Interview: Andreas Brings Cafe Society to Feinsteins 54 Below

She's back!!!! Broadway performer Christine Andreas showcases her inimitable vocal styles in her new show Cafe Society on February 26 & 27, March 4 & 5 2016 at Feinstein's/54 Below. Described as "an evening evoking the glamour and 'swelligance' of an era gone by, appropriate to the gorgeous surroundings of Feinstein's/54 Below, she brings to mind the swinging energy of Ella Fitzgerald and the cool melancholy of June Christy, as well as the show stopping style of Barbra Streisand. Andreas's talent is as intimate as it is epic, the type of voice - clarion, soaringly emotive, goddess-like - that reminds one why these songs were written in the first place." She graciously talked with me about her new show and a few other tidbits...

TJ: I have to admit I did not know much about you a while ago, but I caught an episode of Law and Order SVU and you were featured. I heard some vocals and decided to Google you. I am now the proud owner of The Carlyle Set and Here's To The Ladies. So I have to say this is an absolute joy and honor to be interviewing you. I see that you are returning to Feinstein's/54 Below in a new show "Café Society". What can you tell me about what audiences can expect to hear?

ANDREAS: Some of the greatest songs ever written! Practically the whole songbook was written during those years (late 20's just into the early 60's) ....and a peek into a glittering era when entertainment was a night on the town......hundreds of choices, high-brow to riffraff.....we're going to another world. Also, you are going to hear three of the greatest musicians, NY or anywhere.....Kenny Ascher on piano (and my Music Director), Dick Sarpola on bass, and Warren Odze on drums....google 'em and see what you're in for.....

TJ: I absolutely love the word describing the evening as "swelligance"! How would you define swelligance?

ANDREAS: Well, literally of course it's swell & elegant...heightened elegance, I guess....has good energy, doesn't it?

TJ: Absolutely! Now, how do you go about choosing the music for your shows?

ANDREAS: That's usually the easiest part, maybe because I LOVE to sing....I don't obsess, it feels as though the songs find me. In this case, the songs actually came first, before the theme ...and they came easily as 100's that I love fit into the theme & time frame....

TJ: I know putting together a cabaret takes a lot of time and energy. How was the journey to "Café Society"?

ANDREAS: I chose the theme VERY impulsively, before I really knew the complexity and underbelly of that era.....so....choosing what I wanted to focus on was challenging....I mean, you come to hear me sing, not give a history lesson. So keeping the chat entertaining, informative AND brief took time......it took on its own life and really 'popped' when I started adding the people I've known throughout my life who actually lived and contributed to the elegance of the period, so you'll be hearing from a lot of my old friends in this show....

TJ: Your voice is so moving and emotional. I know people who would trade their soul for such an instrument. When did you know you wanted to sing for a career and who would you count as musical inspirations in your life?

ANDREAS: Pretty sure I popped into this world humming something....I always knew I would sing....never doubted how I would express myself. The first influence was my mom....she sang around the house morning to night and she LOVED music and her singing was pure and unselfconscious. I heard everybody from Lena and Nat to Elvis and Elton. The radio or record player was constantly going....from 45's to hi fi to cassette to cd's, my life at home was underscored!

TJ: Now I know this is a return for you to Feinstein's/54 Below. What is it about this venue that attracts you?

ANDREAS: Doesn't it feel like it's always been there? So comfortably elegant? Sight-lines & sound are great, lovely & considerate wait staff... so the crowd is happy and from onstage, that's a great thing to feel....during Cafe Society, a lot of the clubs were FILLED w/smoke....(and run by gangsters....though, they actually did a pretty good job)

TJ: I am sure this is the question from your fans, including myself, is there a chance that this show may mean a new CD is on the way?

ANDREAS: I have one half-finished from my show at Feinstein's two seasons ago 'be-Mused'....these little babies are expensive! Of course, I'd LOVE to record CAFE SOCIETY as well....the music is .....your favorite word.....'swelligant'! let's take up a collection :)

TJ: Thttps://cloudimages.broadwayworld.com/upload10/874807/tn-500_andreaswm206978192435.jpghis has been a delight conducting this interview. Any parting words for folks who want to attend your show!

ANDREAS: Actually, I'd like to address the people who are NOT planning to come to my show...the people coming know how special an evening like this is and are in for a great night of song. The world is full of distractions these days, so 'going out to a show' is not the first thing that comes to people's minds...but sitting in a small room and hearing an artist on top of their game singing inches from your face is an amazing experience. It is soooo soulful. So much more satisfying that reality TV....and for a while, you just suspend your cares and remember that life is beautiful....and that's a very good thing.

TJ: Thanks, Christine.

ANDREAS: You are so welcome TJ.......now back to 'finishing the hat'!

You can catch Ms Andreas' new show CAFÉ SOCIETY at Feinstein's/54 Below, 254 W 54th St, Cellar on February 26 & 27, March 4 & 5 2016. For tickets & information, you can call (646) 476-3551 or you can purchase tickets online at http://54below.com. And check out her wonderful website at www.christineandreas.com. Enjoy the show, folks!

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