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CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
#030904 - MIDWEEK - Friday, September 11, 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. 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
plus listings of shows offering discounts to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
members. This "MID-WEEK" issue covers other news, late breaking stories
and notes on shows seen. In recognition of the memories of September
11, 2001, this issue is published on a Friday, rather than the normal
Thursday publication day.
First off, a quick note to AOL readers who received the Monday issue
as an attachment instead of a text message: It's my fault - the issue
ran very long. AOL automatically compresses long messages and sends
them to the recipient as an attachment - and I really never know exactly
what size triggers this action. For those who have difficulty opening
attachments, the issue is posted on my website in the ARCHIVES area.
If you wish me to re-send it to you in two sections, let me know. Meantime,
I am trying to figure out how to send all the news and listings in a
shorter format - I certainly don't want to go to 3 issues a week!
Not for the above reason, but because suddenly work has piled up here,
this will be a "shorter than usual" issue. I suddenly have eight or
nine important BREAKING NEWS items to add to the website later today,
and a number of photos to scan as well. I guess part of the problem
is that I actually took a "day off" yesterday - I answered a few e-mails,
but otherwise did no website work at all. Also, there are six brand
new banners going up on the website this weekend - this will bring us
very close to our limit of 20 banners. Thanks folks for supporting CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE through your banner ads. I will do my very best to support
your show in return. There will be a rundown of all the shows and events
advertising on the website in the MONDAY issue on September 15th. And
to help catch up with my work, I am taking a few nights off from cabaret
- at least until Sunday.
I was a bit overwhelmed by the large number of e-mails I received over
the past few days expressing the thoughts of cabaret folks around the
world regarding the events of September 11, and its second anniversary.
If there is one thing I have discovered about cabaret fans it is their
compassion and love for people. As planned, I spent much of the day
in quiet contemplation - and I think this was most helpful in my own
journey to "move on." Finally, around 6:00 pm I shrugged off my "blues"
and headed into Manhattan for a cabaret show. It was just the "therapy"
I needed. I have always believed that within any tragedy in our lives
lies the seed for renewed growth and knowledge. As I have often written,
if it weren't for the valleys, the mountaintops would not be around.
Once again, my thoughts and prayers go out to those who were personally
hurt by the events two years ago. For many it meant the loss of a loved
one. For others it has meant the loss of a job, the loss of a business,
the loss of a living space, the loss of a feeling of security. New York
City has still not recovered fully economically from the event, lagging
behind the rest of the country that appears to be entering a new boom
times. Hopefully we here will soon turn that corner towards full recovery.
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! 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. We passed
the 250 mark, and are heading for 300.
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.
ITEMS OF NOTE - SORT OF ORGANIZED BY DATE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EILEEN FULTON
She sent me an invitation to her show, and let me know her real age,
but I'm not ready to believe that number - it must have been a type
because I had figured her age as at least 10 to 15 years younger. She
has a show tonight at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788
- http://www.donttellmama.com/)
at 9:00 pm, as well as next Friday night, September 19th. Ms. Fulton
is amazing in that she changes her show each time around, learning new
lyrics, preparing new patter, as a tribute to the faithfulness of her
fans. As she told me a while back: "They keep coming to my shows again
and again, so I feel I have to give them something new in each show."
If I ever reach the age she told me she was, I hope I will be a sharp
and feisty as this delightful, multi-talented performer (who also has
written a few books and appeared in feature films!). But check this
out on your own. The show tonight marks the birthday - with the show
next week and added treat. She will be backed by The Vincent Martucci
Trio. Cover is $20 plus a 2-drink minimum. You can read all about her
on her website at http://www.eileenfulton.com/.
DAVID BERKOVITCH IS "MUFTEE" GUEST AT STABLES THIS WEEKEND
"MufTee: Casual Cabaret" with Hayden Tee features guests from theater
& cabaret at 11:00 pm on Fridays & Saturdays at STABLES THEATRE (10
Nimrod Street, Kings Cross, Sydney - Tel: 9250-7799). This weekend,
September 12th & 13th, West-End star David Berkovitch is special guest.
MufTee will also be playing host to its second open mic event, allowing
performers to get up and sing a song. "Muff-Tee" provides a unique meshing
of cabaret performance with special guests and audience interplay, and
is in its fourth month.
"EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW" FEATURES ELLA - The Earlier Recordings
On this coming Sunday, September 14th, 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), host David Kenney will feature the
music of Ella Fitzgerald - The Earlier Recordings 1938-1955. Some of
the songs from her career that you will hear: "Stairway To The Stars"
(Matt Malneck/Mitchell Parish/Frank Signorelli), "Oh, Lady Be Good"
with Bob Haggart and his Orchestra, "My One And Only Love" from August
5th, 1955 and, of course "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" with Chick Webb and his
Orchestra, recorded May 2nd, 1938. David will play four renditions of
"(Mr. Paganini) You'll Have To Swing It" written by Sam Coslow, with
performances by Martha Raye, Ella Fitzgerald and 2 brand new recordings
by Patti Austin and Ann Hampton Callaway. Plus lots more! 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/
.
CABARET RETURNS TO HACKENSACK, NJ! - FIRST SHOW TONIGHT!
Made famous in the song "I Happen to Like New York," Cabaret will come
once again to Hackensack, NJ as Boulevard East Productions, in association
with THE HACKENSACK CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (39 Broadway, Hackensack, NJ
- 201-487-5518), presents their second annual cabaret series. The series
will take place over three Fridays in September, the 12th, 19th and
26th. Admission for all shows is $12 with a senior discount. The bill
for September 12th boasts two vocalists, Brent Winborn, offering a sampling
of his recent hit show "Welcome to the 60s," and Page Sampson, who will
be performing from "Braving the Elements," her most recent show which
just concluded an acclaimed run at DON'T TELL MAMA. On September 19th,
Eddie Bruce salutes two entertainment icons: Anthony Newley and Tony
Bennett, in his show, "Eddie and the Tonys." The series closes on September
26th with The Decibelles, four gals in 4-Part harmony, opening for singer
Joan Crowe, who presents a salute to great women songwriters of the
20th Century in "Women of Note."
MAMA ROSE'S OPENS SEPTEMBER 15th
New York City's newest cabaret venue, MAMA ROSE'S (219 Second Avenue,
NYC - 212-533-0558 - http://www.mamaroses.net/)
will be opening on Monday, September 15th with a special performance
of Mark Nadler and KT Sullivan in "The Melody Lingers On: Irving Berlin's
American Dream." The show will be repeated on Tuesday, the 16th - both
shows at 7:00 pm. There is a $30.00 cover & 2-drink minimum. You might
want to check the new MAMA ROSE'S website (http://www.mamaroses.net/)
for their full September schedule, to be posted in a day or two.
MARLENE VERPLANCK AT CHEZ SUZETTE
Here's news of a great treat. One of the finest jazz vocalists in the
NYC area, Marlene VerPlanck, will be performing this week Wednesday,
September 17th at CHEZ SUZETTE (675B Ninth Avenue, NYC - 1-212-974-9002
- http://www.chezsuzettenyc.com/),
with two shows, at 8:30 & 10:30 pm. Be sure to call for reservations
to this one, folks. Ms. VerPlanck's fans are numerous and her NYC appearances
are rare.
JACK DONAHUE AT REGATTABAR
To all my friends in Boston, take note: Worcester, MA native Jack Donahue
will make his Boston-area cabaret debut on Wednesday, September 17th
at 8:30 pm at REGATTABAR in the Charles Hotel (One Bennett Street, Cambridge,
MA - 617-876-7777). Tickets are $12, and reservations are recommended.
This year Jack recorded his second CD, "Strange Weather," produced by
New York Voices' Peter Eldridge and with accompaniment by Fred Hersch,
Loston Harris, Andy Ezrin, David Finck, and Ben Wittman. The disc features
songs by Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, and Hoagy Carmichael.
If you want to see great practitioner of how to "set up" a song, and
hear some great vocals (and even have a few laughs), this is the young
man to see!
CHICAGO HUMANITIES FESTIVAL SALUTES CY COLEMAN
For its annual celebration of living composers, the Chicago Humanities
Festival will present Cy Coleman at a special pre-Festival evening of
music and merriment on Thursday, September 18th at 7:00 pm at the MERLE
RESKIN THEATRE (60 East Balbo Avenue, Chicago, IL - 312-922-1999). Michael
Phillips, Chicago Tribune theater critic, will interview Mr. Coleman
on stage, followed by acclaimed Chicago singers performing hits from
Coleman musicals. Also appearing on stage is Broadway star Lillias White.
She is the quadruple winner of the 1997 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award,
Outer Critics Award and the People's Choice Award for Best Featured
Actress in a Musical for her performance as Sonja in Coleman's THE LIFE.
ASCAP Assistant Vice President, Michael Kerker is producer and emcee
for the evening. Tickets are $75, $40, and $10 per person. There are
also a limited number of free tickets for students and teachers.
CONCERT CELEBRATES AUSTRALIAN PERFORMERS
THE YORK THEATRE at Saint Peter's Church (619 Lexington Avenue, NYC,
Entrance on 54th - 212-935-5820 ext. 25 - http://www.yorktheatre.org/)
(James Morgan, Artistic Director, Louis Chiodo, Consulting Managing
Director), will present a celebration of new theatrical talent from
Australia on Saturday, September 20th, at 8:00 pm. The concert will
feature singers Simon Gleeson, Natalie OäDonnell and Deone Zanotto,
dancers Ashley Warren and Adam Williams. Music Director is Luke Hunter.
All have significant credits in Australia, and none have appeared previously
in the United States. Tickets for the event are $45, $75 and $150 (the
last two include priority seating and a reception following the performance).
ONE NIGHT STANDS AT MAMA ROSE'S
MAMA ROSE'S (219 Second Avenue, NYC - 212-533-0558 - http://www.mamaroses.net/)
presents a week of "One Night Stands" featuring 6 nights of one-time-only
events. Some of cabaret's hottest performers bring back some of their
most popular shows. All shows are at 9:30 pm, with a $15 cover, 2-drink
minimum. The reservation phone number is open 24-hours.
On Sunday, September 21st, Julie Reyburn presents "Fate Is Kind," her
multiple award winning debut! On Monday September 22nd, Jay Rogers presents
"Reheated," a grab bag of his hits! On Tuesday, September 23rd, Lina
Koutrakos and Dick Gallagher do bits and pieces of every cabaret show
they ever did! On Wednesday September 24th, Michael Vaccaro presents
"Child Of The 70's." On Thursday, September 25th, Jenifer Kruskamp presents
an evening of music in a rare cabaret performance. On Friday September
26th, Eric Michael Gillett presents "Cast Of Thousands" his critically
acclaimed Craig Carnelia show!
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
22nd 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.
The sample of the new Strayhorn song just went up online. To listen
check out http://www.jerryjazzmusician.com/.
BOSTON CABARET MEMBERSHIP MEETING SEPTEMBER 22nd
The Annual BACA (Boston Association of Cabaret Artists - http://www.bostoncabaret.org/)
Open House will be held on Monday, September 22nd at MAGGIANO'S LITTLE
ITALY (4 Columbus Ave, Park Square, Boston, MA). This will give folks
a chance to meet the officers, celebrate, chat, and join the organization.
More details on the BACA Website.
MAC MEMBERSHIP MEETING SEPTEMBER 22nd
MAC will hold its 2003 membership meeting on Monday evening, September
22nd, at 6:00 pm, at THE CHURCH OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE (59th Street
& Columbus Avenue, NYC). You will have an opportunity to meet your new
board members and officers, and talk about plans for the coming year.
Refreshments will be served.
JOHNNY MERCER CD RELEASE EVENT AT KING KONG ROOM
The "Johnny Mercer Jamboree" CD release event, originally announced
for September 15th has been changed to September 22nd, at 10:00 pm at
KING KONG ROOM at the Supper Club (240 West 47th Street, NYC - 1-212-921-1904
- http://www.KingKongRoom.com/)
as part of Jim Caruso's CAST PARTY night. The CD is a recording of the
hit musical revue originally produced as part of The Chip Deffaa Invitational
Theater Festival (Fall, 2002). Guest performers expected to appear are
musical director and arranger of the event, Tex Arnold, Keith Anderson,
Bobby Belfry, Paul Bernhardt, Joyce Breach, Carolyn Montgomery, Wendy
Porter, Diane Schwartz and Christine Zino. The new CD, which has been
recorded by Original Cast Records, is hitting stores now, with 4 bonus
songs besides the 14 featured in the show. The CD may be purchased at
such leading stores as Tower, Footlight, and Colony OR via the Original
Cast Records website, at http://www.originalcastrecords.com/.
JULIE WILSON JOINS CHICAGO CABARET PROFESSIONALS "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). Special guest at
the event will be Julie Wilson. Cocktails at 6:00 pm, and showtime is
7:00 pm. See the CCP website for details. Tickets are $50.
"JUDY & ME" CAST IN BENEFIT AT DILLON'S
JP Productions producer Joseph John, of the hit cabaret play "Judy And
Me," is producing a one-night benefit show called "Searching For Aurora
- Dewing What We Can to Benefit Our Everyday Goddesses" at DILLON'S
(245 West 54th Street, NYC - RESV: 718-672-6714) on Monday, September
29th at 8:00 pm. The show will feature performers from the show "Judy
and Me" and singers from around New York City. The night will benefit
The Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative. There will be a $15.00
cover charge which will directly donated to the cause, and there is
also a $10.00 food/drink minimum. Cash only, no credit cards.
CABARET BENEFIT FOR 'ARTSPEAK' IN DC
The Washington DC area's award winning arts education program, ArtSpeak!,
will kick off its new season with a benefit dinner and concert featuring
Alice Ripley on Monday, September 29th, at 7:00 pm at MIMI'S (2120 P
Street NW, Washington, DC - 202-464-6464). Alice Ripley will be performing
an acoustic set featuring her own music from her album "Everything's
Fine." She will be joined on stage by a variety of guest artists. Tickets
for the benefit are $35, and include cocktails, dinner, dessert with
champagne, and the concert.
FIREBIRD CAFE REOPENS OCTOBER 2nd
THE FIREBIRD CAFE (363 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-586-0244 - http://www.firebirdrestaurant.com/)
will open its fall season on Thursday, October 2nd, presenting the New
York premiere of "Croon," starring Gregory Moore and Lana Rein. "Croon"
will be the featured attraction at Cafe through November 2nd, with shows
at 9:00 pm, Thursdays through Saturdays and 7:00 pm on Sundays. There
is a $25 cover charge, no minimum food/beverage charge.
DID YOU FORGET?
Frankly, I am a bit surprised that so many folks have not joined as
a member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE this year. I have tried to make the
membership as inexpensive as possible, and this year there are more
benefits than ever - including discounts on selected cabaret shows.
And if $20 is too much, there is even a way to join for free! (If you
hurry - see next item.) If you find these messages and the information
and news on the website of value, then I hope you will consider becoming
a member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, since I depend on your membership
donations and banner ads to make this service possible. Our new membership
year began on July 6th for the 2003-2004 year. 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.), or become a sponsoring member at higher
levels.
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 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.
JUST ONE "FREE" MEMBERSHIP LEFT
Can't afford the membership fee? Two generous folks have come forward
with two small donations to be used to give a SILVER membership to at
least 6 subscribers, so if you are someone experiencing hard times right
now, drop me a note. Five persons have taken advantage of this offer
so far, so just one "free" membership remains. Your "free" 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.
It has to be first-come, first-served, so let me know right away if
you feel you need to take advantage of this offer. All will be in confidence
- the persons making the donations do not even wish to know your name.
And if, later this membership year, you can afford the membership, you
can make the donation to make it possible for us to offer someone else
a free membership.
SHOWS SEEN
One of the reasons why I went to two issues of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
per week 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.
P.J. NELSON IN THE CABARET ROOM AT ST. CLEMENTS
When you see someone make their cabaret debut, and that person presents
a nearly perfect cabaret show, it is indeed a pleasure. And when that
same great show is accompanied by spectacular performance and consistently
soul-stirring vocals, it is truly an event to shout about to the rooftops.
Hear me shout. Pamela Jane (PJ) Nelson is giving such a performance
in The Cabaret Room at ST. CLEMENTS (423 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-246-7277
Ext. 29) every Sunday evening, through September 28th in her show "World
Take Me Back." I know I am going to have a problem in the next several
sentences to find enough superlatives to describe this show. Ms. Nelson
is a Broadway veteran, with a career that spans over 30 years. She appeared
in the 1978 revival of "Hello, Dolly!" with Carol Channing, as well
as in "The Music Man" with Dick Van Dyke. However, her career was cut
short 12 years ago when she broke her leg, and, as she explains in the
show, endured several operations, wore out a few wheelchairs, several
sets of crutches, and about as many canes on her road to the cabaret
room in this arts-supporting church's basement, one block over from
Restaurant Row. With a very talented friend, Darryl Curry, as musical
director, and the very experienced Carolyn Montgomery as director, the
show is all about Ms. Nelson's return to performing. Never dwelling
on the tragic, always looking forward, Ms. Nelson's show is really about
her amazing life, illustrating the triumph of the spirit. Working without
microphone in a room with brick and plaster walls, she quickly overcomes
the acoustic shortcomings of the space and uses the natural echo of
the room to her advantage. One soon discovers that PJ is not one to
be pitied, and she wants no pity. She is someone who enjoys music, enjoys
singing, enjoys performing and, after such a long absence, wants to
share her joy with an audience. You come away from the show knowing
you have just met a great talent, and have just been totally and unequivocally
entertained. I just loved this show - and have come to love this lady.
P.J. Nelson is appearing in The Cabaret Room at ST. CLEMENTS (423 West
46th Street, NYC - 212-246-7277 Ext. 29) every Sunday evening, through
September 28th at 6:00 pm. I urge you to walk just one block past the
other 46th Street cabaret rooms this Sunday evening, and catch this
amazingly talented woman demonstrate her craft. You will find her vocals
awesome.
CHUCK SWEENEY AS PEGGY LEE AT DON'T TELL MAMA
Chuck Sweeney is currently appearing at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th
Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/)
on Saturday nights at 11:00 pm, performing his super-slick impersonation
of the legendary Peggy Lee. Chuck has been doing this comedy impersonation
for several years now, and every performance he seems to hone in on
the character of Ms. Lee even more. Most of the show is simply pure
fun, with little side bits and comments that will cause even the most
die-hard Lee fans to howl with delight. But in this show there are a
few moments when one is taken aback by Mr. Sweeneys ability to give
depth and feeling to his portrayal, to the point that one is once again
touched by the talent and presence of this recently departed singer/songwriter/legend.
Sweeney also has the assistance of the amazing David Maiocco at the
piano, giving depth and freshness to the familiar Lee classics, and
once again supporting a performer with fantastic arrangements, and even
adding a vocal backup here and there, and joining in a cleverly humorous
duet. Mr. Sweeney invites a guest performer each week, and the night
I was there his guest was award-winning comic Nancy Witter. Ms. Witter,
after a very funny stand-up set, actually joined "Peggy" in a vocal
duet! Who knew Nancy could sing? Try to catch the amazing (and very
funny) Mr. Sweeney in this full length show. You certainly will have
a good time.
Chuck Sweeney is appearing as "Miss Peggy Lee: In Concert" at DON'T
TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/)
on Saturday nights in September, with remaining shows on the 13th, 20th
and 27th. There is a $15 cover, 2-drink minimum.
PETER BORZOTTA AT DON'T TELL MAMA
I can't believe it has been three years since I last saw Peter Borzotta's
one-man show "Here's To Us!" Mr. Borzotta, who wrote the show, returned
to DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/)
for three nights only on September 8th, 9th & 10th. In the show, Peter
takes three roles, Frank (aspiring but not-so-swift Broadway actor/caterwaiter),
Mary (also an aspiring, self-possessed Broadway actress) and Brock (hustler,
porn-star aspiring Broadway actor/dancer). Opening with each character
having their Broadway audition, the story jumps to two years later,
and finally to an opening night party three years later, where all three
characters finally cross paths and, while sipping cocktails at the bar,
relate their own view of Broadway life and their futures. Mr. Borzotta
has created these characters from people he has met during his extensive
career as a performer, actor, and in the many non-acting jobs over the
years. In less than an hour, through brilliant acting and some very
carefully designed but quick costume changes, all three personalities
are brought to life. Except for the appearance of Steve Potfora as the
audition pianist in the opening scene, Mr. Borzotta does the show solo,
without microphone, with masterful precision. It is an amazing demonstration
of comedy writing and acting. In the three years since I originally
saw this theater piece, Mr. Borzotta, along with his director Michael
Potfora, has honed it into a near-perfect show. It is truly a masterpiece.
One can only hope that we don't have to wait three more years to see
this amazing piece of cabaret theater.
JOHN DE MARCO AT DANNY'S SKYLIGHT ROOM
From the very first note that comes from his lips, to the very last
note of the very last song, one is impressed with the beautiful vocals
of John De Marco. On top of that, Mr. De Marco makes it look all so
very easy, as he goes from song to song with such ease and polish. In
his new show, "Pure and Simple" at currently playing at DANNY'S SKYLIGHT
ROOM (342 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-265-8133 - http://www.dannysgrandseapalace.com/),
John has sought out two other stellar vocal talent to join him, Brandon
Cutrell and Jackie Fornatale. And he has wisely chosen as his musical
director Daryl Kojak, who arranges songs in the same easygoing style.
Mr. De Marco has chosen a rather strange list of songs for this show,
with most songs unrelated to each other except through his superb singing
of them. A song by George Michael ("Kissing a Fool") follows the Gershwin/Duke
tune "I Can't Get Started," and proceeds Van Morrison's "Moondance."
Jerry Herman, Frank Wildhorn, the Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder and Neil Sedaka
are also represented. The vocals of all three performers, and the arrangements
of Mr. Kojak, carried the show along with a freewheeling style that
indeed was "Pure and Simple." If there was a shortcoming to the show,
it was the fact that it simply was not a cabaret show - just a collection
of songs sung very, very well. There was no real connection made between
performer and material most of the time, and no real connection was
made between performer and audience, as is normal for cabaret. So, I
felt just a little cheated. I would love to get to know Mr. De Marco
more - I hear he has an interesting bunch of stories to tell, having
been a child performer for several years alongside people like Leslie
Uggams, Bobby Darren and Connie Francis, as well as the lead singer
in the Folies Bergere in Paris for three years, then returning to the
States to work in the Las Vegas version of Folies at the Tropicana for
several more. What a wealth of material for a wonderful cabaret show
- but never a whisper of those years are found here.
John De Marco show, "Pure & Simple" continues at DANNY'S SKYLIGHT ROOM
(342 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-265-8133 - http://www.dannysgrandseapalace.com/)
for two more performances, Tuesday & Wednesday, September 23rd & 24th,
both shows at 9:15 pm. There is a $15 cover, $10 food/drink minimum.
Dinner/show package is available for $42.50. If you love great vocals
(and you can count me in on that one) here is where you can find them.
If you are looking for cabaret, catch this show and encourage John to
give us cabaret in next show.
There will be more cabaret mini-reviews in the next Mid-Week issue of
the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE newsletter.
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 few days.
* CHICAGO REVIEW: Ty Perry at DAVENPORT'S - posted 09/10/03
* CHICAGO REVIEW: Kat' Taylor at DAVENPORT'S - posted 09/10/03
* CHICAGO REVIEW: Mark Burnell and Anne Pringle at DAVENPORT'S - posted
09/10/03
* REYBURN & JANAS PERFORM "FATE IS KIND" FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY - posted
09/09/03
* D.C. ANDERSON REVUE "NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH" - posted 09/09/03
* "LARRY'S LUAU LOVE LOUNGE" AT KING KONG ROOM - posted 09/09/03
* JERRY WICHINSKY RETURNS TO DANNY'S - posted 09/09/03
* JUDY BARNETT LAUNCHES NEW CD AT DILLON'S - posted 09/09/03
* CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE #030903 - Monday, September 8, 2003 - posted
09/08/03
* Barbara Lowin Sings "Everything I Love" at DANNY'S - posted 09/08/03
* Flynn "Dances with Pitchforks" Once More - posted 09/08/03
* STEVEN LUTVAK AT THE MANOR IN SEPTEMBER - posted 09/07/03
* Peggy Herman Celebrates Release of New CD, "Mercer and more..." -
posted 09/07/03
* Stacey Kent at Algonquin's Oak Room With New CD - posted 09/06/03
* "ROCK 2: THE NEW ROCK ALBERS SHOW" AT DUPLEX - posted 09/06/03
* Moira Danis' "Double Rainbow" Returns to Mama's - posted 09/06/03
* Lynne Robinson Wants To Sing "More Than 16 Bars!!" - posted 09/06/03
* "A Slice O' Minnelli" Encores at THE DUPLEX!! - posted 09/06/03
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.
DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU
BANNER AD spaces on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website selling our fast
for September & October - especially around the time of the October
Cabaret Convention here in NYC. I have just 1 or 2 spaces left for several
of those weeks. 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. 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! 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. 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.
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.
CABARET THIS 'N THAT
Kristopher McDowell has just closed a successful run of over thirty
performances as "Billy Lawlor" in 42nd STREET having played in both
Sacramento and Modesto California, produced by The Gallo Family's of
Sonoma.
Raquel Bitton's long life dream of a movie about Edith Piaf has come
to fruition and has been submitted to all fall/winter and spring film
festivals around the world. For this fall "Piaf ... her story ... her
songs" has been selected for North American world premiere at the DENVER
FILM FESTIVAL October 18th and 19th. It will also be shown in Haifa
film festival October 12th. November 7th and 8th the film will has been
selected for the Montreal film festival CINEMANIA, followed by a screening
in Bangkok.
Award winning independent country music artist, Cindy Lu, will be performing
at The Dugout for "Nashville On Stage" in Nashville, TN, on Saturday,
September 20th, at 7:30 pm. "Nashville On Stage" is aired each week
on Nashville Channel 19, Tuesdays at 5:30 pm and Sundays at 10:30 pm.
Ms. Lu regularly appears at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC
- 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/).
John Bowles, one of Australia's most popular cabaret and music theatre
stars, has just released a third CD - The Peter Allen Songbook - through
MIDDLE EIGHT MUSIC (http://www.middle8.com/).
The CD is released to coincide with a national tour of his show of the
same name. The album is a fine tribute to the incredible song writing
talents of Peter Allen - the man known as The Boy from Oz.
IT'S TIME TO GO - MORE ON MONDAY
It is nearly 3:00 pm, and I am getting just a little tired - here is
where the typos seem to creep in, so I'm going to close. No shows tonight
for me - time to get to work on the website so that folks won't be writing
me all weekend wondering why their items hasn't appeared in the BREAKING
NEWS section yet. Plus I have a lot of new membership cards to mail
out, and a lot of CDs to pack, label and mail to GOLD and above members.
Four or five more membership letters were returned with improper addresses,
so I have to check them out and re-post them as well.
I sincerely hope that a lot more of you will sign on as CABARET HOTLINE
ONLINE members this year. The more members we get, the more services
we can offer on the website and in the newsletter. Your membership donation
will also make it possible to get around to more cities and maybe 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. And more members will ultimately
mean more shows that offer discounts to our members - making every membership
more valuable.
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.
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