Len Cariou Visits SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED, 7/25

Following fifteen sold out shows, The Laurie Beechman Theatre will continue their hit series, SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED, for a sixteenth installment, Monday, July 25 at 7pm. In this special addition to the series, we'll be celebrating our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, having begun this journey of celebrating Sondheim in July of 2010.

SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED features an array of Broadway and Cabaret's most dynamic performers, celebrating the work of Broadway's most beloved and prolific composer, accompanied by piano only. The series boasts an impressive, rotating cast of some of the Theatre World and cabaret's most impressive talents, all of whom will perform their favorite Sondheim tunes.

The Laurie Beechman Theatre is located within the West Bank Cafe at 407 West 42nd St., in the heart of New York's theatre district. There is a $20 cover charge, as well as a $15 food/beverage minimum (a full dinner menu is available). For reservations, which are necessary, please call 212 695 6909 .

This month, we're thrilled to welcome three very special guests, each of whom created roles in Sondheim musicals or revivals: Len Cariou (the Tony-Award winning star of A Little Night Music and Sweeney Todd), Matt Castle (who played Peter in the 2006 B'way revival of Company, will serve as our Musical Director) and Sarah Rice (Sweeney Todd's original Johanna). Recently, Sondheim Unplugged received the 2011 Bistro Award for Outstanding Cabaret Series, and was nominated for the 2011 MAC Award.

Also included in the cast are an array of Broadway and cabaret alums, including Kristy Cates (Wicked), Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Tony nominee, Avenue Q), Eric Michael Gillett (The Frogs, Kiss Me, Kate), Trent Armand Kendall (Into the Woods revival), Lucia Spina (Legally Blonde, 25th Annual Putnam Co. Spelling Bee), Jessica Vosk (NY Philharmonic Company) and Stephen Wallem (Showtime's Nurse Jackie). Also appearing are award-winning performers Lisa Asher, Harris Doran, Natalie Douglas, Larry Hamilton, Rob Maitner & Julie Reyburn. Sondheim Unplugged is hosted by Phil Geoffrey Bond.

Past special guests have included George Lee Andrews (A Little Night Music), Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music), Erin Davie (A Little Night Music revival), Danielle Ferland (Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George), Joy Franz (Into the Woods, Assassins), Annie Golden (Assassins), Steve Elmore (Company), Victoria Mallory (Follies, A Little Night Music), Donna McKechnie (Company), Crista Moore (Gypsy), Pamela Myers (Company), Kurt Peterson (Follies), Teri Ralston (A Little Night Music), Sarah Rice (Sweeney Todd), Melanie Vaughan (Sunday in the Park with George) and Pamela Winslow Kashani (Into the Woods).

Included in the rotating company: Carey Anderson (Avenue Q, Mamma Mia), Lisa Asher (MAC & Nightlife Award Winner), Raissa Katona Bennett (Phantom of the Opera), Emily Bergl (Desperate Housewives), Christina Bianco (Drama Desk Nominee, Forbidden Broadway), David Brian Colbert (MAC Award Winner), Harris Doran (It Must Be Him), Natalie Douglas (MAC Award Winner), Michelle Dowdy (Hairspray), Kevin Dozier, Daisy Eagan (Tony Winner, The Secret Garden), Barbara Fasano (MAC /Bistro/Nightlife Award Winner), Terese Genecco (MAC & Bistro Award Winner), Eric Michael Gillett (Sweet Smell of Success, Kiss Me, Kate, MAC Award Winner), Larry Hamilton, Joe Iconis (Drama Desk Nominee), Hunter Ryan Herdlicka (A Little Night Music), Becca Southworth Johnson (The After Party), Trent Armand Kendall (Into the Woods), Audrey Lavine (Rags, Carrie), Lorinda Lisitza (Nightlife Award Winner), Karen Mack (MAC Award Winner), Rob Maitner (Bistro Award Winner), Cindy Marchionda (Jeff Award Winner), Liz McCartney (South Pacific, Taboo), Susie Mosher (Hairspray), Julia Murney (Wicked), Mark Nadler (MAC Award Winner), Karen Oberlin (MAC & Bistro Award Winner), Phyllis Pastore (MAC Award winner), Miles Phillips (MAC Award Winner), Marybeth Purdy, Shaynee Rainbolt (MAC Award Winner), Julie Reyburn (MAC/Bistro/Nightlife Award winner), Leenya Rideout (Company), Jana Robbins (Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Gypsy), Anne Runolfsson (Phantom of the Opera, Victor/Victoria), Nikki Scalera (Hairspray), Elizabeth Stanley (Company, Cry Baby, Million Dollar Quartet), Katie Thompson (Giant), Will Trice (MAC Award Winner), Jonathan Whitton (MAC Award Winner), Stephen Wallem (Nurse Jackie), Lennie Watts (MAC Award Winner) & Joann Yeoman.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski