"Ah, Paris!" is a witty, often overlooked Cole Porter parody by Stephen Sondheim from the show "Follies" is just one of the brilliant songs performed by the supremely talented singer and pianist Steve Ross in his upcoming cabaret show, GOOD THING GOING, a "Stephen Sondheim Sampler, Styled for Tuxedo" at Morgans Cabaret at the Prince in Philadelphia, running from October 29 through November 9, 2008. Performances take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm, and Sundays at 3pm.
Steve Ross, dubbed "The Callas of Cabaret" by the Philadelphia Enquirer, has been a major presence on the world cabaret scene for three decades, playing major venues from the Algonquin in New York to the International Festival of Cabaret in Adelaide, Australia. He is known world-wide as a pre-eminent interpreter of
Cole Porter and
Fred Astaire, and has made half a dozen recordings and performed countless concerts in cities from London and Paris to San Francisco and Chicago.
Ross' recent Sondheim show has proven a great hit with critics and audiences alike. Ross' well-known wit, sophisticated style and superb piano playing make tunes from the lighter Sondheim musical comedies like "Buddy's Blues," "Do I Here A Waltz?" and "We're Gonna Be All Right," sound fresh and new. In the more complex Sondheim material, he shows a different side of his artistic personality and digs deeper. He goes beyond his usual range to explore songs like "Sorry-Grateful" and "Losing My Mind," coupling both songs into a moving dramatic arc. His interpretation of "Losing My Mind" becomes the partly spoken monologue of a man desperately trying to shake off a relentless obsession. Ross shows that a torch song usually performed by a woman can be wrenching in an entirely new way when delivered as the murmur of a man on the brink of despair.
Ross's surprising way with "Broadway Baby" and his version of "Send in the Clowns" are other highlights of a show that ranges from the less familiar to the most famous songs of the Sondheim cannon. His rare Philadelphia appearance will draw cabaret lovers from throughout the region.
Morgan's Cabaret at the Prince Music Theater is a spectacular destination for individuals or groups to escape the everyday life and spend a couple hours in a special party-like atmosphere. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8:30pm, with matinees on Sunday at 3pm. Single Tickets are $41 for weekday evenings and Sunday matinees, $50 for Friday evening performances, and $54 for Saturday Evenings. Reserved front row seating is also available for an additional premium. Subscriptions are available for 4 or 5 performers starting at just $126.00. Full cocktail service is available. Tickets and subscriptions may be purchased now by calling UpStages on 215 569 9700 or visiting the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadephia.
Photo credit: Ben Strothmann
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