Valerie Lemon Sings the Jane Froman Songbook at Mama Rose's

Valerie Lemon will premier her new show, The Jane Froman Songbook: A Song in My Heart, on March 17th, 20th, 24th, 27th, 31st and April 3rd at 7:00 pm at NYC's newest cabaret room, MAMA ROSE'S (219 Second Avenue, NYC - 212-533-0558 - http://www.mamaroses.net/). The show features songs made famous by Jane Froman, the celebrated radio, movie, television and recording star, probably most famous for her rendition of "With A Song In My Heart." The show is directed by Broadway and Cabaret Performer, Eric Michael Gillett, and with Don Rebic, Musical Director for cabaret legends such as Karen Akers and Mary Cleere Haran. There is a $20 cover, 2-drink minimum.

Ms. Froman faced a severe health challenge after a plane crash left her in a leg brace and constant pain. With a song in her heart, she continued her USO tours, made movies and recordings, and was one of the first women of television. It has been said that her courageous spirit and voice have healed countless people the world over.

Ms. Lemon, a native of Columbus, Ohio, arrived in New York City at the age of seventeen on a scholarship to the American Musical Dramatic Academy. She was soon cast in her first National Tour of The Student Prince, conducted by the great Lehman Engel. On returning to New York City, Valerie was introduced to Marvin Hamlisch, an occasion which marked the beginning of her 12 year association with the multi-award winning composer/pianist as soloist for his concert appearances. Mr. Hamlisch wrote a corporate industrial act for Valerie, and she has performed for numerous companies throughout the US, and abroad. As recently as May 2000, Valerie performed in Vienna, Austria for Starlight International. And, in April 2002, Valerie returned to perform with Marvin Hamlisch, and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

A protege of Metropolitan opera star, Haken Hagegard, Valerie traveled to Stockholm, Sweden to guest star in his musical-variety show widely seen on European television. Music has taken her to ports of call around the world, as entertainer aboard major cruise lines.

As an actress, one of Valerie's highlights has been the opportunity to tour with Dame Diana Rigg in the pre-Broadway production of Colette. Valerie has also appeared in many Off Broadway productions. As a singer, one of her most rewarding roles has been singing the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden and at Shea stadium, as well as other major concert halls.

A graduate of the Cabaret Symposium, Valerie is now focusing her career on the cabaret scene. Her first solo cabaret debut show, The Way of the Heart sold out at Don't Tell Mama's NYC cabaret room in February, April and November 2001. She has since performed at the Timeless Divas Benefit, hosted by Broadway and Cabaret Star Karen Mason, featuring entertainer Marilyn Michaels, Broadway performer Julie Halston, and 1990 Grammy award winner for best song 'From a Distance', Julie Gold. Valerie also was featured at the 92nd Street Y Lyric and Lyricists Concert Series: Women of Rhyme and Song also with Julie Gold and award winning songwriter Carol Hall, and including Broadway performers Carol Woods and Teri Klausner.

Most recently, Valerie performed at last Fall's New York Cabaret Convention at Town Hall, in A Birthday Celebration for Julie Wilson with fellow cabaret performers: Brent Barrett, KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler, Tom Andersen, Marcus Simeone, and Anna Bergman. This past January 2004, she also made a guest appearance in Andrea Marcovicci's Easy to Love:The lyrics of Cole Porter show at The Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel.

Valerie will be performing in the 2004 Hamptons Cabaret Convention this August sponsored by the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Details to follow. She will also be releasing a CD version of The Jane Froman Songbook: A Song in My Heart in October 2004. Her debut CD, The Way of the Heart can be purchased at Tower Records.

For more information, see http://www.geocities.com/grecoo2001/val/vlhome.html

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