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Cabaret & Musical Revues in New YorkShows for sophisticates who like jazz and witBy Lucy KomisarThe best cabaret singers that pass through New York have it on their permanent itinerary, so don’t worry if the show they just headlined has closed: they will be back. Now’s the time to remember their names and go the next time they’re in town. There’s nothing like an intimate evening with a glass of wine and a top class musician or singer and combo.
Le Jazz Au Bar is a smashing new cabaret – opened in February -- that not only features the best in sound, but is a lush venue that reminds one of a British country house. The corners are niches with couches, bookcases, and elegant paintings hung on pine paneled walls. The main room has small tables that are far enough apart to allow private conversations and, behind on a low rise, there are dining booths and a bar.
Once a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Williams’ playing is tuneful, elegant, rich, rhythmic: a typical number is “Thermo” by Freddie Hubbard, the first piece on one of Williams’ Jazz Dialogues cd’s, which I picked up after the show. Upcoming at Le Jazz Au Bar: La Jazz Au Bar, 41 East 58th Street between Madison & Park. Shows are at 8 on weeknights and at 8 & 10 Fridays and Saturdays. Doors open at 6:30 for dinner. Cover charges range from $30 to $50. There is no minimum; food is expensive. Tickets at 212-308-9455 or www.ticketweb.com http://www.aubarnewyork.com. “Don’t Ask the Lady” at The Duplex
The Duplex Theater, 61 Christopher Street at 7th Avenue (Sheridan Square) at 9 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays on June 8, 10, 15 and 17. $15 cover at the cabaret with 2 drink minimum. $10 cover for Mac members and seniors. Cash only. (212) 255-5438. http://www.LindaGlick.com. Musical Revuews
Friedman’s sound is more modern folk than Broadway, slightly atonal, and the lyrics are arch and humorous. A highlight, of course, was Alix Korey, loud, brassy, and ironically funny, in “I’m Not My Mother” and “If I Were Pretty.” I also liked the country western style “My White Knight” with a powerful presentation by Allison Briner. The show has closed, but the singers will be back, on this stage or another, and, you can be sure, so will songs by David Friedman. Upstairs at Studio 54, 254 West 54 Street, 212-239-6200. http://www.ListenToMyHeartSite.com.
With a painted New York tenement backdrop and a bunch of file cabinets, Lynne Halliday’s honeyed voice, Ricky Russell’s warm tenor and Stephen Zinnato’s smooth baritone brought Porter’s social satires to life: the perils of writing a play, “Saltaire” (a chic end to a Fire Island weekend affair), and the dry, witty “The extra man.” They do a brilliantly funny tequila drunk scene. The show ran this past winter. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the songs and the singers again. Reprise, please! Theatre Saint Peter's Church, 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, 212-239-6200. http://www.yorktheatrecompany.org/. Images |
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Here are some that I’ve seen recently, as well as a
heads-up for a few appearing this summer of 2004.
Pianist James Williams was performing with a combo the
evening I went in March. It was his birthday, and the celebratory bash
featured the mellifluous vocalist Vanessa Rubin, the astonishing young vibes
player Stefon Harris, and the accomplished bassist Ray Drummond. Williams
generously gave each plenty of spotlight. It was the audience that got the
present! 
Linda Glick will sing selections by Stephen Sondheim,
Frank Loesser, Jacques Brel, Randy Newman and others in her show “Don’t Ask
the Lady” at The Duplex in Greenwich Village. This is one of the most
popular Village night spots, with serious shows upstairs, funky vocalists
downstairs, and a sidewalk café for warm-weather people-watching.
At Upstairs at Studio 54, shows are presented as a
combination cabaret-revue. You sit at chairs with small tables on which you
can place drinks and snacks while watching staged musical numbers. I went
there for “Listen to My Heart: The Songs of David Friedman.”
The York Theatre Company is the city’s only venue
devoted to musical plays and revues. One of their very charming
presentations was “Porterphiles.” When someone's as good as Cole Porter,
even his "out-takes" are delicious. And thanks to Cole Porter authority Judy
Brown -- editor of "Cole Porter Rediscovered" and the musical director and
pianist of this show – for finding some thirty unpublished Porter songs that
add up to great sophisticated fun.