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CurtainUp's
Cabaret Nights February 2012
An Annotated List of New York's Leading Cabaret Venues
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Featured Artist:
Christine Ebersole The End of the World As We Know It Cabaret
If it were the end of the world, you sure would not believe it at the Café Carlyle, or as Christine Ebersole calls it “The Carlyle Tabernacle Church.” She and John Oddo are exploring the Mayan calendar and its apocryphal prediction of doom. With engaging tongue-in-cheek charm, Ebersole acknowledges the political brouhaha, the fear and consumerism of pharmaceuticals, Smash, the lavishly advertised upcoming series for TV, and other current vexations. Directed by Scott Wittman, the show flows smoothly, glimpsing Ebersole’s many talents. It seems like this lady can do anything — comedy, sensitive acting, and singing gloriously in a clear soprano voice secure with meaningful phrasing and admirable vocal control. She never fails to communicate her music and her patter to the audience with ease, as totally at home on a small stage as she is on the big stage. Recently she performed with violinist, Aaron Weinstein, at Birdland, adding her bright spontaneity and interpretation to a jazz-filled evening. Here she is the girl singer for John Oddo and his dazzling five-piece band, who enhance her selections with radiant rhythms of Dixieland, the hallelujah spirit of gospel and some heart-wrenching ballads. As ballad highlights, a flawless, “Right As the Rain” reflects her pride and love of family, which is her linchpin. After relating a story about her husband’s serious surgery, Ebersole delivers a passionate, “I Love You, Porgy.” Recognizing the uncertainty of life, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime,” builds with powerful dramatic sensibility. With her beatific smile, Ebersole accepts the world’s ridiculous side, including the sharp wit of Noel Coward’s patter song, “What’s Going to Happy to the Tots?” From the past, a humorous nod to Sophie Tucker features “Max From the Income Tax.” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” illustrates her theater belt. “Strike Up the Band” is a race to the end and she easily holds that one note in “Johnny One Note.” The sweetly sarcastic spirit of Ebersole’ is revealed early with, “Show Me The Way to Get Out of This World (‘cause that’s where everything is).” At the end she suggests the answer of meeting life’s challenges lies in appreciating the simple things, the “Pennies From Heaven.” This sublime show is worth every one of those pennies. |
There is more to February than the Super Bowl and the riveting parade of political debates. For the romantics, let’s concentrate on Valentine’s Day, and we can expect a banquet selection of musical hearts and flowers. Christine Ebersole with Musical Director John Oddo offers a special Valentine’s Day performance on Feb. 14. Of course. this package is a pricey one with its $100 cover. The rest of Ebersole’s outstanding month-long engagement at the Carlyle (Jan. 31 to Feb. 25) is offered at a slightly lower price. See review above. On Feb. 26, Herb Alpert and Lani Hall will remind you how multi-faceted Herb and wife, Lani, are and what an impressive life and career Herb Alpert has led after Tijuana Brass.
Jazz star, Rene Marie, with two outstanding CDs in 2011, brings a Valentine Swing to Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola from Feb. 14-19. If you can still get tickets, theater’s Elaine Paige will be at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s spectacular Allen Room on Feb. 10 and 12, and Laura Benanti appears on Feb. 11 only. This is a room with a view you can’t beat.
One of theater’s cutest new couples, Jenny Powers and Matt Cavenaugh, comes to Birdland on Feb. 13, proving that they have a Real Good Thing going. I saw them at the last Cabaret Convention and they have some impressive chemistry going that will match the Valentine music. On Feb. 20, versatile Christine Bianco presents Diva Moments: Songs That Made Divas Out of the Women Who Sang Them! This opens the door for a lot of big, passionate belting, and Bianco ( Forbidden Broadway, Newsical, the Musical ) is as good as it gets.
At the Triad, Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano add legendary diva, Julie Wilson, to their journey, Three For the Road to keep the Valentine’s Day romance going. On Feb. 16.
Benjamin F. Smith features The Splendor of Love at the Duplex on Feb. 11. With him is the romantic guitar of Brett Thompson.
An outstanding singer with a singular style, Wesla Whitfield travels from San Francisco to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), on Feb. 11 to perform romantic standards in two shows. With her is the Mike Greensill Trio. These performers are always worth a trip across the Hudson. For NJPAC’s cabaret series, go to www.njpac.org.
Lovely Karen Oberlin is not one to let Valentine’s Day go by without her silky song renditions. She will be Stringing Along with Love on Feb. 14, 21, 28, accompanied by guitarist Sean Harkness at the Metropolitan Room.
Try not to miss Eric Michael Gillett and jazz singer, La Tanya Hall who come to Feinstein’s at Loew's Regency proving you have Nothing To Lose But Your Heart. With Eric’s robust theatrical voice and with La Tanya’s interpretive jazz skills, expect an entertaining collection of songs by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. (Feb. 21).
It’s not daffodil time yet, but Marieann Meringolo believes that You Must Believe in Spring!: The Music of Michel Legrand. Legrand has written some of the most unforgettable romantic melodies and what better way to prove that Valentine’s Day is not over after Feb. 14. Keep the romance blooming with Marieann and Michel every Sunday evening beginning Feb. 26 at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency.
Sad news to end the month. The nostalgic landmark, Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room , will not re-open after the current renovations. For 30 years the Oak Room has presented memorable shows by outstanding performers, propelling and nurturing the careers of upcoming stars like Harry Connick, Jr., Peter Cincotti, Michael Feinstein, and Diana Krall. Regulars like Steve Ross, Andrea Marcovicci, Karen Akers and KT Sullivan will undoubtedly continue to perform in other venues. For a newcomer, however, the chance to sing in the historic Oak Room was always a memorable moment, like the thrill of sitting in the audience and discovering a new star there.
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esommer@curtainup.com |
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An Annotated List of New York's Leading Cabaret Venues Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street. (212)-206-0440. A favorite. Friendly, comfortable and reasonable. Covers are $15 to $35, depending on performer and two-drink minimum. Serves tempting pies, cakes (try the carrot cake), and a few snack bowls. Alas, food is not included in drink minimum. Every Tuesday, Annie Ross swings with great band. Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46 St. (212) 757-0788. Middle of theatre district with cabaret and a lively piano bar seven days a week. A long time favorite, reasonable, run well with wide variety of talent and friendly staff. Covers vary but are reasonable, plus two drink minimum. Credit cards not accepted. The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street on 7th Avenue.Piano bar with an open mike downstairs and singers upstairs. Check out weekly events. The Laurie Beechman Theater, West Bank Cafe, 407 West 42 Street. (212) 695-6909.$15 minimum plus cover. Besides nightly performers, they present New Voices on Monday nights ($10 cover). Friday nights is The After Party (No cover, no minimum). This spot is always adding something new. Time Out Lounge, West 50 St., west of Eighth Avenue. If you're around New World Stages, take the elevator down to this no-cover little bar with jazz and standards. Birdland, 315 W 44th St. NYC. Phone: 212-581-3080. Cabaret features Monday nights with "Broadway at Birdland" at 7pm. Then stay on for Jim Caruso's Cast Party, 9:30pm to 1:00am ($10 Cover and a $10 Food/Drink Minimum). Bar, minimum $5 plus cover. Offers good Cajun cooking at reasonable prices. Iridium, 1650 Broadway (51st Street), (212) 582-2121. Monday nights with legendary Les Paul is a must-see. Strong jazz lineup the rest of the week and some solid jazzy singers. Prices vary. Midtown Jazz at Midday, St. Peter's Church, Lexington Avenue and 54th Street, (212) 935-2200. A real bargain. Every Wednesday, bring your sandwich, pay $2 and watch top-notch jazz or cabaret artist for an hour. Begins 12:30pm. Reprise Room @ Dillon's, 254 West 54 Street. NYC. Every Monday night, Back in Pictures, songs from movies. Check schedule. Broadway Baby Bistro at Broadway Comedy Club. 318 W. 53 St. NYC., 212-757-5808. A piano bar and show room. Credit cards accepted. The Triad Theatre, 158 W. 72nd St., 212-362-2590. Climb up the winding stairs to the cabaret room. Frequently features Off-off Broadway shows Covers vary often $10 or $15 or higher. Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street. 212-962-7555 or 212-539-8778. Good news/bad news. This is not a concert space and not a cabaret space, but a bit of both. It lacks intimacy but usually features intriguing artists and some big names trying new venues. Can be packed and some sightlines are undesirable, yet excitement level can be high. You must buy tickets in advance and then make seating/dinner reservations. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person. When price is no object — Cafe Carlyle, Madison Avenue at 76th Street. (212) 744-1600. Beautiful room for posh night out with big-name entertainer. Monday night is jazz night with Woody Allen, if he shows up. Cover is high, and varies. Feinstein's at Loewe's Regency, 540 Park Ave. Big names, usually from non-cabaret genres -- Broadway, films, television. Cover varies from $61.00 - $88.00. Expensive dinners named for current performers. Sunday and Monday nights often feature Broadway singers at lower covers. |
