Stephen Sorokoff - Page 4

Norm Lewis never ceases to amaze.  What he gives an audience is a pleasure so indescribable, that I am hard pressed to find the words.  The voice is impossible.  How can this fine actor possess this magical instrument?  A bass-baritone with a superb, other wordly, upper register and a crazy range when he jumps octaves.  It’s divine.  So is his first time on the stage with the equally sublime Billy Stritch.  

Attending the opening performance of Kander & Ebb’s Cabaret at the award winning Barrington Stage Company Sunday took on an added degree of darkness for me because of the current political situation in our country.  

What better place to celebrate the career of Broadway legend Jerome Robbins than at the Actors Temple, a National Landmark, steps from Broadway and the spiritual home to so many legendary Broadway performers since 1925.

The Mabel Mercer Foundation’s invitation predicted“A Swell Party” and last night certainly was!  KT Sullivan artistic director of the foundation hosted an elegant evening to celebrate the legacy of Charles S Bullock, Chairman Emeritus, Board of Trustees, and his favorite composer Cole Porter at the legendary Pierre Hotel in Manhattan.

Check out photos from the closing night of Clint Holmes' sensational run at 54 Below, as well as an after party hosted by Producer Sunny Sessa saluting Director Will Nunziata, Music Director Michael Orland, and guest artists Nikki Renee Daniels and Kelly Clinton-Holmes.

It was a celebrity filled audience last night and the glamor of Manhattan Cabaret nightlife was in abundance for Lorna Dallas and her show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre titled “Glamorous Nights and Rainy Days.

Tony, Grammy, and Emmy award winning composer/writer/musician David Yazbek and his band were on the stage of 54 Below last night playing some of his new songs from an upcoming album. They also played some great music from the Yazbek songbook and from his Broadway musicals.

You don’t have to knock on the door and identify yourself to the bouncer looking through the peephole by saying “Joe sent me” the way revelers did during prohibition.  That was how to gain entry to the nightclubs of the day serving alcohol and jazz music during the 1920’s.

Add Anthony Nunziata to the list of notable entertainers who have appeared in the legendary Cafe Carlyle, which originally opened in 1955.  Last night was his debut in New York’s most glamorous nightclub. Check out the photos here!

The season finale of the Sanford Fisher Cabaret Series at Cafe Centro got a extra special treat last night as vocalist Anthony Nunziata wowed an overflow crowd with some of the musical selections he will be performing just 24 hours later at Cafe Carlyle in New York City with his longtime collaborator and music director Jeff Franzel. 

If you had to pick a celebrity that exemplifies the history and entertainment eminence of Café Carlyle, Tony Danza, who just began his engagement ( May 2-6) in the legendary supper club would surely be high on your list.  

Acclaimed guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his debut album with a collection of classic songs from Broadway and Hollywood, Stage & Screen, with a new album via Palmetto Records. It features songs spanning nearly a century, given new life by Pizzarelli, bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson.  Pizzarelli is celebrating with performances at Birdland this week.

Nothing can compare to being held gently in his hands and told stories and sung to. The key to his world is WORDS and their importance, which also carries over into song lyrics. Not a false move or thought or phrase.

The Cafe Centro Cabaret Series produced by Sanford Fisher is winding down for the season and it’s sending its sold out  audience of ladies (and gentlemen) off with the music of movie star looking male singers filling the night air with romance. 

Clint Holmes, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and one of the most exciting entertainers in the country was on the stage of the Wick Museum Club last night.

The sold-out audience in West Palm Beach, Florida, was treated to an inspiring evening, highlighting everything that puts the “Great” in the Great American Songbook.

“Direct from Carnegie Hall…..”  that oft used introduction was never more accurately applied then it was last night for Marilyn Maye as she was presented by Legends Radio at it’s Benefactors Gala Celebrating “Legendary Ladies”.

Billy Stritch, pianist, singer/arranger/composer/entertainer and EDUCATOR extraordinaire, gave a performance at the Wick Museum Nightclub last night that will resonate in his audience’s musical memory forever. He recreated the genius of the late great composer Cy Coleman’s music and piano artistry with skills that few artists possess. Check out photos from the performance here!

If there was any doubt that Cafe Centro was a bona fide Cabaret Venue it was dispelled last night.  Billy Stritch was seated at the Cafe’s Grand Piano and Linda Purl was the songstress headlining on the cabaret stage of the South Florida restaurant. 

Sometimes you have to pinch yourself at the opportunities you are presented with.  TODAY would be one of those. Or as Marilyn Maye might sing to you, “It’s Today.”