The Cabaret Chronicles: Maria Ottavia, Vickie & Nickie, and More!

Happy Saturday!  It's been another week of sizzling summer temperatures, but happily, the entertainment in NYC has been ultra-hot as well!  I kicked off the week by seeing Maria Ottavia's entertaining and thoughtful tribute to the Carpenters at Don't Tell Mama last Sunday,  July 11^th.  Directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction by Tracy Stark, the show features many of the Carpenters' greatest hits, as well as some lesser known songs.  Joined by Dara Seitzman, Xerxies Eclipse and musical director Tracy Stark on backup vocals, Ms. Ottavia wove her way through the Carpenters' songbook, lending her lovely, smooth soprano and heartfelt emotion to each and every selection.  It was made clear from the title of the show, If I Were A Carpenter: A Reconstruction, that this was not meant to be an imitation of the Carpenters, but a rediscovery of their music and a tip of the hat to their musical legacy, and the team behind the show did a great job of delivering what was promised.  From the opening strains of "Yesterday Once More" through "Rainy Days And Mondays" through "Close To You" and the finale, "Sweet Sweet Smile," the songs of Richard and Karen Carpenter were dusted off, buffed up, and given new life - and deservedly so!  Ms. Ottavia's loving tribute certainly brought a smile to my face, and as I looked around the packed room, it seemed that everyone in attendance felt the same way. 

On Tuesday night, I headed to Patsy's Italian Restaurant (Frank Sinatra's favorite!) where I joined forces with fellow entertainer George Pettignano for Swingin' Italiano, our tribute to some of the greatest Italian American singers of the 20^th century including Tony Bennett, Connie Francis, Dean Martin, Bobby Rydell and, of course, Frank Sinatra.  We had a terrific time - the room was packed, the food was delicious, and the energy was through the roof!  We're hoping to be back for a return engagement soon! 

Wednesday night found me at Feinstein's at Loews Regency to see Tom D'Angelo in his new show This Time I'm Swinging (and join him for a small guest spot)!  Jam-packed with swingin' standards (including "Ain't That A Kick In The Head," "Some Of These Days," and "That's All") and beloved 50s & 60s pop tunes ("Dream Lover," "Hold Me, Thrill Me Kiss Me," and "Stagger Lee," to name a few), the show had the audience bopping, clapping, and swaying along all night.  Backed by a terrific trio (Matt Ray on piano, Bobby Sher on drums and musical director Ritt Henn on bass), Mr. D'Angelo's show was pure entertainment, start to finish - and, refreshingly, there was not a single ballad!  Another great night in NYC nightlife!

Thursday evening, it was back to Don't Tell Mama for Inside Vickie & Nickie.  Written and performed by real-life sisters Lori and Lisa Brigantino, Inside Vickie & Nickie is the latest installment of The Vickie & Nickie Show, an offbeat musical comedy about sister act Vickie and Nickie, multi-instrumental housewives from suburban Minnesota.  I'd seen Vickie and Nickie in a couple of different variety shows, but had yet to experience a full show of theirs...and I'm happy to report that I hope I never miss another installment!  The talented Brigantino sisters put on a show unlike any other - their characters are complete, well-rounded, and immensely entertaining, and their musical talent is undeniable.  This show, in particular, was designed to give the audience more of a behind-the scenes look at the sisters (Vickie & Nickie, not Lori & Lisa), so backstories had to be created and embodied, which was done so well that at times I forgot that Vickie and Nickie are just characters!  The songs they performed ran the gamut from originals like "The Vickie & Nickie Song" and "We Might Be Misfits - But We Don't Care" to Beyonce's "Single Ladies" (with stellar accompaniment by Vickie on the ukulele and Nickie on the accordion) to Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music" to the "Minnesota Celebrity Song Medley," which included "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (Andrews Sisters), "Funky Town" (Lipps, Inc.), "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" (Judy Garland), "The Man That Got Away" (Judy Garland), "Like A Rolling Stone" (Bob Dylan), and "Purple Rain" (Prince).  The sisters switched instruments many times throughout the show, with Vickie covering sax, keyboard, ukulele and acoustic guitar and Nickie covering acoustic and electric guitar, accordion, banjo, and accordion.  It was a thoroughly entertaining evening (seriously, my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard at times!), and I can't wait to see the next Vickie & Nickie show! 

That's about all for this week, but check back next week for a new article! 

Coming up this week... 

Monday, July 19^th:  Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland.  Hosted by Jim Caruso, this fantastic open mic runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. but make sure to get there early to sign up if you want to sing!  

Thursday, July 22^nd:  Jim Van Slyke at Feinstein's at Loews Regency, performing The Sedaka Show with special guest Neil Sedaka!  I've seen Jim's tribute to the incomparable Neil Sedaka a few times before, and I've loved it each time.  This week, it's going to be even more special, with the great man himself making a guest appearance!  Show begins at 8:30 p.m.

Pictured: Vickie & Nickie (Lori & Lisa Brigantino)

 

 

 

 

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