The critically acclaimed open mic series, Big Night Out continues! 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 April 2, 2009, Big Night Out will continue with its Open Mic Madness Series. With the mic open all night, who knows who might drop by? Celebrate Ms. Wren's last open mic before she goes on sabbatical until June and welcomes a series of brilliant guest hosts to take the helm! Additionally, due to the overwhelming success of Big Night Out at Dillon's, Big Night Out been extended through 2009! Please check our online calendar for details and upcoming dates (www.jenniferwren.info/Jennifer_Wren/Calendar_of_Events.html).
On April 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 March 16th will be legendary composer John Meyer. Although he began his career writing comedy songs, Mr. Meyer's career has ventured into many other avenues as well. As an entertainer, he has appeared on the Queen Elizabeth II and at the Papagayo Café in St. Tropez. As an accompanist, he's played for Whoopi Goldberg, Liza Minelli, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Beutel and Wynton Marsalis. Onscreen, John appeared in the film, Not For Publication, which he also co-scripted and scored, with orchestrator Larry Hochman. Additionally, each year John participates in the Nuit du Jazz in France. As a writer, Mr Meyer is the author of Heartbreaker, a memoir of his time with Judy Garland, published by Kensington Books and the novel Nightchild, a thriller released by Pocket Books. As a screenwriter, John has written for film directors Paul Bartel and Tobe Hooper. His script and songs for "Gershwin's Trunk," an episode of the TV series, The Amazing Stories, remains a favorite of producer Steven Spielberg. As a playwright, John's musical thriller, The Betrayal of Nora Blake, had an extended run at London's Jermyn Street Theatre. As a
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songwriter, Mr. Meyer has had the pleasure of hearing his music performed by Eartha Kitt, Lily Tomlin, Madeline Kahn, Margaret Whiting, Julie Wilson, Linda Lavin, Gloria DeHaven, Paula West, Janis Siegel and Judy Garland. In addition, his musical, When Do the Words Come True?, was produced at Brookdale College and featured Leila Martin. John attended Fieldston School and he University of Chicago. He was a member of the first BMI workshop, under the direction of Lehman Engel. Currently, John is adapting Heartbreaker for the screen. John lives in Manhattan with his wife, Suzanne, and enjoys burgundy, both red and white. He hates long walks on the beach. For more information on Mr. Meyer, go to judygarlandheartbreaker.com
Mr. Meyer's work will be presented in a semi-staged concert performance (a Big Night Out first!) and include special performances by Summer Broyhill, Jennifer Wren, Bill Zeffiro and the artist himself.
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 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."
