The Cabaret Chronicles: Dave Cook Trio, Jim Van Slyke with Neil Sedaka, and More!

Happy Saturday!  It's been another steamy week in the city, and happily, the entertainment has been every bit as hot as the weather!  I kicked off the week by going to hear some great jazz in Park Slope, Brooklyn.  Dave Cook was playing with his trio at the Brooklyn Lyceum, and I had a terrific time kicking back and listening.  Mr. Cook is an exceptionally talented pianist and composer, and he was joined on Sunday evening by bassist Gary Wang and drummer Mark Ferber, both of whom also provided stellar musicianship.  I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and in particular, fell in love with one of Mr. Cook's songs, "Lullabye."  It was beautiful, contemplative, and thought-provoking all at once - I could have listened to it all night!  Other selections included "Fresh Remnants," "The Meanderer," "Napali," and "The Thing," all of which are original compositions by Mr. Cook and will be available on his forthcoming album - which I can't wait to hear! 

Monday night, it was off to Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland for another terrific evening.  As usual, it was a virtual embarrassment of riches, with all kinds of talented entertainers taking the stage.  Tony-nominated Stephanie D'Abruzzo brought the house down with her "Don't Rain On My Parade," multi-award-winning songwriter Victoria Shaw performed her mega-hit "The River" (made famous by Garth Brooks), teenage violin sensation Jonathan Russell performed an swingin' original tune, singer/actress Rena Strober won everyone's hearts with a sweet, simple "I'd Like To Visit The Moon" (first performed by my favorite Sesame Street character, Ernie!), and the fabulous William Blake capped off the evening with his amazing "Come Rain Or Come Shine."  Host Jim Caruso was his usual entertaining self, and the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Andy Ezrin on piano, Saadi Zain on bass and Dustin Jensen on drums) was outstanding.    

Thursday evening, I headed over to Feinstein's at Loews Regency for Jim Van Slyke in The Sedaka Show, with special guest Neil Sedaka!  I'd seen (and thoroughly enjoyed!) The Sedaka Show twice before, and it was a true joy to see how much the show has grown.  It has been a well-structured, well-sung, and highly entertaining show from the get-go, but Thursday night, it soared to an entirely new level.  Perhaps it was the excitement of having Mr. Sedaka himself join Mr. Van Slyke for a duet on "Should've Never Let You Go."  Perhaps it was the wildly enthusiastic crowd.  Perhaps it's simply a matter of Mr. Van Slyke having done the show so many times in so many venues, and having it become a part of him.  Whatever the reason, what was an excellent show to start with has turned into something truly magical and remarkable.  Mr. Van Slyke's beautiful, pure tenor is a perfect match for Mr. Sedaka's material.  And whether it's a pop song like "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" or a dramatic, operatic piece like "Turning Back The Hands of Time" (Mr. Sedaka's lyrics set to Giacomo Puccini's aria "Nessun Dorma"), Mr. Van Slyke delivers it with charm, passion, and a clear affection for the material.  Directed and conceived by Brian Lane Green, with musical direction and arrangements by Tim DiPasqua (who is a spectacular one-man band, accompanying Mr. Van Slyke on the piano!), The Sedaka Show is one of the best shows I've seen in quite some time.  AND, as if it wasn't enough of a great show, the duet with Mr. Sedaka was absolutely stunning.  Beautifully performed, with Mr. Sedaka himself playing the piano and the two men's voices blending perfectly, just the thought of what I was witnessing brought tears to my eyes.  To think that a pop icon, who wrote and performed so many incredible songs, was singing on the stage with a young man who had grown up as a fan of his...well, I just put myself in Jim Van Slyke's place for one minute and was overwhelmed by what an incredible feeling it must be.  Thursday evening's performance was the last scheduled NYC-area show for these gentlemen, but if it comes back again...go, go, GO!  I know I will! 

Friday night found me downstairs at Sofia's Restaurant on 46^th Street for Girls Night The Musical.  Tailor-made for bachelorette parties, sisters, or any girls who "just want to have fun," Girls Night is a fun trip down memory lane for a group of five female friends (one of whom appears in angel form, having fallen off the back of her mo-ped at the age of 17).  The songs, which are performed karaoke-style, include classic female anthems like "At Seventeen," "I'm Every Woman," "Don't Cry Out Loud" and (of course!) "I Will Survive."  The loosely woven plot revolves around Anita, Kate, Carol, and Liza (played by Christina Cataldo, Deborah Radloff, Alexandra Rush and Berty Jay, respectively) gathering at a bar to celebrate the engagement of the daughter of their mutual high school friend, Sharon (played by Wilma Cespedes-Rivera, decked out as a bedazzled angel).  As the ladies down their cocktails and lose their inhibitions, they re-live moments from their past, discuss their relationships, shed some tears, and reinforce their close ties to each other.  The cast delivers high-energy, thoroughly entertaining performances, and keeps the audience whooping, dancing, and singing along throughout the course of the evening.  Looking around, I counted four brave men who dared to attend the show - and they seemed to be having just as good a time as the ladies.  Kudos to the guys on being such good sports!  All in all, a really fun evening. 

Where I'm Going This Week...  

Sunday, July 25^th: Tish Oney at Feinstein's at Loews Regency.  The lovely and talented Tish Oney will be bringing her Peggy Lee tribute to this lovely Park Ave. venue.  Can't wait to see it!  Show begins at 8:30 p.m.  

Monday, July 26^th: Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland.  Hosted by Jim Caruso, this weekly open mic is THE place to be on Monday nights!  It runs from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m., but if you'd like to perform, bee sure to arrive early to sign up! 

Tuesday, July 27^th: Bill Zeffiro at the piano bar at La Mediterranee.  This cozy 2^nd Ave. bistro is a great place to kick back on a weeknight.  Mellow and low-key, with fabulous music provided by singer/pianist Bill Zeffiro...and perhaps a guest singer or two!  Bill will be tickling the ivories from 9 p.m. - midnight.  There's no cover and no minimum, but there is a full menu available. 

Thursday, July 29^th: [untitled] Danny Leary Variety Extravaganza at Comix.  Comedian Danny Leary has assembled a cast of terrific singers, musicians, and comedians for the kickoff performance of his new monthly show at Comix.  With mega-medleys, comedy sketches, dance numbers, and more, this is sure to be a night to remember!  Show starts at 8 p.m.

Pictured: Jim Van Slyke

 

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