Cabaret

Despite his three Academy Awards and three Tony Awards, Alan Jay Lerner is not the lyricist who comes to mind when one thinks of urbane and witty lyrics. But with I Remember Him Well: The Songs of Alan Jay Lerner, Steve Ross reminds us we should not underestimate the talent behind such well known songs…

JULIE BENKO IS, AND IS ABOUT TO HAVE, A BROADWAY BABY Vocalists have found many fruitful ways of reaching their audiences, from celebrating other singers to paying tribute to composers and lyricists, from revealing personal challenges to reviewing personal triumphs. Julie Benko may be the first to reflect on the ups and downs of pregnancy….

IN HARNAR’S WAY Sammy Cahn was born on the Lower East Side, the only son of Jewish immigrants Abraham and Elka Reiss Cohen. He attended Seward Park High School, and, after learning the violin, his first professional gigs were playing in Bar Mitzvah bands and burlesque houses. His side jobs included working at a meat-packing…

A BLISTERING HOT NIGHT JUST GOT HOTTER Birdland  is so much more than a legendary jazz club; two months ago I saw  Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks  who brought us back to the glory days of big bands; last week, I caught an intimate concert by jazz chanteuse, raconteur, and interpreter  Nicole Henry, accompanied by distinguished musicians  David Cook  on piano,  Richie…

WOE AND BEHOLD When John Kelly descends into the regions of darkness, he does so with a soaring intensity that is intoxicating and never depressing. In his new cabaret act at Joe’s Pub, Kelly – in a tight dark jacket, its lapels often clinging to his neck; and a kilt made of black leather strips,…