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CurtainUp's
Cabaret Nights— September 2010

An Annotated List of New York's Leading Cabaret Venues

September is the best month. Keep in mind that while there are still sweltering days to get through, relief is just around the corner and best of all, the entertainment season is about to start again. Not that cabaret ever really stops. In the smaller clubs, their season is all year long and Feinstein’s offered some interesting shows throughout the summer. Jim Caruso , as usual, kept a busy summer schedule with his Mondays at Birdland,.

At Birdland, Hilary Kole continues her Sunday night jazz parties (September 5, 12, 19, 26) and also joins original cast mates, Eric Comstock and Christopher Giles, at the Algonquin Hotel for their revival of Our Sinatra . This popular tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes opens Aug. 31 to Sept. 11. Catch it where it all began with the original cast, each illustrating personal feelings about Sinatra’s influence. If you like Sinatra, good songs and good performances, this is a must. Karen Akers celebrates the Rodgers and Hart songbook with Dancing on the Ceiling from Sept. 14-Oct. 23. Barbara Carroll returns to the Algonquin for Sunday jazz brunch beginning Sept. 12-Dec. 26.

Feinstein’s new season begins with the room’s namesake, Michael Feinstein joining an always popular guest, Barbara Cook . They are together at last for most of September (Sept. 7–11, 15-18, 21-25, and 21-24). Barbara Cook has a solo show on Sept. 25 and the two join up together on Sept. 28-30 and Oct. 1, 2. There are also some intriguing features on the alternate days. Who would you expect to star in something called, Let's Put On A Show? Mickey Rooney, of course, with wife, Jan Rooney . He’s 90 years old, but insists Nothing Can Stop Me Now . (Sept. 19, 20). Not quite as legendary but a fine singer himself, Eddie Bruce performs his New York debut tribute of,  Once in a Lifetime…The Anthony Newley Songbook. (Sept. 26). The show was a hit in Philly so he’s taking his chances in New York.

South Pacific is far from Lincoln Center now, but Paolo Szot, the show’s Brazilian Tony Award-winning "Wonderful Guy", will likely reprise some of that tropical magic during his appearance at the Café Carlyle (Sept. 14–25).

What could be better than one great singer? How about five terrific singers called Marquee Five , with smooth harmonies and creative arrangements. They comes to Don’t Tell Mama with their new show, 8-Track Throwback (Sept. 16, 23, 25, Oct. 2, 16), with songs of the ‘60’s and ‘’70’s by Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Carole King and more.

Another vocal group coming to town in September is Uptown Express , four guys presenting, Point It Home at the Laurie Beechman. (Sept. 9, 19). In their previous show, I was impressed with their "upbeat messages with tight, buoyant harmonies and an easy flow of fun".

"Hot Lips Houlihan" is back in town. Sally Kellerman does her own thing at the Metropolitan Room in her show, Sally , a taste of jazz, blues, standards and rock. (Sept. 5, 9). For a romantic ambiance, catch the solo guitar of Sean Harkness at the Metropolitan on Sept. 8, 12, 15. Charles Grodin and Richard Kind promise musical comedy and, be prepared, you’ll be invited to sing along. The show is Sept. 25 and called, Lucky and Tough Times and that pretty much describes it all, doesn’t it? Toward the end of the month, cabaret and jazz familiars, John DiPinto and Mary Foster Conklin plan to bring some jazz flavored vocal treats into the room including tunes by the Beatles, Alec Wilder and Fran Landesman, Smokey Robinson and more. (Sept. 28). The next two nights, you can enjoy Todd Murray as he wraps his romantic baritone around standards and some originals in his show, Croon .

A leprechaun has left Glocca Morra for Birdland. Tony-nominee Christopher Fitzgerald, who played "Og" in the revival of Finian’s Rainbow promises , An Evening of Silliness, Sentiment and Songs on Sept. 13.

And let’s not forget that Patti LuPone will be performing, discussing and signing her new book Patti LuPone: A Memoir at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle at 7:30pm on Sept.16.

New York, New York. Where else can you find such a bouquet of entertainment?

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An Annotated List of New York's Leading Cabaret Venues
Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street. (212)-206-0440. A favorite. Friendly, comfortable and reasonable. Covers are $15 to $35, depending on performer and two-drink minimum. Serves tempting pies, cakes (try the carrot cake), and a few snack bowls. Alas, food is not included in drink minimum. Every Tuesday, Annie Ross swings with great band.

Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46 St. (212) 757-0788. Middle of theatre district with cabaret and a lively piano bar seven days a week. A long time favorite, reasonable, run well with wide variety of talent and friendly staff. Covers vary but are reasonable, plus two drink minimum. Credit cards not accepted.

The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street on 7th Avenue.Piano bar with an open mike downstairs and singers upstairs. Check out weekly events.

The Laurie Beechman Theater, West Bank Cafe, 407 West 42 Street. (212) 695-6909.$15 minimum plus cover. Besides nightly performers, they present New Voices on Monday nights ($10 cover). Friday nights is The After Party (No cover, no minimum). This spot is always adding something new.

Time Out Lounge, West 50 St., west of Eighth Avenue. If you're around New World Stages, take the elevator down to this no-cover little bar with jazz and standards.

Birdland, 315 W 44th St. NYC. Phone: 212-581-3080. Cabaret features Monday nights with "Broadway at Birdland" at 7pm. Then stay on for Jim Caruso's Cast Party, 9:30pm to 1:00am ($10 Cover and a $10 Food/Drink Minimum). Bar, minimum $5 plus cover. Offers good Cajun cooking at reasonable prices.

Iridium, 1650 Broadway (51st Street), (212) 582-2121. Monday nights with legendary Les Paul is a must-see. Strong jazz lineup the rest of the week and some solid jazzy singers. Prices vary.

Midtown Jazz at Midday, St. Peter's Church, Lexington Avenue and 54th Street, (212) 935-2200. A real bargain. Every Wednesday, bring your sandwich, pay $2 and watch top-notch jazz or cabaret artist for an hour. Begins 12:30pm.

Reprise Room @ Dillon's, 254 West 54 Street. NYC. Every Monday night, Back in Pictures, songs from movies. Check schedule.

Broadway Baby Bistro at Broadway Comedy Club. 318 W. 53 St. NYC., 212-757-5808. A piano bar and show room. Credit cards accepted.

The Triad Theatre, 158 W. 72nd St., 212-362-2590. Climb up the winding stairs to the cabaret room. Frequently features Off-off Broadway shows Covers vary often $10 or $15 or higher.

Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street. 212-962-7555 or 212-539-8778. Good news/bad news. This is not a concert space and not a cabaret space, but a bit of both. It lacks intimacy but usually features intriguing artists and some big names trying new venues. Can be packed and some sightlines are undesirable, yet excitement level can be high. You must buy tickets in advance and then make seating/dinner reservations. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person.

When price is no object —

The Algonquin Hotel Oak Room, 59 West 44th Street. (212) 840-6800. Historic room offering many yearly favorites but also new touches-of-jazz newcomers. Cover varies from $60-$75, depending on performer. Sunday show and brunch with legendary Barbara Carroll and Jay Leonhart is $70. There is a Salon in the lobby Sunday nights between 5:30 and 9:30pm (no minimum).

Cafe Carlyle, Madison Avenue at 76th Street. (212) 744-1600. Beautiful room for posh night out with big-name entertainer. Monday night is jazz night with Woody Allen, if he shows up. Cover is high, and varies.

Feinstein's at The Regency, 540 Park Ave. Big names, usually from non-cabaret genres -- Broadway, films, television. Cover varies from $61.00 - $88.00. Expensive dinners named for current performers. Sunday and Monday nights often feature Broadway singers at lower covers.
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