It's A Wrap 

Out with the Old in with the New

 


​Here is my wrap up for 2014.   I can't believe how much I've done in these past two weeks.  I’ve decided to put this in good old fashioned blog style, because if I try dedicate a blog to each one, I might be here until 2016, so here is a summary. On Christmas Eve I was off to the just released movie  Into The Woods, starring Meryl Streep.  Who knew she could sing?   The movie is a must see for all you theatre fans.  If you can, see it at the Ziegfeld Theater, because it’s one of the best old theaters in NYC.  I took Christmas day off to spend some quality time with the special people in my life, but it was back to business On Friday. 


I stopped in at the Paris Theater to see the movie The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch who portrays Alan Turing who worked for the British Military during WWII and broke the Germans secret code to win the War. Turing also has some secrets of his own, and you need to go and find out.  On Saturday it was The Illusionists at the Marriott Marquis Theatre.  I wouldn’t call this Broadway, but more of a misplaced Vegas act.  Magic is really not my thing, but go see it if it’s yours.  Try to find a discount.   


On New Year’s Day I was standing on line at AMC Theater 42nd Street for tickets to see the movie Unbroken when my phone rang. It was a friend offering me two tickets to Hansel and Gretel at the Metropolitan Opera.   Opera trumps Movie and while it was an all grown up, and a bit frightening version of the childhood fairytale, I thoroughly enjoyed the 'all American' production. As if the Opera was not enough for one day, it was not too late to catch a flick,  and Chris Rock's new movie Top Five fit right into the schedule, and was hysterical.   


On January 3rd I was up at the crack of dawn to take my part as witness in The Metropolitan Room’s Guinness World Record at the Longest Variety Show Ever.  This went on for 60 straight hours (I only participated for a couple).  I give major props to Bernie Furshpan, his lovely wife Joanne Camilleri-Furshpan, Joseph Macchia and the many others that were involved in putting together this marathon event. It was an “only in New York” kind of thing for me, and I loved it.  There are not many people I would get up at 6am for but Michelle Collier is one of them.  Her song slot was at 6:45am and it was so worth the early calling.  Michelle not only has a beautiful voice, but fills the stage will timeless beauty and elegance. We hope to see more of her talent in 2015.  After a short nap, I went back at 1:45pm to catch Jamie deRoy & friends.   First in the line-up was the dashing Stephen Sorokoff.  Who knew our very own Cabaret Man on the scene could tickle the ivories with such flair and sing out a tune in true brat pack style?  You can usually find him hiding behind a camera at The Metropolitan Room, 54 Below, Birdland, The Café Carlyle,  Le Cirque, Carnegie Hall  or anywhere else there is fabulous entertainment, but on this day, he took the spotlight all to himself for a few minutes.  You can check out Stephen’s cabaret review of this show along with wonderful photography at Time Square Chronicles http://t2conline.com and at Broadway World  http://www.broadwayworld.com/.

 Stephen then introduced heartthrob  Anthony Nunziata who  wooed us with ‘Just The Way You Look Tonight’.  A song that he pointed out was  released in 1936,  a year that he did not recall that well (being that he looks about 20, although I could not find his actual age on the web).  I don’t know where this kid found time to even do this show.  He and his equally talented  brother, Will, seem to be in a different state every day.  Oh to be young.  For more about their music and upcoming performances visit www.willandanthony.com.   The final act was Wade Preston.  I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing Wade perform, and he did things on the piano that I have never seen done!  He even apologized to the piano tuner, if that gives you any idea.  He may have knocked the piano out of tune, but he also knocked our socks off with his rendition of 'Scenes from an Italian Restaurant'.  Wade performed on Broadway in the Billy Joel hit “Movin’ Out” and now performs with the band Shot Gun Wedding along with some of the original members of the 'Movin’ Out' band.   Check out their touring schedule at http://www.shotgunweddingnyc.com/ or Wade’s page at www.wadepreston.com.  And of course Jamie herself tickled our funny bones with a couple of audience favorites singing 'Duane Reade' and ‘Jews Don't Camp'.  Even though it was the middle of the morning for her, she did a terrific job.   I was thrilled to learn that Jamie is being given an award for ‘Dedication and Devotion to the Art of Cabaret’ by Broadway World which we know is so well deserved.  It’s nice to see the industry give back to those who give so much of themselves. You can read more about Jamie at her website at www.jamiederoy.com.   After a little catch up rest I made a last-minute decision to attend the closing performance of Cinderella on Broadway.  What a beautiful production, and emotional evening. I have to say that seeing Nene Leakes on that stage makes you believe that almost anything can happen on Broadway.  Holy smokes.   I guess she showed Kim Zolciak a thing or two!  Sorry if you missed this beautiful production, but the show is touring, so catch it if you can http://www.cinderellaonbroadway.com/.  I can’t believe I am still going on, but there are still two more shows to discuss.  


On Sunday I got to 59E59 to see the final performance of  Café Society Swing.  The main draw for me was that one of my all time favorite jazz singers Cyrille Aimee was featured in the show.  I fell in love with her style when I saw her in “A Bed and A Chair” at City Center and have been following her ever since.   She’s got a beautiful and unique voice, and everything else to go along with it. This was a “Lady Day” type of show, but better in my opinion. This was based on the true story of Barney Josephson, who was a trailblazer in the Cabaret world opening clubs in NYC back in the 1930's that he referred to as ‘the wrong place for the Right people'.  Both blacks and whites were welcome to stay and play together all while segregation was still being enforced by many. The show is gone but you can read more about Josephson in his memoir Café Society: TheWrong Place for the Right People available at Amazon.com. A very interesting story for you history buffs.   You can also find out more about Cyrille Aimee at her website www.cyrillemusic.com.  Buy a CD, check her upcoming shows or better yet, do both.  It would be unfair not to mention the other principals in this  show, portraying various singers of the age.  They are Charenee Wade, Allan Harris and Evan Pappas and all were outstanding as were the orchestra.  I also will mention of the 7 piece orchestra, it was refreshing to see a woman on drums, tenor sax and bass.  


What better way to finish up this holiday break than with Marilyn Maye at The Metropolitan Room? I was just about out of steam, but never miss a chance to see this dynamic diva do her thing.  At 86 years old she is sharp as a tack, steady as steed, and belting out the American Songbook in perfect key at all times.  There are still a few more shows at The Metropolitan Room through January 10th, so catch her if you can.  Get a reservation, because her shows almost always sell out. http://metropolitanroom.com    So now it is time for a brief intermission.  I’ll be back next week with the 2015 lineup.  Even though we sadly lost Cinderella, Side Show,  and Pippin this weekend there are some very exciting new shows coming, and I can’t wait to share them with you.  I wish you all a very happy, healthy New Year filled with love and entertainment.  -ThisbroadSway