Marilyn Maye will return for her fifth Metropolitan Room engagement. In what she is calling a paean to "the lady at the bar," Marilyn Maye is concocting a veritable Molotov cocktail of passion, sex and romance, in an unblinking look at all the ways we find and loose the objects of our desire. "Love on the Rocks" which premieres on September 6 and plays 7 prime-time shows through September 16, will allow the thrice-married singing sensation a chance to probe even more deeply, and to leap from emotional and musical heights that are usually off-limits to singers a quarter of her age.
Since returning to New York after a 16-year absence in October 2006 (for an appearance at that year's Cabaret Convention and a one-night stand at The Metropolitan Room), Maye has stirred up a groundswell of excitement in four different shows that bowed in March, September and November of last year, and again in April 2008 when she and the audiences resoundingly celebrated her significant birthday in uproarious style. These four Metropolitan Room engagements, which
Rex Reed of The New York Observer says constitute "one of the most triumphant comebacks of the decade," clearly have transformed Maye into the toast of the town. In January she won a Nightlife Award (for Outstanding Cabaret Vocalist in a Major Engagement), and in April The Back Stage Bistro Awards bestowed a lifetime achievement award.
A pure proponent of the elegant nightclub style that once was the hallmark of large rooms and nightclubs across the country, Maye has amazed a growing number of critics with her seemingly undiminished abilities. Yes, her singing prowess just gets stronger as the night wears on. Stephen Holden of The New York Times has marveled that she "dives into jazz and swings with a vocal stamina remarkable for a performer of any age." He adds, "Ms. Maye combines Broadway brass and jazz with such a natural feel for both that they become twin styles that you can hardly tell apart."
"Love on the Rocks" features
Tedd Firth on piano, Jim Eklof (her long-time drummer) and Tom Hubbard on bass. During her very "up" April birthday show she warned audiences that her September act would be "a real downer," though she assured, "I've learned that people are the happiest when they're drinking and crying."
A Kansas City native and resident, Maye was nominated for a best new artist Grammy in 1965. She appeared a total of 76 times on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (the most appearances by a singer).
The high-octane Maye toasts "Love on the Rocks" Saturday through Tuesday September 6, 7, 8, 9, and Sunday through Tuesday September 14, 15, 16. All shows at 7pm except Tuesday September 6 at 7:30pm. The music charge is $30.
Rated "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, the Nightlife and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, celebrated its second anniversary in May. For reservations call 212/206-0440. For more information visit www.metropolitanroom.com.
Photo Credit
Mark Rupp
