1997 CRITIC'S CHOICE AWARDS
Each
year the CABARET HOTLINE critics choose the best of the year
before to be recognized as winners of the CRITICS' CHOICE
award. Please note that such a task is formidable, and for that
reason your humble editor avoids as much as possible the decision
making process. An attempt is also made to present awards to performers
and shows not previously chosen, although we are not quite as strict
about this as BACK STAGE in their Bistro Award presentations.
We don't have an "awards ceremony" yet, or even an actual award
to present, but these choices are made in an effort to strengthen
the vitality of live entertainment and cabaret in NYC.
Here
are the CABARET HOTLINE 1997 CRITICS' CHOICE winners, a Baker's
Dozen (13) of the outstanding performers, shows and directors (in
alphabetical order) plus a couple of kudos to several clubs as compiled
by Leslie (Hoban) Blake and John Hoglund. The comments
are the editor.
James
Beaman as Marlene Dietrich in "QUEEN OF THE WORLD" -
(Don't Tell Mama) - One of the best "Dietrich" tributes ever
presented, this show continues in March, and James has also brought
back his Lauren Bacall show to Don't Tell Mama. I saw them on successive
nights, and the effect is stunning. This show won a BACK STAGE
BISTRO AWARD and has been nominated for a MAC AWARD.
"BIG
CITY RHYTHM" (Eric Michael Gillette, Lewis Cleale, Melanie Vaughan
and Marcia Lewis) written and directed by Barry Kleinbort
- (The Triad) - In this show Barry has taken some of his
finest "special material" and chose some of the finest in cabaret
to present them. It will be at The Village Gate in late March.
It just won a BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARDand is up for a MAC
AWARD.
Bobby
Belfry - "THE SONG IS YOU" - (Eighty Eight's) - This
young man has the talent and the charm to go places. I eagerly await
his next show. A co-worker took her boyfriend to Bobby's show -
the first time he had been to a cabaret room. He is now a believer
- sold on cabaret.
David
Campbell - Debut show - (Eighty Eight's) - He flew in
from Australia last year and immediately captured the hearts of
the public and the press. Sold out shows and admiring fans make
this name one to watch. Not only does he look great and sing great,
David is simply a great person as well. David is nominated
for a MAC AWARD.
. 
David
Gurland No-Theme Show - (Eighty Eight's) - David's "butter
and cream" voice is perfect for the intimacy of cabaret. And his
duets with Naomi Kukoff in this year's shows were heart-stoppers.
David is nominated for a MAC AWARD.
.
"FORBIDDEN
BROADWAY STRIKES BACK" - (The Triad) - Called the very
best of the "Forbidden" series, this show changes along with the
entertainment headlines. This show also won a BACK STAGE BISTRO
AWARD and is nominated for a MAC AWARD.
Gary
Lyons - Debut Show - "CAN'T HELP SINGING" - (Eighty
Eight's) - This man is genius. His timing is flawless and his
shows delightful and memorable. He returns with a new show this
Spring. I will be there - often. This show also won a BACK STAGE
BISTRO AWARDand is nominated for a MAC AWARD.
..
Jeanne
MacDonald - (Eighty Eight's) - She is back in town later
this month and I can't wait. The first of the great singers to come
down to the big city from The Bradstan, she remains one of
my favorites.
.
. 
Karen
Murphy - "TORCH GODDESS" - (Don't Tell Mama) - This lady
came back to New York Cabaret with an explosive show that still
has people talking. Was it camp or was it real? Only Karen knows
for sure. All I know is that I loved it. Karen is nominated
for a MAC AWARD.
.
Christian
Nova - "FEATHER IN MY SHOE" - (Don't Tell Mama) - This
tightly written show displayed the best of this fantastic singer's
talents. They don't come much better than this! Christian
is nominated for a MAC AWARD..
Sam
Sagenkahn - "FAMILIAR THINGS" - (Don't Tell Mama) - Sam's
semi-autobiographical show was delightful and funny - at times making
you forget what a great voice he has. It continues this month. Sam
is nominated for a MAC AWARD.
Richard
Skipper as CAROL CHANNING - (Don't Tell Mama)
- There is no one in this town, or any other, who is so convincing
as Richard doing Channing. His shows are always gems - diamonds
to be exact.
Jim
and Bob Walton - "MY BROTHER's KEEPER" - (The Triad)
- Sad to say, I missed this one, but I hear that these two guys
are the greatest. Next time they are in town (they both travel all
over the world doing Broadway shows) I will try to see for myself.
.
.
.
..
And
Honorable Mention to two Cabaret rooms for helping to keep Jazz
alive in '96:
To
RAINBOW & STARS for presenting Joe Williams and
TAVERN ON THE GREEN for presenting Jimmy Scott and
Dorothy Donnegan
Plus
Special Thanks to DANNY'S SKYLIGHT ROOM for its new "Critics'
Choice Benefit Series".
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