Rob Lester - Page 4

At Chelsea Table + Stage, Klea Blackhurst 'Box Set' shows are continuing to draw crowds and bring smiles. Songs of Vernon Duke were on the bill in April, and May 5 will find her saluting Jerry Herman.

THE ZIEGFELD GIRLS REVUE, on April 13th at the Green Room 42, puts a lot on view: Female pulchritude, nearly nude, with attitude.

Daryl Sherman is honoring an early jazz legend at Birdland -- one songbird chirping about another. A relaxed show with vintage music and musical cohorts playing with her. The show returns Tuesday at 5:30 pm.

Another natural wonder has arrived and is creating a thunderous storm in New York.  I refer to the whirlwind known as singer Marilyn Maye and the vociferous reception that greeted her on the opening night of her already extended engagement celebrating her 96th birthday, running through May 6 at 54 Below. She remains sensational and spellbinding.

The Quintin Harris Trio recently graced Birdland again. A classy set of standards was delivered. Check out our review and consider checking out their next appearance tomorrow Saturday April 13th at 5:30.

Jumpin' Jehovah! The Jive Aces surely jump for joy and jump into their music, determined to divert you and entertain with energy to the max. Once again, Birdland booked a band devoted to reviving music from the past, with The Jive Aces decidedly honoring the styles and songs of some stars of old on their April 4th show.

If you like the idea of “Throwback Thursday,” dedicating a day of the week to remember and revisit the past, Birdland can really “make your day” any Thursday with The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band. Choices from early 20th century popular music populate the set list each Thursday with the grand High Society New Orleans Jazz Band at Birdland. What a treat!

Singer Catherine Russell's joy is a joy to behold. Get a new appreciation for old songs with pep that swings. She won't let songs from a bygone era be gone. She brings 'em back with a breezy swinging style that proves there's life and juice in the oldies. And she's got a gem of a band backing her up to bring them back to life.

The Depression and World War II eras didn't stop Broadway from being filled with big shows and songs worth hearing again and again. Hear about what can be heard in a BroadwayWorld write-up.

Musical multi-tasking talent Joshua Turchin is the standout in a show he hosted with fellow songwriters & singers. When others their age were struggling to write essays, these people had already written full-length musicals and songs that got them zillions of followers on TikTok, Instagram, Youtube, and you name it.

Jazz is about improvising and surprise, and so Janis Siegel stepped in for the under-the-weather booked singer at Dizzy's because the show must go on–even if it's a different one (with the same musicians). Janis Siegel was in great hands with a trio at Dizzy's on March 20th, and the audience gave them a great big hand. Read all about it.

Our 'Born This Month' Cabaret Birthday Salute goes to a woman with an incredible life story. An amazing musical inspiration. Do you know her name? Born in April, she changed music history during her 106-year life. Read about her in our monthly birthday feature.

54 Below is known for its seemingly endless variety of themes as happy reasons to group songs from musical theatre. Here's another, looking at some shows that came to the Marquis, starting in 1986. There were over 30 musicals that played the Marquis Theatre, and nine were revisited with songs and stories at 54 Below.

Don't call the Department of Missing Persons, Cabaret Unit. Singer Craig Rubano has been located and safely returned to the cabaret stage. Take a moment and read about 'Take the Moment,' the fine act by Craig Rubano, too long absent from cabaret. Rubano will be back with two more shows on April 13 and May 19.

Steve & Eydie were dynamite, separately and together. A TOAST TO STEVE & EYDIE on March 18th was a superb salute to these singers, and a hell of a good show, thanks to performers David Lawrence (their son), Debbie Gravitte, and a giant orchestra.

54 Loves Cast Albums. Don't you? Some of the top tracks and deep cuts come to life on stage at 54 Below in yet another of their Broadway celebrations on March 7th. If you love cast albums, you'd likely love 54 LOVES CAST ALBUMS.

Musical comedy history roared to life when Klea Blackhurst brought the songs and sass and stories of Ethel Merman. The tables were full, the stage was filled with energy at Chelsea Table + Stage. She's coming back there with a survey of songwriter Vernon Duke on April 14 and Jerry Herman later this spring.

Lovable Sally Mayes sings love songs and this and that in her 'Now and Then' series at The Green Room 42, with more shows to come in May and June. Sally Mayes entertains with ever-changing sets, chosen from material she's sung over the years. Read about her second chapter at BWW.

When Jeff Harnar Sings Cole Porter, 'in the still of the night,' it's 'true love' for cabaret-lovers. Want to know why? Read Rob Lester's review of the March 11th show

Get yourself to Dizzy's at Columbus Circle this weekend if you want to catch the beauty of 'Finding Beauty' with Ann Hampton Callaway's originals and pop covers. The sublime singeris in residence at Dizzy's through Sunday, March 10.