Stunning Lucie Arnaz stepped to the microphone to graciously accept a Nightlife Award for herself.

What? The award was not for her? It was for Outstanding Cabaret Vocalist Marilyn Maye?

Arnaz hilariously brought the show home like a jolt of espresso. Marilyn Maye followed to end the evening with her own irrepressible spirit and verve, celebrating "It's Today."

For the sixth year, The 2008 Nightlife Awards has saluted New York cabaret, comedy and jazz at Town Hall. The event, created, produced and hosted by Scott Siegel, was originally scheduled to be hosted by funnyman Bruce Vilanch. Knee surgery kept Vilanch bedridden in California but he sent over a letter that was almost as humorous as Vilanch himself. To fill the hosting bill, with barely an hour to spare, Siegel brought in two well-known comedy veterans, Julie Halston and Charles Busch. "The show must go on", and The Nightlife Awards did just that.

Other comedy spots included Christine Pedi (Outstanding Cabaret Comedy or Characterization) performing her impressions of divas who would have killed to sing “And I Am Telling You.” Julie Andrews, Katharine Hepburn, Liza, Merman, Channing, and Christine Ebersole, were just some of the ladies taking their riotous turns with the Dreamgirls' anthem.

Not seen enough in New York is Modern Man, winner of Outstanding Cabaret Duo or Group. These three hayseed sophisticates are uniquely creative funny musicians singing their original “Channel Surfin’" and "Assisted Living."

Special guest presenter Jim David, struck audience funny bones with the frustrations of telephoning for airline reservations. He gave John Mulaney a tough act to follow, but Mulaney proved he deserved the Outstanding Comedian Award with his keen look at Law and Order.

Singers included Phoebe Snow, who opened the show with, “I Do It For You.” Lari White brought country/pop naughtiness to “Why Do Lovers Leave?” Hilary Kole's jazz sensuality brought out the bite and allure of “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.” Outstanding Cabaret Duo in a Major Engagement, John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey backed by their knockout trio, performed a clever “Baby Medley.” Second place winners in that category, Sandy Stewart and Bill Charlap, showed both performers' strong spots. Charlap played "Sophisticated Lady" with his singular blend of sensitivity and virtuosity. Sandy Stewart was meticulous with her interpretation of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.”

Outstanding Cabaret Vocalist Barb Jungr captured the audience with “When Do the Bells Ring for Me?” Outstanding Piano Bar Entertainer, Natalie Douglas, was touching with “The Human Heart.” Outstanding Jazz Vocalist, Allan Harris performed Nat King Cole hit, “L-O-V-E.” On the female side, Carol Sloane delivered the oldie "Just a-Sittin' and a-Rockin'".

Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra won the Outstanding Jazz Combo performing an optimum segment starring clarinet virtuoso Cohen. This may have been the show's highlight, in a lineup of the best of the best.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
January 28, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org