Laurie Beechman Theater Announces Lineup for March: Joan Rivers, Joshua Warr, Victoria Edwards & More

It is with great pleasure that The West Bank Café announces upcoming performances to be presented in The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd. St., at Ninth Avenue.

For reservations, please call 212.695.6909.

The Laurie Beechman Theatre has a rich tradition of presenting cutting-edge work, which has played a role in shaping American theatre and live performance. Since the 80's, the theatre has staged numerous plays and hosted a myriad of live performance events.

This March, the theatre is proud to announce an exciting and eclectic line-up of performers and performances, all of which will take place in the gorgeous eighty-five seat venue.

Please note there is a $15 food and/or beverage minimum at each performance, with the exception of The After Party. All major credit cards are accepted, and a full dinner/bar menu is available.

Featuring performances from John Bucchino, Liz Callaway, Karen Finley, David Friedman, Brian Lane Green, Ann Harada, the cast of In The Heights, Jose Llana, Amanda McBroom, Faith Prince, Sarah Rice, Joan Rivers & many more!

Joan Rivers
Tuesdays, Mar 9, 16, 23 @ 8pm
Wednesdays, Mar 10, 24, 31 @ 8pm
Tickets, $30: www.spincyclenyc.com or 212 352 3101
Legendary comedian and Celebrity Apprentice winner Joan Rivers brings her live stand-up act to Times Square's Laurie Beechman Theatre. Rivers presents an evening of her newest and most outrageous riffs on The Celebrity Apprentice, Hollywood, pop culture, celebrities, reality TV and award show fashion. A full dinner menu and bar are available, and pianist Lance Cruce plays from the time doors open until Joan takes the stage. Tickets are $30 with net proceeds going to Rivers' favorite charities: God's Love We Deliver and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The After Party
Every Friday from 10:30pm to 3am
No cover, no minimum
This weekly open-mic schmoozefest for the theatrically inclined has become the hit of midtown, hosted by iron-lunged Brandon Cutrell and featuring Gabrielle Stravelli, Becca Johnson and Ray Fellman at the piano. Come hang and belt out a showtune or two. No cover, no minimum. You never know who might drop by.

Le Scandal Cabaret
Saturdays, Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 10:30pm
$25 cover
Le Scandal Cabaret is NYC's longest running burlesque variety show. In its ninth year, Le Scandal features variety acts, circus performers, live music and a bevy of burlesque beauties. NY Magazine called Le Scandal, "the rock star of the NY burlesque scene!" And the show is a NY Times "critics pick." New performers every week! Expect sword swallowers, belly dancers, rope trick cowboys, contortionists, torch singing fan dancers and comedic aerobats, all set to the live music of the Le Scandal Orchestra. For tickets, visit Smarttix: www.smarttix.com or 212 868 4444.

Karen Finley: The Jackie Look
Saturdays, Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 7:30
Tickets, $20: www.spincyclenyc.com or 212 352 3101
Karen Finley, the most controversial woman in performance today, premieres her latest work, The Jackie Look. Finley brings icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis back to life in this unique look at history, style, trauma, femininity and the demands of being the First Lady. Using the structure of a lecture set in the present day, Jackie, one of the most photographed woman of her day, contemplates her life in pictures. Jackie also makes use of YouTube and views online homages to herself and her family. Along the way, Jackie ruminates about Michelle Obama, Marilyn Monroe, Caroline's run for Senate, the art world, Michael Jackson and the lasting impact of that fateful day on the grassy knoll in Dallas. Since her first performances in the early 1980's, Karen Finely has become synonymous with performance art. She is the recipient of two Obies, two Bessies, and multiple grants from the NEA and NYSCA. She has toured internationally with pieces including Make Love, George & Martha, The American Chestnut, A Certain Level of Denial and The Return of The Chocolate Smeared Woman. In 1990, Finley became an unwilling symbol for the NEA when she, along with Tim Miller, Holly Hughes & John Fleck, sued the NEA for withdrawing grants on the grounds of indecency.

Jimmy Gleason - Actor Under Fire

Monday, Mar 1 @ 7pm

Mondays, April 5 & 12 @ 7pm

$10 cover

A solo performance account of Gleason's enlistment in the Air Force, being sent to Vietnam and then once there, being cast to star in Neil Simon's Star Spangled Girl. Having traveled to over twenty base camps, hospitals villages and to the front lines for over a month to bring this show to men and women in uniform, Gleason tells the story of the effect the tour had on him as well as the stories of the soldiers.

Rock-away Beech: An evening of original theatre rock by Andrew Heyman and Tyler Phillips
Monday, Mar 1 @ 9:30pm

$5 cover

A Jersey punk and a Texas rocker take the stage to share some showtunes that really rock! With the help of a truly rockin' band, some of the composers' favorite vocalists kick it up a notch to light up the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Don't miss this one-night-only exploration of character and drama through the timeless and expansive sounds of pop/rock. The fourth concert in the Name'NLights Cabaret Series - a new series dedicated to promoting the new works of theatre writers. Visit www.tylerphillipsmusic.com for more info and updates!

Cabaret Hotline Online "March is Cabaret Month" Gala
Tuesday, March 2 @ 7pm
$30 cover
An evening to benefit Stu Hamstra's Cabaret Hotline Online, in celebration of March is Cabaret Month and saluting "The Composers of Cabaret." Performers scheduled to perform include Brian Lane Green (The Life, Starmites, Big River) Jenny Powers (Grease, Little Women, Follies, Happiness), Becca Johnson Southworth (The After Party), Raissa Katona Bennett (Phanton Of The Opera), Liz Callaway (Baby, Cats, Miss Saigon, The Three Musketeers, The Look Of Love, Merrily We Roll Along, The Spitfire Grill) and Faith Prince (Guys And Dolls, A Catered Affair, Bells Are Ringing, Little Me, The King And I, Little Mermaid). This is in addition to the fantastic and talented songwriters who will take part in the show, including David Friedman, John Bucchino, Amanda McBroom and Alex Rybeck (Alex will also be serving as musical director for the event).

Joshua Warr - Sing No Evil
Wed, Mar 3 @ 7pm
$15 cover
Joshua Warr tackles the "Subject of Sin" head-on with grace, passion and humor, in his NY nightclub debut! Inspired by the greats like Liza Minnelli, Ben Vereen, Barbra Streisand, Peter Allen and Jessica Rabbit - he dives into a delectable assortment of poetry, comedy, dance and (of course) music to spread a little decadent fun around the Nine Circles of Hell - all the while maintaining that he's "not Evil ... just drawn to the material." Joshua has enlisted the show-biz savvy of multiple award-winners Miles Phillips (Director) and Tracy Stark (Musical Director) to create a provocative evening you won't want to miss!

John Koprowski
Thur, Mar 4 @ 7pm
$20 cover
John Koprowski sings songs from the Classic Rock era--1970s and 1980s. Songs include favorites by Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Jim Croce, Boston, Harry Chapin, Guns'n Roses, the Eagles and others. Musical Direction by Tracy Stark with a five piece band (piano, guitar, electric bass, drums and violin).

Sarah Rice: Screen Gems
Fri, Mar 5 @ 8pm
Sun, Mar 7 @ 5pm - Special Oscar Day performance!
Fri, Apr 2 @ 7pm
$20 cover
Sarah Rice, who originated the role of Johanna in Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece, Sweeney Todd returns to our stage with added performances of her hit show, Screen Gems, Songs of Old Hollywood. The evening explores songs chosen from film scores sung by or dedicated to stars and their movie roles in the films of old Hollywood.

The Last Word
Mon, Mar 8 @ 6pm
No cover
A concert reading of a new musical - a variation on the story of Caine and Abel set in jazz era Los Angeles with music by Kevin Ray.

Brandon Cutrell & Co-Horts
Mon, Mar 8 @ 9:30pm
Thur, Mar 18 @ 9:30pm
$20 cover
The After Party's own 2009 Nightlife Award winner, Brandon Cutrell takes to the Beechman stage with his new show, Brandon Cutrell & Co-Horts. A cabaret showcase, Brandon emcees the show, which features five different people at each performance. Do not miss this opportunity to meet some of New York's brightest and youngest stars-to-be.

Chasin' The Blues Away... A Benefit for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS
Thur, Mar 11 @ 7pm
$25 cover
A not-to-be missed event with performances by some of cabaret's top-drawer talents; 2008 Bistro winner Marianne Challis will host the evening, bringing her special brand of baby-boomer humor to the party. Joining her are Kevin Dozier, Reagan Stone and Lisa Viggiano - award winners all, and some of the best singing voices you will hear in one evening! This fast-paced, "blues-chasin" hour will benefit one of the entertainment community's favorite charitable organizations, Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. Directed by two-time MAC Award winner Scott Barnes.

Songfest
Thur, Mar 11 @ 9:30pm
$15 cover
Songfest is a benefit concert for the Bar Harbor (ME) Music Festival's New Composers Concert. Produced by Ed Cionek & Patti Wyss, the performers include The Janes, Gerald Steichen, Margaret Dorn, Dennis Deal, Emily Bindiger & Maureen Hurd, and the event is hosted by Dennis Deal.

Victoria Edwards: Cheek to Cheek
Fri, Mar 12 @ 8pm
$12 cover
You won't want to miss Victoria Edwards in her newest cabaret performance, Cheek to Cheek. Join Victoria and the guys as they share their own take on everything from musical comedy to pop standards...and even Wonder Woman. We'll see you there!

Andrew Cristi - I'll Sing Whatever the *&^% I Want!
Sunday, Mar 14 @ 8pm
$7 cover
Typecast: (v) to cast (an actor) repeatedly in the same type of part, or in the part of a character whose traits are very much like the actor's own. In Andrew's case, typecasting can be overwhelmingly frustrating. For one night only Andrew tackles material ranging from Broadway covers to songs on the radio proving that race, gender or age shouldn't matter when it comes to good music. He'll sing whatever the *@#% he wants!

Zoe Lewis
Thur, Mar 18 @ 7pm
$15 cover
Affectionately known as "the band in a body," Zoë plays jazz, jump jive, latin grooves, gypsy swing, international folk & funk originals on anything from the piano to the spoons! Originally from England, she now resides in Provincetown and has toured the world, working with Judy Collins, Richie Havens & Nanci Griffiths. Zoe has numerous songwriting awards to her credit, she has written for film, commercials and has just finished her first musical. She'll be joined by an eclectic mix of marvelous musicians including Roxanne Layton on recorder (from Mannheim Steamroller), Kate Wolf on bass, Nathan Carver on musical saw, Jagoda on percussion and the inimitable Ilona Royce-Smithkin who will transport us back in time with a touch of Dietrich. A gem of a show! www.zoelewis.com.

My Queer Youth
Fridays, Mar 19 & 26 @ 7pm
Sundays, Mar 21 @ 28 @ 7pm
$18 cover
Phil Geoffrey Bond's humorous look at growing up queer in Farmland, USA. From invading the showtune section at the public library to asking a boy out on a date, this solo performance piece is set amongst the rolling cornfields of Southern Indiana, following our hero and his awakening to not only sexuality, but manhood. Directed by Tony Award-Winner, Michele Pawk.

Barbara A. Malley: To Life!
Sunday, Mar 21 @ 1pm
$15 cover
Barbara A. Malley makes her solo cabaret debut in To Life! This beautifully crafted afternoon features an array of standards and show tunes about life, love and relationships. To Life! is a celebration of Barbara's unique point of view and life experience. Musical direction by David Brunetti and directed by Nightlife Award winner Collette Black.

Larry Hamilton: Channel Surfing
Sun, Mar 21 @ 9:30pm
$10 cover
Remember the theme song to TV's Good Times? The Golden Girls? Cheers? Join Larry for his second go 'round at the Beechman, featuring tunes from The Color Purple, Yentl, Trick, Sister Act 2, Dreamgirls, Mary Poppins and more. It's sure to be a stroll down memory lane that'll have you humming and clapping all the way home! With Larry holding the remote control, ANYTHING is possible. Special guests include Christina DeCicco (Marvelous Wonderettes, Wicked) and Jesse Luttrell and introducing The Channel Surfing Singers: Andrew Cristi, Anich D'Jae, Tatiana Henderson, Michael Jones, Geoff Kidwell, Ryan Scott Lathan, Jennifer Mintzer, Mark Mozingo, JB Reed, Robin Rothman, Rachel Smith, Justin Stratton & Robert Teasedale. www.larryhamilton.com.

Cabaret Cares
Monday, March 22 @ 9:30pm
$25 cover
A cabaret benefit series that brings together the best of the Broadway and Cabaret communities to raise funds for Help Is On the Way Today, an organization that benefits youth grappling with HIV/AIDS. This month features the cast of the Tony Award winning musical, In The Heights.

Northwestern 2010 Songwriter's Showcase
Tue, Mar 23 @ 10:30pm
$10 cover
A songwriter's showcase featuring Dan Green and Will Buck, faculty members of Northwestern University's Musical Theatre Dept.

Jesse Oxfeld: Everything's Comin' Up Moses: A Gypsy Seder
Thur, Mar 25 @ 7pm
$15 cover
Lift the staff! Part the sea! We got nothing to do but be free! Everything's Coming Up Moses is a musical retelling of the Exodus as seen through the larger-than-life journey of Moses, the original pushy stage mother. Through an irresistible blend of Broadway razzle-dazzle, old-fashioned show biz moxie and soon-to-be musical classics like Some Hebrews, Mose's Turn and of course, the title number, Moses tirelessly shepherds the Children of Israel to the Promised Land-whether they like it or not. With apologies to Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim.

You Can't Get a Man with a Gun -- Ann Harada, Christine Toy Johnson, Jose Llana and friends sing songs from the 1946-47 Broadway Season
Sunday, Mar 28 @ 9:30pm
$25 cover
A performance to benefit Transcending - The Wat Misaka Story (a documentary film about the first non-white player in the NBA, who played for the 1947 Knicks). Join Broadway's Ann Harada, Christine Toy Johnson, Jose Llana and friends as they sing songs from the 1946-47 Broadway season. Directed by Tony Award-winner, Michele Pawk.

Gina Green: Gina with a G
Tue, Mar 30 @ 7pm
$5 cover
New to the cabaret scene, vocalist Gina Green makes her debut.

Scott Nevins: Live in NYC!
Thur, Apr 1 @ 7pm
$20 cover
Scott Nevins, the award-winning TV personality and host, known as the "Hilarious Hottie" from truTV's hit show The Smoking Gun Presents, and Instinct Magazine's March Cover Model/Story, returns home to NYC for a special one night only performance.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride