Gurland Does Garland Plays the Beechman, June 17

David Gurland and the Laurie Beechman Theatre are presenting Gurland Does Garland, an evening of songs made famous by Judy Garland. The show will take place Sunday, June 17th at 7PM, at the West Bank Cafe's Laurie Beechman Theatre, as part of the DGUR Concert series, and in celebration of Gay Pride Week in New York.

"In the tradition of artists such as Rufus Wainwright, the evening will feature both well-known and obscure Garland songs from her films and her concert appearances," state press notes. Musical direction is by Ray Fellman (off-Broadway's Captain Louie, Wood/Gerle's The Tutor, the Barrow Group's Reluctant Pilgrim).

In addition to Gurland, there will be appearances by two-time MAC Award winner Brandon Cutrell (Broadway By The Year at Town Hall, Pippin), MAC Award nominee Brian Farley (The Farley Brothers: From Here to Fraternity), and Rob Maitner (Urinetown! The Musical, Jean Cocteau Rep's Corpus Christi). Proceeds from this concert will go to Classical Action, a division of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which raises funds for HIV/AIDS service, education, and prevention programs all across America.

Press notes state, "Gurland, who hails from New York City, has won a place as one of the most formidable openly gay singers in New York's music scene.  Channeling cabaret experience and instincts into his pop/rock shows, Gurland merges talent, presence and humor, into an unforgettable entertainment experience. Gurland's accolades include 5 MAC Award nominations, the MAC/Hanson Award, a Gay and Lesbian American Music Award Nomination, and three Bistro Awards, one of which recognized his first CD, released in 1999 to rave reviews.  Critics have raved about both Gurland's voice and his stage manner. David has been seen at The Cutting Room, The Bitter End, Town Hall, CB's Gallery, The Living Room, Don't Tell Mama, The Duplex, and The metropolitan Room, as well as out of town venues like Odettes in New Hope, The Gardenia in LA, the Manor in NJ and Twiggs in San Diego."

Previous DGUR Concerts have covered Country Music, Show Tunes, 70's and 80's pop, and the Madonna oeuvre.

The Laurie Beechman Theatre at the Westbank Cafe is at 407 W 42nd Street, at 9th. There is a $16 cover, with a $15 food/drink minimum. For tickets and information, call 212-695-6909 or visit www.westbankcafe.com. For more information, visit www.davidgurland.com, www.robertmaitner.com, www.brandoncutrell.com, or www.classicalaction.org.
 
Photo by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.