Metrostar Winner Lauren Stanford to Perform at Metropolitan Room, 6/3

Lauren Stanford, winner of the 2013 MetroStar Talent Challenge, headlines the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, in a special prime time engagement beginning June 3. The world premiere of "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," Stanford's solo cabaret debut, plays a four-show engagement through August 1. Opening for Stanford will be her MetroStar co-finalists Jason Morris (first runner-up) and Stephen Mitchell Brown, who will perform short sets on alternating nights.

Directed by the multi-award-winning singer, actor and director Eric Michael Gillett, "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" explores the enduring lure of New York City for women from the heartland. Music director Mike Pettry on piano leads a 3-person combo that includes Jacob Silver on bass, and Jonathan Kantor on reeds. Kathleen Stuart is the guest vocalist.

In pulling off her dramatic win in last year's highly competitive MetroStar Talent Challenge, Stanford stood out as a master at showing off flashes of zany humor and insight that gave special dimension to her highly polished interpretations of a variety of songs. In her new show the actress-singer juxtaposes songs reflective of her own journey from Stillwell, Kansas (outside Kansas City) with the adventures of other singers and actresses from small-town America such as Helen Morgan, Mary Martin, Julie Wilson, Peggy Lee and Judy Garland, to name a few.

Since the competition Stanford has performed in the MAC Award-winning "Amanda McBroom Project," and her own solo theatre piece about the singer Helen Morgan, "More Than You Know."

"I'm a Stranger Here Myself" performs Tues June 3; Sun June 15; Fri July 18, and Fri August 1, all at 7pm. 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.

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