CABARET LIFE NYC: Adam Shapiro's Hilarious 'Guide to the Perfect Breakup' is Also a Primer On Creating Great Cabaret Musical Comedy
by Stephen Hanks - Jan 28, 2013
If you're a cabaret performer thinking about staging a musical comedy theme show, or even if you're just a cabaret fan who appreciates a thoroughly entertaining show on multiple levels, you should try to squeeze yourself into The Duplex on Wednesday night at 7 pm to see Adam Shapiro's encore performance of his Guide to the Perfect Breakup, which is also a textbook on how to create the almost perfect musical comedy cabaret show. With the guidance and support of Director Peter Napolitano and Musical Director Barry Levitt, Shapiro has crafted a structurally intricate yet seamless show about the evolution of romantic relationships-no matter what your gender-which is also funny without being sarcastic, biting without being bitchy, and tender without being cloying. And it showcases the talents of a cuddly teddy bear of a performer, who possesses the kind of solid singing, acting, and comedic chops that make him a young, rising cabaret star. (more...)
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CABARET LIFE NYC: It's Raining Women -- Reviews of 12 Shows From a Cabaret Fall
by Stephen Hanks - Dec 29, 2012
By the last August, I had fallen so far behind on writing reviews of cabaret shows from the spring and early summer (I guess it's a positive when there are more performers and shows in New York than days in the week) that I decided to play catch up by combining a bunch of critiques into one big column. I hadn't planned on doing that again, but this fall there were so many shows that once again I couldn't keep up. but at least I've beaten my self-imposed deadline New Year's Eve deadline of posting these reviews of 12 shows, all staged between September-December by lovely, attractive women (okay, so one is a gender-bender) of varying talents and levels on the cabaret depth chart, from established stars to MAC and Bistro Award-winners to comeback 'kids' to interesting beginners and occasional performers who are in the game to follow their bliss. Whether their performances were rave-worthy, earning of qualified praise, or not quite up to snuff, they all deserve kudos for taking the plunge. (more...)
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Cabaret Life NYC: Listmania! The Best Cabaret Performers of 2012
by Stephen Hanks - Dec 26, 2012
2012 was indeed a very good year for the art of Cabaret in New York City. Here, BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Reviewer and Columnist Stephen Hanks offers up his exclusive 'Best New York Cabaret Performers of the Year' for 2012, plus some surprising honorable mentions. Let the debates begin! (more...)
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Urban Stages WINTER RHYTHMS 2012 Begins Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Dec 04, 2012
Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director), in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano announces a series of musical evenings entitled WINTER RHYTHMS 2012, beginning on Tuesday, December 4 and running through Friday, December 15, 2012 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). Tickets are $25 per show (both shows in one night, $40). Beer and wine will be available for a $3 donation. Tickets may be purchased on www.smarttix.com or 212 868-4444. (more...)
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Cabaret Life NYC: Peter Napolitano Transitions from Director to Producer for Urban Stages' 'Winter Rhythms' Program, Dec. 4-15
by Stephen Hanks - Nov 28, 2012
It may not be like getting a gift on every one of the 12 Days of Christmas, but for cabaret and musical theater lovers, the 4th Annual Urban Stages 'Winter Rhythms' series-presented over a dozen straight nights at the not-for-profit's Off-Broadway theatre on 259 West 39th Street-could be the closest thing to opening a daily present by the tree. From December 4-15, more than 80 singers and actors will perform in an eclectic mix of 22 shows (including three on Saturday and Sunday, 12/8 and 12/9), with all the proceeds from ticket sales dedicated to the Urban Stages 'On Tour Outreach Program.' Two years ago, Urban Stages Artistic Director Frances Hill brought in MAC and Bistro award-winning director, lyricist and producer Peter Napolitano to produce the Winter Rhythms program and broaden the scope of it's musical offerings. BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Columnist Stephen Hanks recently caught up with the new Sol Hurok of Urban Stages to learn how he had helped Winter Rhythms evolve and get some insights into this year's program. (more...)
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2012 BWW Cabaret Awards - LIVE Update - 11/26!
by BWW Special Coverage - Nov 26, 2012
Voting is now underway for the Inaugural Cabaret Awards and continues until December 31, 2012. Winners will be announced in early January. Check out the live standings below! (more...)
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Nominations Annouced in 20 Categories for First-Ever BWW New York Cabaret Awards - Cast Your Votes NOW!
by Stephen Hanks - Nov 07, 2012
After receiving more than 3,000 nominations once BroadwayWorld.com announced it's first-ever New York Cabaret Awards in early October, BWW is now pleased to announce it's final nominations ballot in 20 categories. Now it's time for all you cabaret performers and fans to vote for the best singers, musicians and shows of the year. Voting will continue until December 31 and winners will be announced in early January. (more...)
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Urban Stages Announces 2012-13 Season: HONKY World Premiere and More
by BWW News Desk - Sep 27, 2012
Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director) has announced their 2012-13 season, beginning with the 20 Year Anniversary Celebration of Urban Stages ON TOUR with Urban Stages OCTOBERFEST (October 7-November 4), followed by the award-winning "Winter Rhythms 2012" (December 4-16, 2012) a music-fueled two-weeks of established and promising musical artists performing new works. Finally, this upcoming March, Urban Stages will present the world premiere of Greg Kalleres' play "HONKY' at Urban Stages (259 West 30 Street.) (more...)
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CABARET LIFE NYC: Dana Lorge's Last Night at the Iguana is One to Remember
by Stephen Hanks - Jul 14, 2012
If any New York cabaret performers staging shows last Wednesday evening (July 11) found their audiences a bit sparse, it's probably Dana Lorge's fault. The endearing and ditzy entertainment diva's final weekly talent showcase at Iguana NYC Restaurant on West 54th Street (just east of the new 54 Below) didn't bring out every cabaret connected person in the city, but it sure seemed that way. And if MAC had a vote for 'Variety Show of the Year,' Lorge's last Iguana presentation would win in a landslide. (more...)
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Urban Stage Closes MY OCCASION OF SIN
by BWW News Desk - Apr 15, 2012
Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director; Peter Napolitano, Producing Director) has announced the cast for the upcoming production of My Occasion of Sin by Monica Bauer, directed by Frances Hill. (more...)
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Photo Flash: 2012 MAC Awards Red Carpet & Ceremony!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Apr 01, 2012
The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs presented the 26th Annual MAC Awards Show on March 29th. The awards ceremony was held at B.B. King Blues Club, and the show was directed by Lennie Watts and produced by Julie Miller. BWW was there to cover the event. Check out the photos below! (more...)
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2012 MAC Awards Winners Announced - Full Awards List
by BWW Special Coverage - Mar 30, 2012
The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs announced the winners of the 2012 MAC Awards last night at the 26th Annual MAC Awards Show. The awards ceremony was held at B.B. King Blues Club, and the show was directed by Lennie Watts and produced by Julie Miller. (more...)
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NPR's Kurt Andersen Among Talk Backs Set for Urban Stages MY OCCASION OF SIN
by BWW News Desk - Mar 15, 2012
With performances beginning for the premiere of Monica Bauer's My Occasion of Sin, directed by Frances Hill on March, Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director; Peter Napolitano, Producing Director) is proud to add an additional two performances to the run, Saturday, March 24th at 3PM and Tuesday, April 10th at 8PM. (more...)
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