The Cabaret Chronicles: Coming Up This Week - Klea Blackhurst, Hilary Kole and More!

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving!  With the holiday season barreling down upon us, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle-bustle, stress, and inevitable feeling of being completely overwhelmed and underprepared...but it's also a better time than ever to escape from reality and take in a show or two!  Happily, there are some terrific ones coming up, which could turn out to be just the cure for holiday nuttiness! 

Returning to the Snapple Theater Center (home to the Fantasticks revival) is the marvelous Klea Blackhurst in her acclaimed Ethel Merman tribute, Everything The Traffic Will Allow.  Ms. Blackhurst, fresh off a run of a San Francisco production Call Me Madam (in which she had the honor of starring in the role of Ambassador Sally Adams, which was originally created by Merman!) begins an open ended run of the show this Saturday at 5 p.m., and if you haven't seen it before (or even if you have!), it is a MUST SEE!  First of all, it is, quite simply, a fantastic show: well-researched, entertaining, heartfelt, and incredibly well-performed.  Secondly, for any cabaret lover (and if you're reading this column, there's a fairly good chance that you fall into that category!), it is thrilling to see one of our own, a talented, hardworking cabaret artist, have her show produced Off-Broadway!  I wrote about the show earlier this year, after seeing the second-to-last performance of its initial run at the Snapple Theatre, and I truly cannot wait to see it again!  Backed by a stellar band, Ms. Blackhurst performs songs from each of Merman's fourteen Broadway musicals, and weaves in interesting anecdotes both about Merman, and about her own experience growing up as a gigantic Merman fan.  Included, of course, are some of the "biggies," such as "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," "Everything's Coming Up Roses," and "There's No Business Like Show Business," but there are also some terrific lesser known tunes mixed in.  A consummate performer, Ms. Blackhurst gets the mix of heart, chops, and anecdotes just right, and puts on one of the best shows in recent memory.  Here's hoping for a well-deserved long, long run of this show!

 Also coming up this week...  

Sunday, November 22^nd:  Hilary Kole at Bemelmans Bar.  One of the best jazz vocalists on the scene, Ms. Kole recently released her debut album, "Haunted Heart," which was produced by jazz great John Pizzarelli.  Her gorgeous voice, jazzy sensibilities, and classy demeanor are a perfect match for this elegant, sophisticated room located within the Carlyle Hotel.  She'll be there from 8:30-11:30, and whether you're able to stay for one set or three, a good time is guaranteed! 

Sunday, November 22^nd - Wednesday, November 25^th:  Singer/pianist John Proulx "After Hours" at Feinstein's at Loews Regency.  From 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. Mr. Proulx sits behind the piano and lends his smooth voice and terrific piano playing to well-loved standards and jazzy tunes.  Much like Bemelmans Bar, this room just oozes class and sophistication - it's the perfect place to have a late night cocktail, listen to some terrific music, and feel like you're having a true "New York" evening. 

Monday, November 23^rd:  Ray Jessel at Don't Tell Mama, singing the songs of...Ray Jessel!  One of my all-time favorite performers, Ray's material can have you falling out of your chair laughing one minute and wiping away a tear the next.  I saw him just a few weeks ago and he's better than ever!  Show is at 9:15 p.m.  This is his last performance in town until the spring, so catch him while you can! 

Monday, November 23^rd: Cast Party at Birdland.  Hosted by Jim Caruso this fantastic open mic runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. but make sure you get there early to sign up if you want to sing! 

Tuesday, November 24^th: Terese Genecco and her Little Big Band at The Iridium Jazz Club.  Ms. Genecco and her band always put on a swinging, high-energy, highly entertaining show, and this week, Grammy Award winning trumpeter Lew Soloff is joining the festivities as a special guest!  Sets are at 8:00 and 10:00.

Tuesday, November 24^th - Saturday, November 21, 2009 28^th: Andrea Marcovicci at the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, in her show, Skylark - Marcovicci Sings Mercer.  With 2009 being the "Johnny Mercer Centennial," there have been a whole slew of Mercer tributes - and rightfully so!  Rest assured that this will be among the best-researched - Ms. Marcovicci has a penchant for doing extensive research for every single show she does, and this one, I'm sure, is no exception!  In addition to the fascinating stories she's sure to tell, she is capable of casting a spell over her audience like few others can - she glides through the room, weaving stories and songs together, truly helping audience members take a brief trip away from reality!  Shows are at 8:30 Tuesday - Thursday, and at 8:30 and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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