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CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE #031202 - Thursday, December 4. 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
MIDWEEK Issue of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE which includes news, breaking
stories and notes, and news on shows offering discounts to members
of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.
The cold
has come into town with brute force, and so has the flu. Let's hope
I'll be spared from the extremely virulent strain currently going
around - at least until after my San Francisco trip which starts on
Sunday morning. Some light snow flurries are forecast for the NYC
area through the weekend. My assistant is just getting over the flu
- he has been unable to get here since last Wednesday, so I have fallen
just a little behind in getting new items posted, etc. However, he
is here today, and by the time I leave for the West Coast, I should
be pretty much up-to-date. A few of the items in this newsletter will
be covered in longer articles on the BREAKING NEWS page in a day or
so.
He is currently
loading about two dozen CDs into my iBook so that I will have some
cabaret music to listen to on my flight without having to carry the
CDs. Tomorrow I am treating myself to an early Christmas present -
I am purchasing an iPod - and will upload all the CDs to that - as
well as any other new CDs that come my way - so that I can finally
get a chance to write some CD reviews for the website. More on this
soon.
A special
letter to all members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE is going out this
weekend as well - about a very special holiday gift I am sending you.
TODAY IS A SPECIAL DAY
Ten years
ago today, December 4th, the beloved and legendary Marie Blake passed
away. Ms. Blake last performed at the piano for mare than 22 years,
five nights a week, at the old 5 OAKS - long gone from the Grove Street
scene in Greenwich Village. Before that she was at the piano at MARIE'S
CRISIS, a few doors over, for 19 years. It was the cabaret singers
who dropped by nightly to perform at the open mike at the 5 OAKS (I
was dating someone who worked there) who introduced me to the world
of cabaret, and in turn inspired me to publish the original print
magazine CABARET HOTLINE in 1990. Current piano bar legend Jerry Scott
will be paying tribute to Marie Blake tonight at DANNY'S (342 West
46th Street, NYC - 1-212-265-8133 - http://www.dannysgrandseapalace.com/)
in the piano bar, starting at 8:00 pm and continuing until midnight
(Marie would work until 4:00 am in the old days, and some nights I
would help her find a cab - as a black woman who lived way uptown,
finding a cab was not always easy at 4:00 am). I have a few shows
to catch downtown tonight, and then hope to make it to DANNY'S before
midnight to pay tribute as well.
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
One of the
biggest problems that cabaret performers face - here in NYC - is the
difficulty in filling the room. I say here in NYC, because when I
travel out of town to shows, I find almost every cabaret room filled
to capacity. Performers from outside NYC are really disappointed when
they book a show in NYC and find so many empty seats! Part of the
problem, of course, is that folks tend to stick with the familiar
rather than take a chance on someone new - after all, with $15 covers,
2-drink minimums, and the like, a simple two-person date can run well
over $50 plus tips (plus taxi and/or parking costs). But another part
of the problem is that New Yorkers are blessed with too many rooms.
Boston has two - maybe three - well equipped "black box" cabaret spaces.
Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, New Orleans fare about
the same or worse. Cabaret lovers in Minneapolis, Dallas, Houston
and DC have to resort to non-cabaret venues to put on their shows.
But look what's happened here in NYC.
We all mourned
the loss of JUDY'S CHELSEA, ARCI'S PLACE and the "on-again, off-again"
FIREBIRD (why is this place still in business?). But suddenly we have
THE KING KONG ROOM offering cabaret 2 or 3 nights a week, and new
rooms like DILLON'S and MAMA ROSE'S taking up the slack. Plus DON'T
TELL MAMA has added a third cabaret space, THE DUPLEX under a new
booking manager now offers cabaret 7 nights a week, most times 2 shows
a night. DANNY'S has expanded its schedule, ROSE'S TURN has been revitalized
and rediscovered and now we hear that THE IRIDIUM will soon be offering
cabaret acts. Add to that THE STANHOPE joining the pricier clubs like
FEINSTEIN'S, CAFE CARLYLE and THE ALGONQUIN. Additional spaces open
for cabaret include THE TRIAD and WEST BANK, and "non-black box" rooms
like CHEZ SUZETTE and THE REGENTS CLUB also offer cabaret acts in
a less formal setting. That makes 16 cabaret spaces - most offering
cabaret shows 5 to 7 nights a week - most times 2 or 3 shows a night!
I get tired just thinking about it!
What's a
performer to do? There are a number of inexpensive ways (besides running
a banner on CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE) to promote your show - to make
it just a little more noticeable than the competition. One method
is "cross promotion." You find a performer with an upcoming cabaret
show, and invite them to join you as a guest on your show - allowing
them the promote their show - then appearing on their show as a guest.
Or securing a coveted guest spot on shows that already feature guest
performers - check the flier rack at any club for clues. Offer your
services to folks putting on benefits, to songwriters who have shows
upcoming and need a soloist or two, hook up with Jamie deRoy, Ron
Poole and others who book variety shows featuring five or six performers.
Keep your name alive and your face (and voice) in front of the public.
Get the word
out. You have no idea how often I have begged a performer to send
me a press release about their upcoming show to feature on CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE and only receive a flier or post card, or a reference
to a website in return. I would love to have an article on the BREAKING
NEWS page for every show running anywhere in the world - and this
is FREE publicity! And send me the press release by e-mail so I can
work with it faster. Other press folks tell me the same. I saw a great
show the other night, and mentioned it to two very prominent cabaret
press writers and both claimed they never received a notice of the
show (I went because the musical director mentioned it to me). Press
people are not mind readers - with 16 performance spaces to cover
here in NYC (and many more jazz, off-Broadway and other venues that
occasionally feature cabaret performers) there is simply no way that
we can be everywhere - we must make choices. Your press release will
help us make those choices. Some publications have early deadlines,
so get the word out at least 5 to 6 weeks in advance.
Network,
Network, Network! Attend and be seen at other performer's cabaret
shows - let people know you are a cabaret lover as well as a cabaret
performer. Linger after the show and introduce yourself. Go to those
benefits and variety shows, and those Cabaret Organization meetings
and events. Don't be pushy, just be noticed. And if folks ask if you
have a show coming up, treat them to a flier (don't hand them one
unless they ask) and a personal invitation. Mingle with those songwriters
every chance you get - they might just have a special song in mind
for your show. Introduce yourself - briefly and politely - to any
members of the press who you might encounter.
But most
important, produce the best darned cabaret show you possibly can!
Word of a great show gets around - reviewers will eventually come,
if its a great show. You may not get the full houses for the first
two or three nights, but if it is an outstanding event, you will get
those good reviews, you will be re-booked by the club, and other cabaret
lovers will find you. You might still lose money on your venture,
but in cabaret that's not the point of it all. It's more about "the
smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd."
Next Thursday
we will talk about those "Cabaret Awards."
Now on with
the news:
ITEMS OF NOTE
TODD GRAFF ON BROADWAY
CHATTERBOX TONIGHT
At Seth Rudetsky's
BROADWAY CHATTERBOX at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC
- 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/
) tonight, Thursday, December 4th at 6:00 pm, Seth's guest is Todd
Graff (with Anna Kendrick & Alana Allen from Todd's film "Camp").
If you have an 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/.
"EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW"
FEATURES MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
On this coming
Sunday, December 7th, 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 "An
Evening of Music and Conversation with Michael Feinstein. Some of
the songs from his career that you will hear: "Isn't It A Pity," "Wanna
Sing A Show Tune," "Remember/Always/What'll I Do," "Isn't It Romantic,"
"Home Is The Place," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Friendly
Star/This Heart Of Mine," "Ziegfeld Girl," "I Won't Send Roses," "Grateful,"
"Silver Bells," plus "Only One Life" - the title song and bonus track
from Michael's newest release on CONCORD RECORDS (http://www.concordrecords.com/).
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/
.
"AT THE RITZ" SUNDAYS ON
THE RADIO & THE NET
Jeffrey Williams
and Lynn DiMenna host a radio show in Fairfield County, Connecticut
called "At the Ritz!" which can be heard on WVOF 88.5 FM. The Sunday
show is broadcast live from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and features cabaret,
jazz, big band, swing, Broadway, Hollywood and Sinatra. The show is
also simulcast on the web around the world on http://www.wvof.org/.
DILLON'S GETS NEW PIANO
AND REVAMPS SCHEDULE
In addition
to a new baby grand piano, "Boobs, the Musical" has moved to The Showroom
at DILLON'S (245 West 54th Street, NYC - 212-307-9797) with shows
Wednesdays through Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 7:00 & 9:00 pm,
Sundays at 3:00 & 7:00 pm and Mondays at 8:00 pm. In the Upfront Room,
"Chris Barrett's Broadway" continues on Wednesdays from 8:00 pm, to
midnight, "Cabaret Hell" on Thursdays at 8:30 pm, followed at 10:00
pm by "Mercer A-Z" with Ricky Ritzel, Leslie Anderson & Scott Barbarino,
and "Classic Piano Bar" on Fridays at 10:30 pm with Joe Regan, Leslie
Anderson & Scott Barbarino. Call the club for details on cover charges
& minimums.
PLAYBILL.COM COLUMN COVERS
THE LEADING MEN OF BROADWAY & CABARET
Wayman Wong's
monthly Playbill.com column about "The Leading Men" for December features
Noah Racey, star of the new Broadway musical "Never Gonna Dance."
Noah talks about Fred Astaire, boogie nights and break-dancing. Also
featured are interviews with Adam James, the new junior crooner in
"Our Sinatra" currently playing at BIRDLAND (315 West 44th Street,
NYC - 1-212-581-3080) and Tom D'Angora, the madcap musical comic of
"Divas I've Done," playing at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street,
NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/)
on December 28th. Plus, there are plugs for male singers and songwriters
all over town. Check it all out at http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/article/83051.html
.
DO YOU HAVE A HOLIDAY-THEMED
CD OR CABARET SHOW?
Once again
the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/)
has a special page listing holiday-themed CDs. If you are looking
for the perfect CD to have on hand for those holiday events check
it out. If you have a commercially produced holiday-themed CD (not
a demo or "home made" CD), let me know. Include a link to your website
or the web address (CD BABY, LML, AMAZON, etc.) where it can be purchased.
And of your holiday CD is already listed (I started with the list
from last year) please check if the link is still correct and working.
You need not be a member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE to be listed on
this page - but your support would be appreciated.
I will have
also set up a special section to the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website
(http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/)
listing holiday-themed shows around the country. Send in your listing
- but please include complete information and do not simply send me
a copy of your flier or show card. On Saturday I will be sending out
a special issue of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE listing Holiday-themed cabaret
show and benefits, gleaned from the articles on my website. I want
to include your event - please send me that release.
NEW YEAR'S EVE SHOW? LET
ME KNOW ABOUT IT!
I will also
soon set up a special section to the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website
(http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/)
listing NEW YEAR'S EVE cabaret shows and events around the country,
and will include these show listings in a special issue of CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE around December 15th. Send in your listing - but please
include complete information and do not simply send me a copy of your
flier or show card.
HERE A JUDY, THERE A JUDY,
EVERYWHERE A JUDY!
Perhaps it
is because of the Peter Alan based show THE BOY FROM OZ currently
on Broadway - Judy Garland was an early fan - but suddenly there is
Judy-mania all over. There's a Judy Garland tribute in Chicago (see
below) but here in NYC, you can't turn a corner, it seems, without
finding a JUDY show. DANNY'S SKYLIGHT ROOM (342 West 46th Street,
NYC - 1-212-265-8133 - http://www.dannysgrandseapalace.com/)
schedule features both a JUDY and a LIZA in December, while Tommy
Femia's JUDY LIVE! show continues at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th
Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/)
just across the street. And downtown at UPSTAIRS AT ROSE'S TURN (55
Grove Street, NYC - 1-212-366-5438 - http://www.rosesturn.com/)
there's a JUDY GARLAND Christmas show! Let me know of any more JUDY
sightings around the world - there might be enough to have a whole
special CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE issue!
CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
MEMBERSHIP
Over 350
of the nearly 2,500 subscribers to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE have joined
as members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE this year. I have tried to make
the membership as inexpensive as possible, with more benefits than
ever - including discounts on selected cabaret shows. If you find
these messages and the information and news on the website of value,
then I hope you will consider becoming a member today. I depend on
your membership donations and the banner ads to make this service
possible. 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 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.
SPECIAL CABARET BENEFITS
& EVENTS OF NOTE
TEDDYCARE SHOWS SUNDAYS
AT 7:00 PM THROUGH DECEMBER 14
Ruby Rims
& Friends returns to THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407
West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909) for four shows, Sundays November
23rd & 30th and December 7th & 14th - all shows at 7:00 pm. These
"TeddyCare" shows benefit the Rodney Kirk Center, the Manhattan Plaza
AIDS Project. Each show features about a dozen performers from cabaret
& Broadway, with admission of $15 plus a Teddy Bear (New). The Teddy
Bears will be distributed to children of all ages in NYC-area children's
wards and hospices. There is a $10 minimum. (Cash Only). John McMahon
is musical director.
On Sunday,
December 7th, Ruby's announced guests are Tom Andersen, Charles Cermele,
David Gurland, Nina Hennessey, Shauna Hicks, Lorinda Lisitza, Jaymie
Meyer, Mark Nadler, Georga Osborne, Terry Lynn Paul, Maureen Kelley
Stewart, Michael Vaccaro. As with all live entertainment events, casts
are subject to change without notice.
SAN FRANCISCO TEDDYCARE
SHOWS ANNOUNCED
Bruce E.
Phillips is once again presenting the San Francisco version of TEDDYCARE
2003, with three performances in two locations on Sundays, December
7th & 14th. Shows will benefit SHANTI, Arts Access, Bay Area Crisis
Nursery and SF General Hospital. Admission is $15 plus a Teddy Bear
(new). On December 7th at 2:00 pm the show will be at the DEAN LESHER
THEATER (1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA - 925-943-7469) moving
at 7:00 pm to THE PLUSH ROOM at the York Hotel (940 Sutter Street,
San Francisco, CA - 415-885-2800 - http://www.plushroom.com/).
On December 14th at 7:00 pm the benefit returns to THE PLUSH ROOM.
This Sunday,
the 7th, at the DEAN LESHER THEATER at 2:00 pm, Samantha Samuels is
host, with Lynda Bergren-Kalb, Lisa Bowman, John Florenco, John McCullough,
M.L. Parr, Bruce E. Phillips and Lauren White. At THE PLUSH ROOM at
7:00 pm, Darlene Popovic is host, with Houston Allred, Bill Cooper,
Coley Grundman, John McCullough, Tammy Nelson, Richard Nickol and
Bruce E. Phillips. As with all live entertainment events, casts are
subject to change without notice.
HELP THE HOMELESS AT BABY
JANE DEXTER BENEFIT SHOWS
For the month
of December, Baby Jane returns to THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher
Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438 - http://www.theduplex.com/)
for the 10th consecutive month with four additional performances of
her show ANOTHER SPRING (THEN & NOW) on Saturdays, December 6th, 13th,
20th & 27th at 9:00 pm, but these shows have been designated as a
benefit for The Bowery Residents' Committee (http://www.www.bowrescom.org/)
to raise funds and clothing for "Holiday Hats for the BRC." Ms. Dexter
is joined by her musical director Ross Patterson. There is a $15 music
charge and a 2-drink minimum. You can choose to pay the cover (to
be donated to the group), or bring an unwrapped new, warm hat, cap,
scarf or pair of gloves (value $10 or more) to be distributed to the
homeless. Each show will pay tribute to a cabaret personality. The
first December show, on the 6th, will be dedicated to the memory of
the late Darrell Henline, founder of CABARET SCENES magazine.
JUDY GARLAND SALUTE IN
CHICAGO DECEMBER 6th
On Saturday,
December 6th, at 3:00 pm, you can attend "A Merry Little Christmas:
A Tribute to Judy Garland" in Preston Bradley Hall at the CHICAGO
CULTURAL CENTER (77 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL). The show is
free - no reservations taken - first come, first seated. Presented
by Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Chicago Cabaret Professionals,
the show features Brad Thacker, presenter Suzy Petri and Kat' Taylor,
co-presenters with musical director Bob Solone. Announced performers
include Audrey Morris, Alexandra Billings, Tracy Adams, Greta Pope,
Kristofer Simmons, Ty Perry, Tom Michael, Bob Solone, Kat' Taylor,
Nan Mason, Allen Nichols, Daryl Nitz, Suzanne Petri and Beckie Menzie.
DECEMBER 7th TIMELESS
DIVA SHOW SOLD OUT!
"Timeless
Divas" December 7th evening at THE YORK THEATRE at Saint Peter's Church
(619 Lexington Avenue, NYC - http://www.yorktheatre.org/
- Reservation number: 212-615-6966) and hosted by Marin Mazzie and
Karen Akers, with guest host Jim Caruso with Billy Stritch and a long
list of other performers, features a superb opening number by Steven
Silverstein and Michael Colby entitled "Di-va-li-cious Holiday" performed
by Max von Essen, Sandi Durell, Ludmilla Ilieva, Ted Williams, Loni
Ackerman and Michael Rupert. The evening benefits Variety - The Children's
Charity and is currently in sold-out status. The evening is produced
by Sandi Durell, with Shari Upbin directing. For more information,
see http://www.durellproductions.com/sharell
CABARET PERFORMERS TO
BENEFIT TOTS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
On Saturday,
December 6th at 7:30 pm you can enjoy an evening of New York Cabaret
to benefit TUNES 4 TOTS, at the AMATURO THEATER BROWARD CENTER FOR
THE PERFORMING ARTS (201 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL -
954-462-0222 - http://www.browardcenter.org/).
Act One: Ladies and Gentlemen, Natalie Blalock and Act Two: Manhattan's
Hottest Cabaret Performers: Lennie Watts, Jennifer Kruskamp, Traci
Reynolds, AJ Irvin, Eric Pickering, Jennifer Pace, Jay Rogers and
Lisa McQuade. Jay Rogers is hosting the show, and Lennie Watts is
directing. Steven Watkins is musical director. Kenny Burrows wrote
the show and is producing it. Everyone involved is donating their
time and talent to this project. Call for ticket cost and information.
Tunes 4 Tots,
Inc. is a non-profit organization of artists, musicians, and music
industry professionals using music to improve the quality of life
for children living with HIV/AIDS. 100% of the proceeds will be used
to buy holiday gifts for this special population of children. The
benefit will enable the group to donate over 1000 toys to the Children's
Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale.
CHICAGO HOLIDAY CABARET
DECEMBER 8th
CCP (Chicago
Cabaret Professionals - http://www.chicagocabaret.org/)
presents the 5th annual Children's Charity Benefit, "A Holiday Cabaret"
on Monday, December 8th at DAVENPORT'S Piano Bar & Cabaret (1383 North
Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL - 773-278-1830 - http://www.davenportspianobar.com/).
Doors open at 7:00 pm. This SPECIAL ONE NIGHT ONLY CONCERT is a benefit
for Teen Living Programs. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased
by calling Davenport's or call the Chicago Cabaret Professionals'
Hotline at 312-409-3106 for more information. All proceeds go to Teen
Living Programs which helps 7,000 homeless and abused Chicago area
teens each year. Artistic director is Kat' Taylor and musical director
is Bob Moreen. Co-presenters are Suzanne Petri, Joel Kopischke and
Daryl Nitz. CCP Publicity: Dave Gallagher and MaryMonica Thomas. Masters
of Ceremony: Jonathan Abarbanel and Jeff Rossen.
JULIE REYBURN'S ANNUAL
BENEFIT HOLIDAY SHOW AT MAMA ROSE'S
For the 3rd
year in a row, Julie Reyburn will be presenting two evenings of holiday
cheer at MAMA ROSE'S (219 Second Avenue, NYC - 212-533-0558 - http://www.mamaroses.net/)
featuring special guests from the cabaret and theatre world to benefit
BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS (http://www.bcefa.org/).
With Mark Janas on piano the show will be showcasing favorite classical
and contemporary holiday selections. Shows are on Mondays, December
8th & 22nd at 8:30 pm. There is a $15 cover and 2-drink minimum. Special
guests will be performing in each show. On December 8th Holiday show
guests include Phil Bond, Scott Coulter, Brandon Cutrell, Ritt Henn,
Carolyn Montgomery & Lennie Watts. On December 22nd Julie's guests
include Phil Bond, Mychelle Colleary, Boulevard East, Jonathan Frank,
David Gurland, Michael Holland & Karen Mack and Kevin Merritt.
HELP IS ON THE WAY IN
SAN FRANCISCO
THE RICHMOND/ERMET
AIDS FOUNDATION presents "HELP IS ON THE WAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS V" will
be held on Monday, December 15th at the HERBST THEATRE (401 Van Ness
Avenue, San Francisco, CA - TKTS: 415-273-1620 or http://www.helpisontheway.org).
This year's annual all-star holiday benefit concert features the talents
of performers in fields of entertainment including Broadway, Film,
TV, Recording, Jazz and Dance. There is a pre-show Silent Auction
from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Performance begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the
show only are $ 35, $50 & $75. There will be a post-performance party
with the cast in the Green Room of the War Memorial Building featuring
complimentary wine, champagne and desserts (9:30 to 11:00 pm). Host
Tickets (include performance & party) $100 and up.
KING KONG ROOM PRESENTS
'MIRACLE ON 47th STREET'
On December
15th at 7:00 & 9:00 pm, the KING KONG ROOM at the Supper Club (240
West 47th Street, NYC - 1-212-921-1904 - http://www.KingKongRoom.com/
will be ringing in the season with MIRACLE ON 47th STREET, a one-night-only
concert of new holiday songs as well as invigorating takes on some
of your favorite seasonal tuners. Scheduled to perform are Laura Benanti,
Stephanie Block, Max von Essen, Deven May, Julia Murney. The evening
will be directed and produced by Jamie McGonnigal with musical direction
by Mark Hartman. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be
used to benefit God's Love We Deliver. All seats are $25 with a $15
food and drink minimum.
ST. CLEMENT'S BENEFIT
DECEMBER 21st
A Holiday
Benefit called "Christmas Carolyn," hosted by Carolyn Montgomery and
benefitting the cabaret-friendly ST. CLEMENTS CHURCH's Community Outreach
Programs (After School Program, Food Pantry and Free Veterinary Clinic)
will happen at ST. CLEMENTS THEATER (423 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-246-7277
Ext. 29) on Sunday, December 21st at 8:00 PM. Already scheduled to
perform are Baby Jane Dexter, Klea Blackhurst, Natalie Douglas, Julie
Reyburn, Steven Lutvak, Jay Rogers, Sydney Myer, Mark Coffin and Lennie
Watts. There will be a reception following the show. Tickets cost
$25.00, and include a champagne reception immediately following the
show. Tickets are limited, and reservations are required.
NIGHTLIFE AWARDS SET FOR
JANUARY 12, 2004
Scott Siegel
will present the 2004 NIGHTLIFE AWARDS at THE TOWN HALL (123 West
43rd Street, NYC - http://www.the-townhall-nyc.org/)
on Monday, January 12th, 2004 at 7:00 pm. Award winners will be chosen
by more than 20 NYC critics, and will be presented in the fields of
Cabaret, Jazz and Comedy. The event will be co-hosted by Andrea Marcovicci,
and will include more than 25 performances. Tickets are available
at $75, $50 & $25 - and for an extra $50 you can attend the post-show
party. Call 212-752-4119 or e-mail nightlifeawards@yahoo.com for more
information. Ticket order forms are available in many of the cabaret
clubs in NYC - they go on sale at the TOWN HALL Box Office after December
1st.
I'M ALWAYS LOOKING FOR
MORE NEWS
I get plenty
of show listings sent me - far more than I can possibly use - it is
really difficult trying to choose which ones to run, which ones to
set aside. Sometimes the item itself makes this choice - incomplete
information or just a scan of a flier, neither of which is useful
to me. I would love to have more items from outside NYC, especially
NEWS items - new venues opening, benefits, CD Releases, celebrations,
new pianos, etc. Add a website link if available.
SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS
FOR MEMBERS OF CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
The following
shows are currently offering members special prices and discounts.
If your show is offering a discount to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members
and is not listed here, please let me know at once, so that you can
be included on the MEMBER DEALS page on the website and listed weekly
in the newsletter.
SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS
AT DANNY'S SKYLIGHT ROOM (342 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-265-8133
- http://www.dannysgrandseapalace.com/)
"A MUSICAL
STORY" written by and starring Doug Trapp returns for a third run
on Thursdays, December 4th & 11th at 7:00 pm. The show is an evening
of songs and stories about a boy and his very southern family, with
songs by Richard Rodgers, Jerry Herman, Kander & Ebb, Sondheim, Maltby
& Shire, Jones & Schmidt, Flaherty & Ahrens, Martin Charnin, Irving
Berlin, Zina Goldrich & Marcy Heisler and John Bucchino, with new
material added for the holidays! Musical director is Wells Hanley.
There is a $12 cover plus 2-drink minimum ($5 discount Cabaret Hotline
members).
SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS
AT DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/)
Tom D'Angora,
the young standout of Provincetown's highly controversial production
of "Naked Boys Singing," brings his debut cabaret back for a third
extension, with a newly added show on Sunday, December 28th at 8:00
pm . The show titled "Diva's I've Done" celebrates the women that
have touched this show queen's life. The show is directed by hot newcomer
Michael Duling and features the musical direction of cabaret favorite
William Wade. Featured in the show are Noel Cody, Stephanie Harwood,
and Cara LaGreen as Princes Diana. There is a $12 cover and 2-drink
minimum. No cover charge for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members.
D. Jay Bradley's
10th Annual Christmas Show returns for 6 performances in December.
The all-new show is called "CHRISTMAS PRESENCE" and features Rachel
Hanser, Karen Mack, Lisa Yaeger & Jeff Manwaring. The show is directed
by Lina Koutrakos. A special guest is featured at each show. Show
dates & times are Sundays, December 7th, 14th & 21st at 8:00 pm and
Mondays, December 8th, 15th & 22nd at 6:30 pm. There is a $15 cover,
2-drink minimum - $10 cover for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members EXCEPT
for Sunday, December 21st performance.
Page Sampson's
acclaimed show "Braving the Elements" returns for three more performances
with shows on Thursday, December 4th at 9:00 pm, Tuesday, January
6th at 6:30 pm and Saturday, January 10 that 4:00 pm. Ms. Sampson
will be accompanied on piano by her musical director, David Maiocco,
and by Skip Ward on bass. There is a $15 cover charge ($10 for members
CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE) and a 2-drink minimum.
Show Business
Weekly's choice as BEST CLUB ACT OF 2003, Karen Mack & Michael Holland
return with the next in their "Gashole" series in "GASHOLY NIGHT!"
- the holiday show, on Fridays, December 5th & 12th at 8:00 pm. There
is a $15 cover, 2-drink minimum. $5 discount for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
members.
Marilyn Bettinger
opens with her new show "Kickin' Up My Heels" accompanied by the very
talented Paul Katz along with Brad Carbone on drums. Two remaining
performances will be held on Sundays, December 7th & 14th at 5:30
pm. There is a $10 music charge and 2-drink minimum. $5 cover for
CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members.
SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS
AT DILLON'S (245 West 54th Street, NYC - 212-307-9797)
Boulevard
East, the vocal trio formerly known as Eastern Standard Time, and
twice-nominated by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs
(MAC) as Outstanding Vocal Group under their former name, bring their
special show on celebrating the season to DILLON'S on Thursday, December
18th. Titled "Just in Time for Christmas," the show begins at 8:00
pm with dinner seating at 6:30 pm. There is a $15 cover charge plus
a $10 food/drink minimum. $5 discount for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members.
SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS
AT THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438
- http://www.theduplex.com/)
2-time Back
Stage BISTRO Award winning and 9-time MAC Award nominated singer/songwriter
Tim Di Pasqua will return with a set of original pop tunes. Performances
are Fridays, December 5th & 12th at 7:00 pm. There is a $15 cover,
2-drink minimum. ($7.50 cover for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members.)
SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS
AT MAMA ROSE'S (219 Second Avenue, NYC - 212-533-0558 - http://www.mamaroses.net/)
Following
two sell out seasons earlier this year in Australia, Ross James will
unleash his presence on New York City on Sunday, December 21st at
9:30 pm. Ross will lead you through the loves, laughs, triumphs and
disappointments of life in "The Other Boy From Oz." Musical director
is Tracy Stark. There is a $15 cover, 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for
CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members.
After and
exciting and acclaimed run in November, Miles Phillips' new show THE
UNREST INSIDE ME has been extended with additional dates on Monday,
December 8th at 6:00 pm, Saturday, December 13th at 4:00 pm and Sunday,
December 28th at 7:00 pm. Phillips is teamed with award winning musical
director and composer, Jason Wynn. There is a $15 cover ($10 for CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE members) plus a 2-drink minimum.
SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS
AT ST. CLEMENTS THEATER (423 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-246-7277
Ext. 29)
After a triumphant,
six-week run in the spring of 2003, Carolyn Montgomery has returned
with her show "Reveille" on Sundays, with remaining dates on December
7th & 14th - all shows at 8:00 pm. Montgomery will be accompanied
by her Musical Director Rick Leonard. In addition, Montgomery will
release the CD entitled "Reveille" at the December 14th performance,
with a reception to follow the show in the Cabaret Space at St. Clements,
just one floor below the theater. Tickets are $15. $5 discount to
CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE Members.
SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS
OUTSIDE THE NYC AREA
THE SHARON
LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS (19805 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield,
WI - 262-781-9520) is proud to offer again this year the popular Wilson
Center Cabaret Series. Subscriptions and individual tickets are now
on sale. CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE 20% discount available on select performances.
Bay Area
vocalist Shaynee Rainbolt celebrates Holiday Madness at THE PLUSH
ROOM at the York Hotel (940 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA - 415-885-2800
- http://www.plushroom.com/)
on Monday, December 8th featuring a diverse mix of Christmas and Hanukkah
classics sprinkled with whimsical and quirky holiday favorites. Ms.
Rainbolt will also sing a musical tribute to John Lennon to commemorate
the 23rd anniversary of his death (December 8, 1980.) She will be
backed by Ken Muir on piano and Al Obidinski on bass. There is a $15
cover charge, ($20 at the door) - $10 for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE Members.
To be listed
in this section, you must send in your flier and/or other promotional
material showing the discount offer for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members
to me. The discount offered must be equal to or greater than any other
discount offer you make available to other groups or organizations.
Please check with the venue where you are performing to be sure that
these discounts will be honored. This offer is not for the NYC area
only. CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members live all over the US, Canada,
Australia and the UK.
GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT!
- FOR FREE! - WITH NO HASSLES!
Please don't
miss out on another feature of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website
(http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/)
- the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE CHAT BOARD - where anyone, anywhere,
can post information about their shows, CDs or other cabaret-related
event. You can also post requests and questions about cabaret performance,
and share your thoughts and ideas of cabaret. You don't have to be
a member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, you don't have to fill out a form,
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. I will remove your message if I deem it inappropriate.
Fully 70% of visitors to the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website visit
the CHAT BOARD.
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 some items posted in the last six or seven days:
* Miles Phillips'
Show EXTENDED at MAMA ROSE'S - posted 12/02/03
* EILEEN FULTON BRINGS HOLIDAY SHOW TO MAMA ROSE'S - posted 12/02/03
* MYCHELLE COLLEARY AT KELLY'S OF ALAMEDA - posted 12/02/03
* Baby Jane's December Shows Benefit Homeless - Honor Cabaret Greats
- posted 11/30/03
* Andrea Marcovicci Cancels Algonquin Shows December 2nd through 6th
- posted 11/30/03
How do you
get an item posted in the BREAKING NEWS section of the CABARET HOTLINE
ONLINE website? 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.
NEXT ISSUE WILL COME TO
YOU FROM THE CITY BY THE BAY
I will fly
off to San Francisco on Sunday, December 7th for a quick 3-night visit.
I plan to write the MONDAY December 7th issue of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
in flight and e-mail it when I arrive at my hotel. Please send me
any news before midnight on Saturday, the 6th, since the information
will be copied over to my laptop iBook at that time. Plans to stop
over in Los Angeles on the 10th didn't work out - I was too late to
re-book my return via LA. So, next West Coast visit will be to LA
- with maybe a stopover in Chicago. Meantime, I am using the funds
I set aside for the Los Angeles side-trip to purchase that iPod mentioned
above - and be able to carry cabaret with me everywhere!
On Sunday
night, December 7th, I will attend Bruce E. Phillips' San Francisco
version of TEDDYCARE 2003 to benefit SHANTI, Arts Access, Bay Area
Crisis Nursery and SF General Hospital at THE PLUSH ROOM at the York
Hotel (940 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA - 415-885-2800 - http://www.plushroom.com/)
at 7:00 pm. Darlene Popovic is host, with Houston Allred, Bill Cooper,
Coley Grundman, John McCullough, Tammy Nelson, Richard Nickol and
Bruce E. Phillips.
On Monday
night, the 8th, I will attend Shaynee Rainbolt' Holiday Madness show,
also at THE PLUSH ROOM at 8:00 pm. She will be backed by Ken Muir
on piano and Al Obidinski on bass.
Finally,
on Tuesday night, the 9th, I will be back at THE PLUSH ROOM for the
opening night of Wesla Whitfield's new show "Why ShouldnÍt I Æ Songs
I Always Wanted To Sing" with Mike Greensill.
While in
San Francisco, I will be staying at THE YORK HOTEL (940 Sutter Street,
San Francisco - Phone # 415-885-6800 or 800-808-9675), just upstairs
of THE PLUSH ROOM. I return to the airport for a 9:15 am flight back
to NYC.
IT'S TIME TO GO
Lots of work
to do - articles to write - plans to make - suitcases to pack. Tonight
I plan to see Audrey Lavine's new show at MAMA ROSE'S (219 Second
Avenue, NYC - 212-533-0558 - http://www.mamaroses.net/)
at 7:00 pm and then scoot over to THE DUPLEX CABARET THEATRE (61 Christopher
Street, NYC - 1-212-255-5438 - http://www.theduplex.com/)
for the amazing duo of Sue Matsuki and Marcus Simeone at 9:00 pm.
Then, if my toes haven't frozen off from the cold, I be at DANNY'S
(342 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-265-8133 - http://www.dannysgrandseapalace.com/)
for Jerry Scott's Marie Blake tribute in the piano bar.
Friday I
hope to be at Tim Di Pasqua's show at 7:00 pm at THE DUPLEX CABARET
THEATRE and then, reversing my route of tonight, scoot over to MAMA
ROSE'S for Jenna Robinson's new show at 9:30 pm.
I have no
plans for Saturday night, since I will be heading to the airport at
6:30 am on Sunday, and need to copy all my files over to the iBook
computer to take with me - allowing me to write part the MONDAY issue
during the flight. I will be back on line on Sunday night from THE
YORK HOTEL.
Thanks once
more to all the folks who sent in their membership donations these
past weeks. We are now listing over 350 members, as we make our way
the way towards our goal of 400 members for 2003-2004. Watch for a
big announcement about another new benefit for members of CABARET
HOTLINE ONLINE after Thanksgiving. I think all members - and performers
- will be pleased.
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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