1998 BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARDS

Each year BACK STAGE, the weekly magazine covering NYC theater, cabaret and other entertainment events presents the BISTRO AWARD to outstanding cabaret performers and performances of the previous year. The awards were begun by the late Bob Harrington, who was the cabaret reviewer for BACK STAGE for many years, and wrote the Bistro Bits column in the paper.

Currently the recipients are chosen by the 2 cabaret reviewers of the BACK STAGE namely John Hoglund and Roy Sander. One of the most important rules of the judging is that you can only win one BISTRO AWARD in a single venue in your lifetime.

The awards will be presented at a special ceremony and show at The Supper Club on Monday, March 9th.

1998 BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARD RECIPIENTS

13TH ANNUAL BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARDS GALA
at the SUPPER CLUB (240 West 47th Street NYC
Monday, March 9 at 6:30 PM

WITH GUEST EMCEE JEFFREY ROSS

33 OF CABARET'S BRIGHTEST TALENTS HONORED
Carol Hall, Bart Howard and KT Sullivan Receive Special Awards

(NY)February 12, 1998 -- BACK STAGE: THE PERFORMING ARTS WEEKLY announced today the winners of the 1998 BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARDS for outstanding achievement in cabaret, citing 32 artists for their distinguished work in 1997. As usual, the name of the recipient of the Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award will be revealed at the ceremony.

This year's outstanding vocalists are Elena Bennett, David Campbell, Judi Connelli, Jane A. Johnston, Jeanne MacDonald and Anne Roberts. Audrey Morris will receive an award as outstanding singer/instrumentalist.

Two musical revues are being honored: "Fairy Tales," written by Eric Lane Barnes with Rob Maitner singled out as outstanding performer in a revue, and Mark Cannistraro being recognized for outstanding direction, and "Heartbeat It's a Lovebeat!" co-conceived by Jim Dowd and Bob Penola, performed, written and choreographed by Penola under Dowd's direction.

For outstanding musical comedy, the group MINIMUM WAGE and performer Georga Osborne are receiving awards, and for outstanding comic performance Jim David is the award recipient. Tommy Femia as Judy Garland and Richard Skipper as Carol Channing receive top honors for impersonation.

In the category of outstanding theme show, two shows have been chosen:: "Mwah! The Dinah Shore Show," created and performed by Jeff Macauley, and "The Season," created and performed by Kate Jetmore and Brady Schwind. For outstanding major engagement, the BISTRO goes to Mary Cleere Haran for her show "Pennies From Heaven."

For outstanding special material, songwriter Steven Lutvak is being honored for "The Dinner Party." Other recipients noted for outstanding achievement include Eric Hansen as songwriter and Jeff Waxman as musical director, and Joyce Breach and Christian Nova for their recordings "This Moment" and "Walking Happy," respectively.

Songwriter Carol Hall is receiving a special award for embracing the world of cabaret in her series of shows, and special awards also go to KT Sullivan for honoring the songs of Bart Howard and to Bart Howard for writing those marvelous songs.

The gala evening will take place on Monday, March 9 at THE SUPPER CLUB, 240 West 47th Street, starting with a reception at 5 pm, followed by the awards presentation and show at 6:30 pm. BACK STAGE Editor-in-Chief Sherry Eaker is producing and hosting the event along with BACK STAGE cabaret critics John Hoglund and Roy Sander. Comedian Jeffrey Ross is the guest emcee, and the show is under the direction of Sara Louise Lazarus. A limited number of tickets will be sold to the public, available at BACK STAGE, 1515 Broadway, 14th Floor, or by credit card by calling 212-536-5040.

Press and television coverage of the event is welcome.

used with the permission of BACK STAGE

Report on the 1998 BISTRO AWARDS Gala at the Supper Club

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