Photo Flash: Christine Lavin in Concert at Birdland
Taking the stage at the Monday night Broadway at Birdland concert series was renowned folk singer/comedienne Christine Lavin. In her second Birdland outing, Lavin sang her most popular and requested songs, joined by actor/singer/songwriter Jeff Daniels, cabaret artiste Colleen McHugh, songwriter Ervin Drake ("Good Morning Heartache") and Grammy-winning songwriter Julie Gold ("From A Distance"). Christine's songs have been sung by Broadway dolls Sutton Foster and Betty Buckley, and her new book, "Cold Pizza For Breakfast" has received rave reviews.
The following Cast Party, hosted by Jim Caruso with Billy Stritch at the piano and Steve Doyle on bass, had a very special surprise when Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura on "Star Trek") took to the stage. Nichols spoke of her friend and mentor, DR. Martin Luther King, which was a special treat considering Monday would have been the leader's 82nd birthday. She then stunned the packed house with a performance of "Summertime," complete with a spot-on impression of Eartha Kitt. There were other outstanding performances by Cortes Alexander, Adri Lyons, Clarke Thorell (currently in Mamma Mia), Natalie Joy Johnson (Legally Blonde), Mark Aaron James, Nolan Burke, Ruby Rakos (Billy Elliot), Sarah Rice, Sean Harkness and Tanner Bollinger. Suzanne Sena and Klea Blackhurst, stars of the upcoming IFC-TV series, "The Onion News Network," were also on hand, celebrating their upcoming Friday premiere.
All Photos by Stephen Sorokoff
Steve Doyle, Colleen McHugh, Sean Harkness
The crowd watching Christine Lavin
Suzanne Sena and Klea Blackhurst
Billy Stritch, Clarke Thorell, Cortes Alexander, Jim Caruso
