover or drink minimum,
but please make a reservation for the performance and dinner.
SPIDER SALOFF TO PREMIER SONG
BY STRAYHORN IN CHICAGO
Chicago jazz vocalist Spider
Saloff will perform the World Premiere of a Billy Strayhorn song given
to Saloff by The Strayhorn Estate. The previously un-performed beauty,
a ballad written in 1935, is entitled "So This Is Love" and will be
heard for the first time on Monday, September 22 at a special Strayhorn
concert at 7:00 pm in the STOREFRONT THEATER AT GALLERY 37, Center for
the Arts, (66 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL - 312-472-8497). The
event regarding the controversial life and venerable music of the of
the jazz composer is called "Inside the A Train: The Songs of Billy
Strayhorn" and will be presented by the cast of the syndicated radio
series "Words & Music," Spider Saloff, Bill Sheldon, and Jeremy Kahn.
CABARET CD SALE PAGES ADDED
FOR 2003-2004 TO WEBSITE
Here's another reason to be
a member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE: All members have the opportunity
to have their CDs available for sale via the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
website. SILVER MEMBERS can display one CD on their page, GOLD MEMBERS
and above can display up to four CDs (additional CDs - GOLD or above
members only - can be added, if requested, at $15 each). The CD FOR
SALE listing includes a special page under your name, displaying your
CD cover(s) and a link to a website of your choice where the CD may
be purchased. You can link to your own website, or to LML Music, CD
Baby, Amazon, or some other site.
This membership
benefit is by request, so if you already are a new member, please
let me know if you wish to be linked in this section of CABARET HOTLINE
ONLINE - see http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/MemberCDSales2002.shtml.
I need a copy of your CD or a jpg scan of the CD cover in order to
build the page.
SHOWS SEEN
One of the reasons why I went
to two issues of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE per week (at least on a test
basis) is that the single issues were getting so filled with listings
stuff, I had no room to mention shows seen and other items of interest.
This time I will cover several shows that I saw earlier this year, and
returned for a second visit.
Baby Jane Dexter invited me
to attend her show on Saturday, July 5th to kick off my BirthMonth celebration
a day early (she even provided chocolate cake and candle at my table).
I actually wish I had the time to attend a Baby Jane Dexter show every
week - she has been performing at THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher
Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438 - http://www.theduplex.com/)
on Saturdays at 9:00 pm for nearly 6 continuous months. She remains
one of my favorite cabaret performers, especially since, when you just
think she is about as great as she can be, she surprises you by being
even better in the next show. Now I realize that this is true even within
a run. Ms. Dexter, who works without a director or even a publicist,
has become one of the most popular cabaret singers worldwide, and it
is because she delivers the real cabaret experience in every performance.
Her current show titled, "Another Spring - (Then and Now)" has changed
a bit from when I first saw it when it had just opened. Baby Jane and
her fantastic musical director Ross Patterson, have honed it into a
finely-tuned yet totally relaxed hour of amazingly color-filled vocals
and striking and sometimes surprising arrangements. Ms. Dexter's unique
talent is the ability to get to the heart of every song, making it much
more accessible to the heart of the listener. Performer and musician
act as one - and every texture, every emotion, every nuance of what
is sung is communicated. A Baby Jane Dexter show is an unforgettable
experience. My only complaint is a personal one - one of my favorite
songs in the Dexter repertoire is one I heard her perform when she made
her return to cabaret at EIGHTY EIGHTS, so many years ago. It was "Forever
Young," and since it was my birthday eve, I was hoping she would do
it as an encore. Well, anyway, the chocolate cake was delicious.
Baby Jane
Dexter, along with Ross Patterson, continues at THE DUPLEX CABARET
THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438 - http://www.theduplex.com/)
on Saturdays at 9:00 pm, with remaining dates on August 16th, 23rd
& 30th. Like cabaret? You will love Baby Jane!
Natalie Douglas is appearing
in August at THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC
- 1-212-255-5438 - http://www.theduplex.com/)
every Sunday night at 7:00 pm, and if you haven't seen it yet, scurry
downtown to catch it - Ms. Douglas, after some very nasty medical problems
late last year and earlier this year is back, and better than ever.
The first time I saw the show, her regular musical director, Mark Hartman,
was at the piano. Because Mr. Hartman was making the cast CD of the
Broadway show "Avenue Q," where he serves as musical director, he was
not at the piano for this show. Instead, the equally fabulous Bobby
Peaco, called in at nearly the last minute, serve Ms. Douglas for this
performance. Teamed with Tony LaVorgna on alto sax and Steve Doyle on
bass, Mr. Peaco's insertion into the show was seamless. Occasionally
slipping into patter that strayed from the forward motion from the show,
Ms. Douglas was most entertaining, and her vocals were incredible. "Do
You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans" has a special meaning to
me, having returned from that city just a few days before. Of course,
I was in tears during her closing song, "His Eye Is On The Sparrow,"
one of my favorites. The show runs just a bit long, yet seemed to fly
by too quickly. Ms. Douglas makes it all seem so easy, yet you soon
realize that she actually crafts and fine tunes every phrase, and her
artistry is awe-inspiring.
Natalie Douglas
will be appearing at THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street,
NYC - 1-212-255-5438 - http://www.theduplex.com/)
on Sundays at 7:00 pm through August, with remaining dates on August
17th, 24th & 31st. I've seen this show twice - you are urged to see
it at least once.
I saw Susan Neuffer's show,
simply titled "Songs" at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC
- 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/)
several months ago, but didn't have a chance at that time to write much
about it. I saw it a second time in July, and am just a tad glad I waited.
Directed by Lisa Asher, with musical direction by Gerry Dieffenbach,
the show tells the story of Ms. Neuffer's childhood, growing up in Brooklyn
across the street of the original VITAGRAPH movie studios, first relating
stories of the stars of the old silent and sound movies recorded there
before she came on the scene, and then moving on to the era when the
structure became a television studio where NBC produced variety and
other shows there. She tells very interesting stories of both the old-time
stars she only heard about from her mother, and the stars she waited
with her friends to appear as the entered and left for the TV productions.
The result is an entertaining, and nostalgic hour of memory and song
about a star-struck little girl who remains a loyal fan to the movie
and TV personalities of yore. What Ms. Neuffer occasionally lacks vocally,
she more than makes up for in heart and sincerity.
I don't know
right now if Ms. Neuffer plans to return with this show for one more
run this year, but if you enjoy cabaret with heart, and one that will
stir your own memories of your childhood experiences and dreams, this
is one to catch.
Sometimes
I skip over writing about a show because I realize that it is more
of a "work in progress" than a final cabaret show, and such was the
case when I saw Ronit Ray's "Altar Ego" show last year at DON'T TELL
MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/).
On its last outing I was a bit distracted by the props and costume
changes, often interrupting the show with unnecessary action and delay.
This time out all the little bugs seemed to be fixed, and I could
enjoy the show for its songs and story. "Altar Ego" is a theatrical
type cabaret show, and tells the story of a gal who carries her wish
to be married just one step too far: she buys her own engagement ring,
shops for a wedding dress and attempts to sign up for a gift registry,
even though she does not have a boyfriend yet. The show abounds with
delightful song parodies, original songs and a few standards creating
an entertaining story. The show is written by Ms. Ray, and directed
by Cheryl Stern with musical direction & arrangements by Charles Alterman.
The costume changes are quick, as Ms. Ray moves through her tale of
wish and woe to a very satisfying and explosive ending. Her vocals
are impeccable, never missing a beat as she often has to scurry around
the stage, grabbing a prop or talking to an off-stage character as
she introduces "Bachelors #1, #2 & #3.
I don't know
when Ms. Ray plans to present "Altar Ego" in cabaret again - I sort
of suspect that she has larger plans for this show. But I shall be
on the lookout and will pass along the word if it reappears. I know
you will like it.
There will be more cabaret
mini-reviews in the next Mid-Week issue of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
newsletter. I have also been collecting them for a special section of
the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/
) where I can expand on my comments and include a photo when possible.
I will also be adding several that will not appear in the e-mail CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE issues. I'll let you know when they are posted.
MAC BOARD CHANGES DISCUSSED
ON MESSAGE BOARD
Our "scoop" on the new President
and Vice Presidents of the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets &
Clubs - http://www.macnyc.com/)
Board of Directors has generated a lively discussion on the CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE Message Board - you might want to take a look.
Remember,
anyone, anywhere, can post a message - including information about
you show, your CDs, other cabaret-related event or anything else you
want to share about cabaret. You don't have to be a member of CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE, you don't have to fill out an application form, you
don't have to give a DNA sample, you don't need to remember one of
those dreaded passwords. All you need to do is follow the rules -
clearly posted on the board - before you make a posting. Please use
your real name. I will remove your message if I deem it inappropriate.
Fully 70% of visitors to the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/)
visit the MESSAGE BOARD.
I've been
sort of proud of the way that posters have been following the rules
of the message board these past few months. A while back I had to
put a "lock" on the board while I was away from my computer because
there were a few rather bitter folks intent on hurting cabaret, attempting
to create divisiveness or defaming others, rather than respecting
the purpose of the message board - and the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
website overall. Those pesky anonymous posters, rumormongers and hate-spreaders
apparently have been driven elsewhere to do their mischief. Bravo
and Brava, readers!
100 MEMBERSHIP CARDS MAILED
OUT - MORE TO FOLLOW
Your membership takes on extra
value this year, when you receive your CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE Membership
Card (We will be sending another 50 cards over the weekend). You can
use the for discounts on select shows around the country, and other
discount offers for cabaret related items. And any show that offers
a discount to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members will now be included in
a special new section the MONDAY issue of the newsletter and will also
be listed on the special MEMBER DEALS page in the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/MembersOnly.shtml).
To be eligible
for a listing in this section and on the website, you must send me
your flier and/or other promotional material showing the discount
offer. I will use that information for the website and newsletter
listing. Please confirm that you have sent me the material with an
e-mail reminder so I can watch for it. Be sure you check with the
venue where your show is being performed, to make sure that these
discounts are permitted.
Another deal:
If you place a banner ad on the website, and also offer a show discount
to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members, you can take a 10% PayPal payment
discount instead of the current 5% on your banner ad payment, if the
total cost of your ad is over $100. This is in addition to any rebate
or discount you might be entitled to.
CABARET NEWS ON THE WEBSITE
Information about other shows
around the country and around the world can be found on the BREAKING
NEWS page of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/
). Here are items posted in just the past week.
* "The Golden
Girls: LIVE!" at ROSE'S TURN - posted 08/13/03
* THE BOY FROM OZ" IS BACK IN TOWN - posted 08/13/03
* Kevin Smith Kirkwood in "It's Me Baby, It's Kevin" at Rose's Turn
- posted 08/13/03
* SPIDER SALOFF TO PREMIER SONG BY STRAYHORN - posted 08/12/03
* Ninon Rogers in LOST & FOUND at DANNY'S - posted 08/12/03
* COULTER & MODERN MAN CDs CHOSEN FOR NEXT SIEGEL CD EVENT - posted
08/12/03
* Chris Barrett Debuts New Show at DILLON'S - posted 08/12/03
* CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE #030802 - Part 1 - Monday, August 11, 2003
- posted 08/12/03
* Billy Stritch at King Kong Room - posted 08/12/03
* "The Next Big Broadway Musical!" Extends at Mamas Through August
22nd! - posted 08/09/03
* Karen Mason performs Film Songs at KING KONG ROOM - posted 08/09/03
* MARIA FRIEDMAN MAKES AMERICAN DEBUT AT THE CAFE CARLYLE - posted
08/09/03
* 'Naked Boy' Cabaret Newcomer is Clothed For His Divas - posted 08/09/03
* CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE #030801 - Part 2 - Thursday, August 7, 2003
- posted 08/09/03
* CHICAGO REVIEW: Pamela Sue Fox at DAVENPORT'S - posted 08/08/03
* CHICAGO REVIEW: The Boofont Sisters at DAVENPORT'S - posted 08/08/03
* SHAYNEE RAINBOLT RETURNS TO COSMOPOLITAN CAFE - posted 08/08/03
* BARBARA FASANO IN "FIELDS OF GOLD" AT DUPLEX - posted 08/08/03
* Cy Coleman and Special Guest Lillias White in Chicago Festival -
posted 08/08/03
* MARIEANN MERINGOLO RELEASES NEW CD AT JOE'S PUB - posted 08/08/03
* KLEA BLACKHURSTIN PLUSH ROOM DEBUT - posted 08/08/03
* Ricky Ian Gordon in Concert at THE DUPLEX - posted 08/08/03
* COMBO FIASCO RELEASES THIRD CD - ILLEGAL HARMONIES - posted 08/08/03
* Hilary Kole & Elyse Spies in "Sister Act!" At King Kong Room - posted
08/08/03
* 2004 "BROADWAY BY THE YEAR" SHOW LINEUP ANNOUNCED - posted 08/08/03
* Stacy Lee Tilton appearing at The Players Theatre, Long Beach, CA
- posted 08/08/03
* CCP 2003 Gala Celebrates 100 Years of American Popular Song - posted
08/08/03
* Betsyann Faiella Returns to NYC With Sinatra Tribute - posted 08/08/03
How do you get an
item posted in the BREAKING NEWS section of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/
)? Just e-mail me a press release of at least four paragraphs, giving
the complete information on your show, CD release or other cabaret
related event. Include photos in jpg or gif format if available.
Please send
me complete information - and do not merely e-mail me a copy of your
flier or a reference to a website. With two newsletters going out
a week, I don't have enough time to look these things up, and often
have to simply toss out incomplete items. By the way, I usually trim
quotes from reviews from the press releases I receive before using
the item on my website or in the newsletter, so don't count them when
putting together the four or more paragraphs.
IT'S TIME TO GO - MORE ON
MONDAY
Guess what? No cabaret shows
for me tonight, now that Seth Rudetsky cancelled his show. In fact,
the month of August has been a light cabaret month for me. In the past
I have been known to attend 2 or 3 shows a night, as many as 20 shows
a week, 500 or so a year - until I discovered this past year that there
is life beyond cabaret! And taking one or two nights off from cabaret
each week, and seeing only one or two shows a night, has permitted me
to appreciate the shows I do see that much more. For a while there I
was seeing so many shows that they all became a blur. I am becoming
far more selective, and consequently I do not experience "cabaret burn-out"
that often - a malady that strikes when you see too many bad shows in
a row.
In the 2003-2004
membership year, I want to make an effort to get "out of town" at
least once a month to see a show or venue in another city - something
that I decided on my recent most satisfying trip to New Orleans. I
want to go to Atlanta, and see what LIBBY'S CABARET is all about.
I want to go back to Boston a few more times, and check out cabaret
again in Los Angeles and San Francisco (its been a few years). I want
to see what's happening in Hartford, Dallas/Houston, Palm Beach, Washington
DC, and maybe even Australia and London. I want to finally get that
video camera I have been wishing for, upgrade my web account to permit
video and/or audio streaming, replace my aging G3 MAC with one of
those new G5 models. I want to get an iPod and upload all my cabaret
CDs - especially the ones listed for sale on my website, and write
a short review on each. I want CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE to not just
be a great cabaret website and newsletter, not just the best cabaret
website and newsletter: I want to make this the biggest, mostest,
bestest source where cabaret performers can get information, promote
their activities and be encouraged to continue in one of the most
difficult performance mediums in the world.
You know,
somehow in my heart, I feel this will all be made possible in the
coming 12 months or so. I will have to work harder, write more, sell
more banner ads and encourage more folks to support this work through
their membership donations. But I know it will happen.
A few years
back a well known cabaret songwriter and a well known motivational
speaker (with experience in cabaret), a loving sister and a book recommended
by a well known TV personality (which one of them sent me), gave me
the courage and self-confidence (and faith) to retire from the 9-to-5
routine, sign up for social security, and write about cabaret full
time. There have been days where I actually prayed that a banner ad
check would come in to help pay my phone or DSL bill - I'm sure just
about every one of you have had that experience. For example, just
yesterday a banner ad check arrived that replaced the funds I had
to spend to replace my worn-our cell phone. It has been that way since
I started this project!
I hope a
lot of you will sign on as CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members this year,
The first year we tried this we almost hit 300 members, and this past
year we passed the 350 member mark (nearly a 20% increase). A similar
increase this year would bring us over 400 members. Personally, I
am hoping for more than 500 members - dare I hope for 1,000? - enabling
us to provide even more services, get around to more cities and even
finally be able to compensate some of the folks who have been writing
reviews and assisting in the website work - and maybe attract more
writers to contribute material, news and reviews.
But most
of all, your membership donation is a way for you to encourage me
in my efforts to promote the art of cabaret, and support this newsletter
and the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/
). Your continued support is truly appreciated!
And that
is just about the way it was.
Hugs & Stuff,
STU
Event listings
are provided for the information of users only. They are not provided
with the intention that users rely upon the information therein for
any purposes. Accordingly, Cabaret Hotline Online, and/or Stuart V.
Hamstra shall under no circumstances be liable for any loss or damage,
including but not limited to loss of profits, goodwill or indirect
or consequential loss arising out of any use of or inaccuracies in
this information. All warranties express or implied are excluded to
the fullest extent permissible by law.
Back
to Late News Index Page
Back
to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE Home Page
 If
you would like to receive a free e-mail subscription to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE,
please e-mail cabarethotline@svhamstra.com
and place the single word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Note:
Your subscription will be sent to the e-mail address you subscribe from - and
please include your real name along with the city where you live.
NOW
YOU CAN JOIN CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE!
|
