VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: ANGEL BLUE experiments with cabaret at 54 Below, ROBIN MCKELLE channels Ella Fitzgerald, et al. at Birdland

As per usual, I’ve been augmenting my primetime theatergoing with a fair number of nightlife outings, largely to get better acquainted with performers as their authentic selves. As always, read … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Tony-winner HEATHER HEADLEY astounds at Carnegie Hall with an electrifying concert

Last week, Tony and Grammy winner Heather Headley returned to Carnegie Hall in what can only be described as an electrifying event for both fans of her theatrical and recording body … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nights at 54 Below: DAVID YAZBEK puts on a rollicking show, MATT DOYLE basks in formative songs

Over the past week or so, I had the great opportunity to catch a pair of Broadway talents light up 54 Below’s intimate and well-appointed room. As always, read on … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – At 54 Below, HUGH PANARO, in spectacular voice, reflects on his fascinating career on the Broadway stage

Hugh Panaro and I go way back. When I saw the original production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theatre for the first time way back in … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – At 98-years-young, the miraculous MARILYN MAYE continues to dazzle with her singular vitality at 54 Below

Every opportunity to catch the marvelous and timeless Marilyn Maye is an experience to be cherished. Such was the case during the sold out closing night of the cabaret icon’s … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: The great KURT ELLING at Birdland and a madcap evening of MICHAEL SHAW FISHER songs make for rousing nightcaps

Over the past week or so, I’ve had the opportunity of capping off a few of my nights with rousing late night shows at some of the city’s beloved cabaret … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Working through grief through song: Taking a look at Ruthie Ann Miles’ PERFECT IMPERFECT and the Bengsons’ MY JOY IS HEAVY

For practitioners of music theater, arguably the best way to process emotional trauma is through their craft, particularly through song and the act of storytelling. This therapeutic exercise was exemplified … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: JOHN PIZZARELLI pays homage to Tony Bennett, PAULO SZOT dazzles with his baritone and charisma

In recent days, I found myself drawn to the nightclub performances of a pair of utter professionals — both in possession of innate leading men vibes — at two of … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – At 54 Below, Tony-nominee TOM PECINKA basks in the classic rock songbook and “Stereophonic”

Earlier this week on the heels of the blizzard that practically shut down New York City, actor Tom Pecinka made his solo debut in a one-night-only appearance at 54 Below. … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The gorgeous and glamorous VANESSA WILLIAMS intimately holds court at 54 Below

This week, multi-talented A-lister Vanessa Williams has taken a weeklong hiatus from her high profile theatrical stint across the pond as the iconic creature of fashion Miranda Priestly in the … Continue Reading →