Recommendations for 7/29 and the future….

Hi Friends:

I have to recommend these shows I’m guesting in this week – they should all be a blast.  But also, I attended Donna McKechnie’s AMAZING show last night at the Beechman, and I highly recommend that when she comes back to town, you do whatever it takes to go see her!  What an inspiration – just as beautiful, poised and talented as she’s always been – her voice rich, flexible and lovely and who knew she had fantastic soprano notes!?!  Not to mention flawless acting, charm and warmth – I left completely inspired.

Tonight’s the night –  JULY 29, 2010 at 8:00 PM, I’ll be performing a guest spot in The Danny Leary Variety Extravaganza in the Copper Room at Comix Comedy Nightclub, 353 West 14th Street, NYC - $10 Cover. NO Food or Drink Min. 
 
My friend, Comedian Danny Leary (Logo Network, MTV, here! TV, Animal Planet) is back with a brand new variety show which will premiere in the plush new Copper Room at the comedy nightclub Comix.This new series features pop-culture music tribute medleys performed by Broadway and cabaret vocalists, original sketch comedy, big chorus dance numbers, guest speakers, re-enacted scenes from vintage TV shows and “Oprah style” audience giveaways.  Sounds like fun, right?  And a lot of my good talented friends are joining me in it – look at the lineup!
 
STAR STUDDED PREMIERE LINEUP:
Musical Theatre Performances from Raissa Katona Bennett and Adam Sank.
Maureen Taylor, Jenna Esposito and Angela Shultz in a musical tribute to Dolly Parton.
Comedian Karith Foster as Alexis Colby.
Appearances by Tanya O’Debra, Gisele Noelle and Carrie Gravenson
Musical Comedy from Alicia Levy
Stand-Up Comedy from Rena Zager
Musical Director: Kenneth Gartman

Guitar/Banjo: Ayodele Maakheru
Percussion: Terese Genecco 

Hope to see you there. 

Next week is a biggie for me, on Monday night 8/2 at 7 pm, I’ll be joining the SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED series, singing 2 songs – one with my pal and recent co-star, Miles Phillips, and one by myself.  We will be accompanied by David Caldwell.  This special extension of the series will feature some of the best performers of the series and the special guest this week is KURT PETERSON who originated the role of “Young Ben” in the original cast of FOLLIES!  Here’s a link to the article on Broadway World: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Kurt_Peterson_Joins_SONDHEIM_UNPLUGGED_For_Special_Extended_Show_82_20100729

Following four sold out weeks of shows, The Laurie Beechman Theatre will continue their hit series, SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED for one performance only, Monday, August 2nd at 7pm. Joining the cast are Darius DeHaas (Marie Christine, Kiss of the Spider Woman), Julie Reyburn (MAC & Bistro Winner), Raissa Katona Bennett (Phantom of the Opera) and Kevin Dozier. More casting will be announced soon.   There is a $20 cover and a $15 food/beverage minimum, and you MUST reserve fast, because each show has been sold out!!

407 West 42nd St. (@ 9th Ave), in the heart of New York’s theatre district. For reservations, which are required, please call 212 695 6909.
Hosted by Phil Geoffrey Bond
Musical Direction by Tracy Stark
 
 
And finally, the very next night, we have the next in our CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS series “A NIGHT AT THE OPERA – VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CLASSICS’ with yet another all star line-up:
 
Tuesday, August 3rd at 6:00PM. (Rain date: Wednesday, August 4th) This event will feature performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret scene. The concert will be hosted by Tudor City resident, Broadway and cabaret performer Raissa Katona Bennett (Phantom of the Opera, Chess). Performers scheduled to appear in the concert – entitled “A Night at the Opera: Vocal and Instrumental Classics” – are Willy Falk (Tony nominee for Miss Saigon), the cast of I’ve Got a Little Twist (Bistro Award), Bistro and MAC Award winner Mark Janas,  The Metropolis Opera Project, Sarah Rice (the original Johanna in Broadway’s Sweeney Todd), cabaret artist Maureen Taylor and composer/lyricist Bill Zeffiro. Accompanists for the concert will be David Caldwell, Kenneth Gartman, and Mark York.