Michael Sterling, Producer of Sterling's Upstairs located at the legendary Vitello's restaurant located in Studio City, has announced Tricia Ridgway, Allison Jones, 4 Friends, Stewart Rose, Three of a Kind and Mary Susan Reed as his July, 2007 roster of headliners. LA's critically acclaimed and newest supper-club, now at the beginning of its second year of operation, is known for its dedication to presenting the best of Broadway Performers and Nightclub Artists.
An Evening with Tricia Ridgway and Allison Jones begins the month on Sunday, July 8th in their all new show "Duets by the Best of Broadway's Leading Ladies" with Musical Direction by Paul Cracciholo. Press materials state, "Hailing from Palm Springs, CA, Ms. Ridgway and Ms. Jones grew up performing in various musical theatre productions on the renowned McCallum Theater stage in Palm Desert, Ca. They debuted as a duo at the McCallum's first annual talent competition, Open Call. Not only did they win the competition and a substantial cash prize, but were also awarded the honor of opening for recording artist Jack Jones in concert at the McCallum. The ladies were then selected to compete in Ed McMahon's nationwide talent competition, 'Next Big Star' and scored another championship victory which led them to being invited by Ed McMahon and world renowned songwriter and record producer David Foster to perform and compete at the Four Season's Resort in Phoenix, Az. The gifted Ms. Ridgway and Ms. Jones, once again, took home the grand prize."
On Saturday, July 14th the, 4 Friends - Wayne Moore, Brenda Silas Moore, Bryan Miller and Gilmore Rizzo – "make their debut at Sterling's Upstairs in a lively show that moves seamlessly from one song to the next in a conversational style. As individuals, their professional backgrounds reflect their many talents as musical theatre stars, recording artists, songwriters, television actors, and directors and writers of musical theatre. Simply said, these real life friends present an evening of beautiful music featuring original songs, and nostalgic and popular standards intertwined with improvisational, side-splitting comedy."
Stewart Rose also makes his debut at Sterling's Sunday, July 15th in "Singing and Swinging the Standards." Rush Robinson serves as Musical Director. "Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Rose began singing on street corners and subway trains. As a teenager, he was a featured song and dance man on weekly television shows in New York City. His career took a significant turn after winning the Arthur Godfrey Talent Show which eventually led to not only a hit RCA recording of 'I Complained,' but headlining the famous Mocambo Nightclub in Hollywood. Premier columnist Louella Parsons wrote 'Seldom have I ever heard a better voice than that of Stewart Rose.' Mr. Rose has since starred in numerous musical theatre productions such as Oklahoma, Pajama Game, Damn Yankees, Carousel, and Oliver. He has also co-starred in Brigadoon with Jane Powell, Victory Canteen with Patty Andrews, Wildcat with Martha Raye, Camelot with Patrice Munsel, Sweet Charity with Gretchen Wyler and opposite such legends as Chita Rivera, Jane Russell and Katherine Grayson."
Three of a Kind, composed of Gelo Francisco, Annie Nepomuceno and Bonifacio Deoso, return Saturday July 21st for their fourth headlining engagement at Sterling's since April, 2007. "The multi-award winning power pop trio of stars from Broadway productions of Miss Saigon, Passion, Once Upon This Island, and The King and I - have not only been captivating audiences all over the world with their outstanding renditions of popular songs and their original hits, but receiving critical acclaim for their rich individual vocals, group harmonies and witty, spontaneous sense of humor. They have easily earned the title Artists-of-Choice to represent the best of Filipino American talent and have recently completed appearing in the world premiere of the Filipino Opera Karim at Jasmin at the Long Beach, CA Terrace Theatre."
Mary Susan Reed headlines Sunday, July 29th in "The Lonnie Sue Revue." "A unique musical theatre star who headlined such Los Angeles productions as Menopause The Musical, City Kid, Dressing Room Divas and Chicago The Musical!, Ms. Reed brings to life wacky waitress Lonnie Sue who is determined to get her big break in Hollywood--against all odds! She jumps at the chance to perform her revue anytime, anywhere, just in case there's a producer in the house! She transforms from a frazzled waitress lamenting to a patron about how she has paid her dues, into diva for a night! Originally a hoofer from Houston, Texas, Ms. Reed has been on the comedy-cabaret scene in Los Angeles since 1997. She has performed in numerous revues, and USO and Americana shows. She has also toured Japan and the United States, and has entertained the troops in Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Mary Susan has even performed the Can-Can at the Pentagon, which made the cover of the Army Times!"
Seating is between 6:30 pm and 7:00 p.m. and includes a four-course, prix-fixe dinner with a choice from three different entrées, followed by a one hour performance – all at the phenomenal value package price of $50.00 per person! For reservations and additional information, call Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's (818) 981-3077. The club's web site is: www.myspace.com/sterlingsupstairs.
Photos - 1) Tricia Ridgway; 2) Allison Jones; 3) Four Friends; 4) Stewart Rose; 5) Three of a Kind; 6) Mary Susan Reed
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