Richard Skipper: Cabaret Scenes’ Man About Cabaret

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Richard Skipper

Cabaret Scenes’ Man About Cabaret

November 2015

Richard-Skipper-Man-About-Cabaret-Cabaret-Scenes-Magazine_212“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten…the words.” — Author Unknown

Happy November!
Wow! What a great month October was. I saw so many great shows and am looking forward to the riches that November promises.

October began for me as it usually does for so many of our cabaret singers in the NY cabaret scene, at The Salon, the multiple award-winning weekly open mic. Mark Janas and Tanya Moberly run a tight ship almost every Sunday night upstairs at Etc. Etc on West 44th Street. They have a different guest co-host every show and a featured entertainer. The night I went, ethereal singer David Vernon was the host and Linda Kosut was the featured entertainer. Linda was in town to launch her great CD, Easy Come, Easy Go: The Music of Johnny Green the following weekend at Don’t Tell Mama. It was a great night out. The food is also very good at Etc. Etc. Check it out if you haven’t already done so.

The next night found me at the National Asian Artist’s Project’s 5th anniversary gala celebrating their past, present, and future directed by Richard Jay Alexander and produced by Baayork Lee with an all-star Asian cast celebrating some of our favorite moments from musical theater. It truly was a magical night that I was excited to be part of.

That was followed up two days later with the return of Gretchen Reinhagen’s Reinhagen Redux at the Metropolitan Room. This is a series in which Gretchen is revisiting award-winning and critically-acclaimed shows in her cabaret career, each for one night only. October 7 was Both Sides Now with Musical Director, Tracy Stark and special guest Andrew David Sotomayor. She returns on November 5 with the show that introduced me to Gretchen, How ‘Bout Them Apples?! Details below in my recommendations.

The following weekend was the launch of the American Popular Song Society (formerly the New York Sheet Music Society). Todd Murray and his band were the perfect kick off with selections from his CD and show, Croon. Todd Murray IS the total package. It was also great to see him a few nights later in the 30th annual Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention. It was quite a musical week. After leaving American Popular Song Society, I headed over to Don’t Tell Mama for Linda Kosut’s celebration of Johnny Green. She did two shows over the weekend and I attended both. It was great to see so many of the cabaret community there to cheer her on. A few nights later found me hosting, along with Lisa Dascoli and Annie Weiss, Talk of the Town, a podcast. Our focus is always on the arts and this show was no exception.

Midweek, it was off to the Cabaret Convention. I was only to make two nights of this four-night series, but what great nights they were. Wednesday night, the second night, Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci hosted a program celebrating songs from World War II. Donald Smith would be proud of the legacy he has left behind. Kudos should go out to artistic director KT Sullivan, managing director Rick Meadows, and co-director Alyce Finell for keeping this going. It was a thrill to see so many favorites, including Karen Akers. The next night I returned for a FANTASTIC tribute to Kander and Ebb hosted by the amazing Karen Mason.

Julie Budd returned to the Metropolitan Room this past month with yet another SRO show. This time around she celebrated Frank Sinatra…and His Friends. A great show! The following night, I interviewed Rick Lertzman and William J. Birnes in celebration of their book, The Life and Times of Mickey Rooney. Thank you to all of my cabaret friends who showed up.

A few nights later, I went to Cabaret Cares’ Help Is on the Way Today as Cabaret Scenes’ very own Frank Dain hosted a benefit celebrating Johnny Mathis. What an INCREDIBLE show! Kudos to all involved.

The month ended at Melba Moore’s INCREDIBLE birthday celebration at the Metropolitan Room. A sold-out house with great friends. What could be better?

I am looking forward to the cornucopia that November promises for me. I will be attending the book launch party of Charlotte Rae’s memoirs at Sardi’s.

Other shows I am looking forward this month include Gretchen Reinhagen, Will Friedwald’s Clip Joint at American Popular Song Society, Jim Speake’s launch of his latest CD, Dean Benner at The Triad, Yvonne Constant at the Metropolitan Room, Pre-Show at The Laurie Beechman, Julie Budd at the Plaza to benefit the Lighthouse, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Robin’s Nest!

I leave in a few days to attend Lee Roy Reams’ opening night as Dolly in Hello, Dolly! I am looking forward to seeing Phyllis Kinsler, David Meulemans, Michael Walters, and other cabaret entertainers and friends down in Florida.

I hope that all who see this will commit to seeing at least THREE live shows in November. Treat a friend who has never been to a cabaret show before.

Please make one of the shows someone you have never seen before!

Have something to promote? Please send me a 100-word blurb about the show and I will include that in my article for Cabaret Scenes on-line to be published in December. Send to Richard@RichardSkipper.com. Please put “December Man About Town” in subject line. Also, if you know of anything else I should promote for the upcoming month, I’ll try and include that, as well. Don’t forget to look for me as your man about town! I’m the one applauding enthusiastically!

Skipper‘s Recommendations

November 2 @ 7:30 pm
Steve Sandberg and Mary Foster Conklin

vocals/piano/conversation/exploration
Zinc Bar @ 7:30 pm
82 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
$10 cover

November 5 @ 7:00 pm
Gretchen Renhagen
How ‘Bout Them Apples?!
Metropolitan Room

 November 6 @ 9:30 pm
A Piano Bar Reunion

Metropolitan Room
ScoBarEntertainment is proud to present the next show in the series. It will feature piano bar legend Michael McAssey. He will joined by guests Rick Crom, Andre Montgomery and Naomi Naughton. Make your reservations here http://bit.ly/1LxgIhF

November 7, 8 pm – 1:00 am
109th Annual Beaux Arts Ball
The Beaux Arts Society (founded 1857) will hold its annual ball (Costume Theme: Broadway Musicals)
Terrace on the Park in Queens (Free Parking; Car Pools Available from Manhattan).

The individuals who will be crowned presiding Royal Family Members are: Howard Bloom (King), Dr. Alma H. Bond (Queen), Sean P. Bennett (Prince), and Sarah Rice (Princess). Five hours open bar. Full dinner buffet. Tickets $250.00.
Full details at http://www.beauxartssociety.org/beaux-arts-ball.html or call Dr. Tom Stevens at 718-357-7075 for more information.

November 7 @ 3 pm
Susan Hodgdon
I Could Go On Singing
The show comprises songs sung by Judy Garland, including some of her lesser-known songs as well as those commonly associated with Judy. This is a story of Garland`s life and includes tidbits not necessarily known to the public. Susan Hodgdon wrote the show, Daryl Kojak is Musical Director and includes arrangements by both Bill Zeffiro and Daryl Kojak, Tanya Moberly is the Director.
Don’t Tell Mama. $5 cover and includes a free CD.

November 8 @ 7 pm
Celia Berk
You Can’t Rush Spring
Metropolitan Room
A Special Reprise (one of the best shows I saw this past year! Highly recommended!) Join the 2015 Bistro and MAC Winner as she celebrates her first album You Can’t Rush Spring and previews what’s coming next.

November 9 @ 7 pm
Sally Mayes and Jeff Harnar
Double Take
Birdland

November 12 @ 7 pm
November 15 @ 4 pm

Lisa Dennett
It’s My Birthday and I’ll Sing If I Want To!
Don’t Tell Mama

Lisa is celebrating her birthday in song and this act has been years in the making! Special Guest: Frank Senior For reservations: www.donttellmamanyc.com/shows or phone 212 757-0788 after 4PM.

November 14 @ 7 pm
Stacy Sullivan
Since You’ve Asked
Metropolitan Room

Troy Fannin, Music Director/Arranger on guitar, Jamie Mohamdein on bass, and Matthew Watanabe on piano. Directed by Savannah Brown.

November 15 @ 4:00 pm
4th Annual They Write the Songs
Presented by MAC
Baruch Performing Arts Center
25th Street (between Third and Lexington Aves)

Featured Songwriters: John Bucchino, Joe Kinosian & Kellen Blair, Lina Koutrakos, Tim Di Pasqua, Bill Zeffiro, Nathan Chang, Amy Wolk and William TN Hall, Bruce Kimmel

Scheduled to Perform: Joshua Dixon, Shana Farr, Lauren Stanford, Amy Beth Williams, Amy Wolk, Tim Di Pasqua,, Lina Koutrakos, John Bucchino, and more to be announced soon. HOST: Grammy Award-winning songwriter Julie Gold

TICKETS: $25
Get tickets at: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/952039
To order by phone call (866) 811-4111

November 15 & 22 @ 6 pm
Dean Benner
Still Cookin’
The Triad

With guest artist Christine Benner and the fantastic Dean Benner Band. You won’t want to miss Dean’s show. Richard Danley, Musical Director & Arranger, Matt Scharfglass on bass, Mike Campenni on drums, Jonathan Russell on fiddle/violin, Jack Bashkow on reeds & Peter Calo on guitar. Lots of great country tunes that you will have tapping your toes, laughing and crying. For Reservations: Call 1-888-596-1027 or visit: www.triadnyc.com to reserve online.

November 15 @ 9:30 pm
Lorraina Marro
The Music That Makes Me Dance
Metropolitan Room

Seasoned vocalist Lorraina Marro makes her Met Room debut accompanied by the Tedd Firth Trio. Recently honored as a Jazz Living Legend in Los Angeles, Lorraina makes her return to New York with a collection of songs written by some of her favorite songwriters that have inspired her throughout her life and career to keep going, to keep her eye on the prize! Mostly inspired by the lyrics of a song, some are emotional and some will make you dance in your seat. She takes her fans on a personal journey, for all to capture the essence of the silver lining of her soul. She is genuinely charming, witty, emotional and passionate about interpreting songs in her own style.

November 15 at 3 pm
Cabaret on the Hudson Series

Irvington Town Hall Theater, Irvington, NY

Pamela Lewis, Meg Flather and Richard Holbrook. Hosted by Corinna Sowers Adler and will feature Benet Braun on piano.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For more information, please call 914-591-6602 or by visit http://bit.ly/COTH_Nov

November 16 @ 7 pm
Steve Ross
Birdland
Reservations: 212-581-3080.
Produced by Steve’s manager, Peter Ligeti, and The Show Store, the “Steve Ross Orchestra” will tour performing Arts Centers, Festivals, Symphonies and Special Events both here and abroad. The “Steve Ross Orchestra” – has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

November 18 @ 7pm
Sally Darling
Perspectives
Don’t Tell Mama

Sally Darling is once again gracing the stage at Don’t Tell Mama with her wit, charm, and talent. In her new show, Perspectives, she uses humor to expose our human nature, the choices we make, and the way we look at life and then challenges us all to put ourselves into perspective. She summed it up best with this African proverb: “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try spending a night with a mosquito.”
Musical Director, Matthew Martin Ward.
Tickets online at www.DontTellMama.com

November 20 @ 7 pm
Jennifer Roberts
Don’t Tell Mama

Jennifer is back to celebrate her love for Manhattan with her show. Musical Director Tedd Firth will join Jennifer along with bass player Steve Doyle. (www.jennifergroberts.com). Directed by Andy Gale with technical direction by Jason Ellis, the evening features Firth’s spectacular arrangements of songs by Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Weill, Cy Coleman, Sheldon Harnick, Duke Ellington and Dave Frishberg.

November 22 @ 4 pm
Bill Dyszel
The Internet Ate My Brain
Don’t Tell Mama

Bill sang with the NY City Opera for 14 years and is the author of many books including Microsoft Outlook for Dummies. Come see this brilliant musical intervention for Internet junkies! Musical Director: Richard Danley; Jason Ellis – Tech Director Reservations: 212 757-0788 after 4pm or online at donttellmamanyc.com

November 30 @ 7 pm
Robin’s Nest
Laurie Beechman Theatre

The benefit series, returns to the Laurie Beechman Theatre with a special holiday themed show. Robin’s Nest aims to “build families, one song at a time,” by supporting Helpusadopt.org., an organization that awards financial grants to help offset the high costs of adoption and does so without discriminating against marital status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or ethnicity. This edition of Robin’s Nest stars Broadway’s Jessica Grové with special guest stars Eric Michael Gillett and Melanie Vaughan and features Kylie Liya Page. Directed by Eric Michael Gillett with musical direction by Dan Furman.

Be sure and check out Cabaret Duo Jennie Litt & David Alpher
CD Two Apples available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/alpherlitt
Interpreting the Great American Songbook
Satirizing Virtually Everything Else
www.litt-and-alpher.com
info@litt-and-alpher.com