Anastasia Barzee to Play the Metropolitan Room Beginning April 18

Broadway and television actress Anastasia Barzee premieres "Barzee Sings Bacharach" in a prime-time major engagement at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22^nd Street, beginning April 18. Created in consultation with Bacharach, the show spans decades of the hit-maker's many classics while offering a glimpse at some of his newest, never-before recorded songs. The world premiere of "Barzee Sings Bacharach" performs Thursday, Friday, Saturday April 18, 19 and 20 at 7pm, and Wednesday April 24 at 9:30pm.

Backing Barzee are The Kevin Hays Trio -- consisting of Kevin Hays on piano, Rob Jost on bass, and Greg Joseph on drums -- with special guest Teddy Kumpel on guitar, banjo and mandolin.

"Barzee Sings Bacharch" explores Bacharach's gold and platinum-drenched catalogue (73 Top 40 hits in the U.S.) to make a glittering inventory of the many ways we love. Among the classics retold by Barzee are "What the World Needs Now," "Alfie," and "Close to You." The songs that Barzee helps to introduce are from Bacharach's upcoming musical "Some Lovers," his collaboration with Steven Sater ("Spring Awakening.") Bacharach has called Barzee "a great actress who sings my music beautifully."

Barzee has starred in numerous musicals including the Tony Award-winning "Urinetown," "Jekyll & Hyde," "Miss Saigon," and the Tony Award-winning production of "Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2" opposite Kevin Kline. She created the roles of Josephine in "Napoleon" on the West End, and Betty Haynes in the Walter Bobbie-directed "White Christmas." She was recently featured in both the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center Sondhem centennial celebrations. On television a great deal of late, her credits include the upcoming CBS drama Golden Boy, Blue Bloods, Made in Jersey, 666 Park, and White Collar. Her debut CD, "The Dimming of the Day," released by Ghostlight Records in 2011, was produced by the Grammy-nominated Matt Pierson, with arrangements by the Grammy winner Gil Goldstein.

"Barzee Sings Bacharach" performs four nights from April 18 to 24. Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday April 18, 19 and 20 at 7pm, and Wednesday April 24 at 9:30pm. There is a $20 music charge and a two-drink minimum. For reservations call the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues), at 212/206-0440 or to order online visit www.metropolitanroom.com