The critically acclaimed open mic series, Big Night Out is bigger and better than ever! Billed as a delicious gathering for the musical community, Big Night Out is a unique and supportive environment for performers and composers of all backgrounds to come together and perform the music that they love. Hosted by The Fabulous Jennifer Wren, who made her cabaret debut in 2006 with her revue Love, Rainbows and All at Don't Tell Mama, and resident Musical Director William "Bill" Zeffiro, singers are encouraged to try out new material, sing the roles that they aspire to play, sing the roles they will never play, or just show off for the joy of it.
On June 4th, 2009, Big Night Out made its debut at a wonderful new mid-town venue, Etcetera Etc. Restaurant located at 352 W 44th between (8th and 9th Aves). Located in the heart of the Theatre District, Etcetera Etc. Restaurant features delectable Italian cuisine with a surprising Mediterranean flair and a unique industrial interior. The upstairs cabaret boasts stunning modern art and a versatile, beautiful space. Big Night Out will play at Etcetera, Etc Restaurant through 2009. Check our online calendar for upcoming dates and special events by clicking here.
On July 16, 2009, Big Night Out will continue its critically acclaimed Featured Composer Series. Showcasing New York-based musical theatre/cabaret songwriters, the Series includes MAC Award winners, BMI Musical Theatre Writing Workshop students, and up-and-coming composers. The Featured Composer on July16th will be Cool Cat and genius bassist, Ritt Henn. Mr, Henn plays bass, writes songs and lives in New York City. He has released three CDs of original music, including his latest, "TIMBER," and produced 210 episodes of the public access TV series, ManBassBoxTV. In 2005, he won both a Back Stage Bistro Award for Outstanding Songwriter/Instrumentalist and the MAC Award for Best New York Debut-Male. Ritt's toured the U.S. and Europe, opened for Béla Fleck and Soupy Sales, appeared Off-Broadway in Shockheaded Peter, been band leader and assistant musical director for NYC productions of The People vs. Mona (and got his name in the Samuel French script in so doing), and played with Chuck Berry, Buddy Rich, Martha Reeves and Tom Jones - though unfortunately not at the same time.
And, oh yes, there was that time he portrayed an alien bassoonist on Star Trek: The Next Generation. You can find out more about Mr. Henn at his website www.ritthenn.com.
Jennifer Wren has appeared in various New York productions including Unexpected Guest, The Wild Party (The Gallery Players), Commedia Del'artemisia and The Man Who Laughs (both with The Stolen Chair Theatre Company), Medusa and The Amazing Colossal Thing (both in the Vital Signs Festival), Granola! The Musical (NY International Fringe Festival), and numerous concerts, benefits, and workshops (including the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop). She has performed for audiences large and small in venues ranging from CBGB's to the Hudson Theatre. An accomplished actor as well as a singer, Ms. Wren has appeared on the Discovery Channel series, "Sensing Murder" as the ill-fated Mary Leonard, in several national commercials (including Atari: Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit and Cablevision's "Pixel" series) and on the new Independent Film Channel original series, "Z-Rock." www.jenniferwren.info.
William "Bill" Zeffiro is the composer/lyricist and book writer of The Road To Ruin (NYMF 2008). In addition, Mr. Zeffiro worked as a co-writer/actor on USA Network's "Up All Night," as the musical director/composer for "Extreme Makeover" (ABC), and composed special material for "Another World" (NBC), Mario Cuomo and Rudolph Giuliani. He produced and performed with the lovely and legendary Kay Swift in An Evening Of Kay Swift. In addition, Mr. Zeffiro's career includes numerous music direction, performances, and recordings. Mr. Zeffiro continues his vocal training work with students on -and off-Broadway. www.theroadtoruin.com.
