The 2000 MAC AWARDS Show

This year's MAC AWARDS show was held at TOWN HALL in New York City on April 9th. The following is a report of that show.

The 2000 MAC AWARDS Show Report - Stu Hamstra

At 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 8th, it was 71 degrees in mid-town Manhattan, and folks were basking in the Springtime sun, enjoying the balmy breezes. But, at 8 am on Sunday morning, the temperature had dropped to 31 degrees and it was snowing! A little over an inch fell in Manhattan, but areas north and south of the city were even harder hit.

By late afternoon the temperature had warmed to about 45 degrees and the snow was gone. Victor and I walked over to TOWN HALL, stopping on the way for supper at DALLAS BAR-B-Q. This huge restaurant is just across the street from TOWN HALL, so we were not surprised to see plenty of MAC AWARD attendees having chicken or ribs inside. Even Tommy Femia's folks were there (the price is right!).

At around 7:15 we crossed the street, stopped at the "press" table to pick up our tickets and a press folder, and then we headed inside to find our seats. I had taken along my digital camera, hoping to take some photos during the show (it is permitted at the MAC AWARDS) but we were seated so far back from the stage (row R) that I decided the any photos we would get from there would be unusable on the website. Perhaps someone out there who was seated a bit closer and took along a camera will send me some stuff to put on the pages. I did get a photo of the four redheads - well, three redheads plus Francesca Blumenthal - who were seated just a few rows in front of us.

Promptly at 7:40 pm (7:30 pm cabaret time), the lights dimmed and the show began with Julie Wilson being announced, and when the spotlight came up, there was Julie, center stage, boa and gardenia aglow. As soon as the standing ovation died down, Julie and began singing "Old Friends," the stage began filling with her tuxedo-clad back-up chorus line: Jeff Harnar, Bobby Belfry, Phillip Officer, Eric Michael Gillett, Charles Cermele, Tom Andersen, Scott Coulter and Tommy Femia. On stage, to back up the group, was the Bobby Peaco Trio, which also provided interlude and incidental music throughout the show.

As the song ended, the room went to black, and when the lights came back up, there was Liza Minnelli, standing at the left podium. As her name was announced, another standing ovation followed. Liza was there to present the first awards of the evening, for Female and Male Debut. Australian newcomer Tim Draxl was first to accept his award, followed by Carolyn Montgomery.

Liza in turn, introduced Jim Caruso, who would serve as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Jim serves as Liza's personal assistant when he isn't hosting MAC AWARD shows, and he proceeded to introduce himself to the audience via a cleverly funny monologue. He then brought out Lola del Rivero, manager at DANNY'S GRAND SEA PALACE and Arthur Pomposello, booking manager at THE ALGONQUIN OAK ROOM, to present the awards to Piano Bar/Restaurant Entertainer, and Piano Bar/Restaurant Pianist. The first went to Ruby Rims, celebrating his 25th year as an entertainer, and the second went to Bobby Peaco - who had the shortest distance to travel to receive his award, stepping over to the podium from the piano. Bobby is at the piano at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) on Saturday nights.

MAC AWARD winning vocalists Heather Mac Rae and Tom Andersen took the podium to present the next series of awards. The Vocal Group Award went to THE ACCIDENTALS, with Scott Barbarino and the Bev-Naps receiving the Best Musical Comedy Group award. Georga Osborne received the Female Musical Comedy Award, remarking that she intentionally wore waterproof mascara, since she knew that whether she won or lost, she would probably start crying. Mark Nadler accepted the Male Musical Comedy Award, thanking all those who appeared on his show for allowing themselves to be upstaged by him, and then proceeded to humbly thank the person who choose all his songs, wrote his material and even picked out his wardrobe for every show - namely himself.

Jazz vocalist Mary Foster Conklin and Swing vocalist Tom Postilio presented the awards for Singer/Instrumentalist to Rick Jensen and the award for Impersonation/Characterization to the absent Richard Skipper (Richard was doing his Carol Channing show at the PLUSH ROOM in San Francisco, and could not be there to accept the award).

The second performer for the evening was cute and bouncy Ron Poole, who has perhaps performed in more cabaret comedy shows in NYC in 1999 than any other performer - his "Poole Parties" at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-757-0788) are at times a twice-weekly event (and many times twice nightly!) Ron quickly had the 1600-seat TOWN HALL rolling with laughter. Ron is also currently the warm-up comic for the cable-TV cooking show, "Emeril Live!"

MAC President Emeritus Jamie deRoy stepped to the podium to present the HANSON AWARD, but first explained why the evening's event was being held in April rather than during CABARET MONTH in March: better weather, she explained. The HANSON AWARD is a special presentation given each year to a non-nominated performer who has shown great promise and potential during the year. The recipient is chosen by members of "the cabaret press." This year's HANSON AWARD winner was Carlos Martin, who presented his terrific Latino-crossover "El Amor" show last year at DON'T TELL MAMA.

Karen Akers, currently appearing at THE ALGONQUIN OAK ROOM (59 West 44th Street, NYC - 212-840-6800), and Phillip Officer stepped to the stage to present the awards to "the cabaret support people," namely Matt Berman for Technical Direction, Chris Denny for Musical Direction, and Barry Kleinbort for Direction. Barry was out of town and unable to be present to accept his award.

A very bubbly Lucie Arnaz was introduced, and she presented MAC Awards to Jamie deRoy for "Jamie deRoy & friends," currently seen on Saturday nights at THE WEST BANK CAFE/LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATER (407 West 42nd Street, NYC - 212-695-6909) for Variety Production, John Bucchino & David Campbell for Special Production, a show featuring the songs of Mr. Bucchino, and to Eric Comstock representing "Our Sinatra," currently playing at THE BLUE ANGEL (343 West 44th Street, NYC - Tele-Charge 212-239-6200) for Revue of the Year. Mr. Campbell was in Australia and unable to be present to accept his part of the duo-award. John will soon be performing his own songs, and introducing his new CD and songbook at THE FIREBIRD CAFE (363 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-586-0244).

Broadway star (JEKYLL & HYDE) and new cabaret performer Bob Cuccioli, currently appearing at ARCI'S PLACE (450 Park Avenue South, NYC - 212-532-4370) was the next performer for the evening, and sang the "Larger Than Life" song from his current cabaret show.

Michael Feinstein (currently appearing at his own club, FEINSTEIN'S at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue, NYC - 212-339-4095) , who was supposed to present the next set of awards, was detained out of town because of the weather. Stepping in to do the honors was Steve Ross, who opens on Wednesday night, April 12th, at THE FIREBIRD CAFE (363 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-586-0244). He presented MAC Awards to Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich for Comedy/Special Material ("The Morning After (Leave!)") and Song of the Year ("Music of Your Life") and to Jamie deRoy for Recording of the Year ("Jamie deRoy & Friends - The Child In Me") and Ann Hampton Callaway for Major Recording of the Year ("Easy Living"). Marcy and Zina are currently in Minneapolis, and were unable to be present to accept the awards. Their show ADVENTURES IN LOVE opens on April 11th at the ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (345 Washington Street, St. Paul, MN - 651-224-4222). Ms. Callaway was also unable to attend. She is currently appearing on Broadway in the musical SWING.

Current MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs) Board President Michael Estwanik stepped to the microphone to make a brief speech and to announce that James Beaman (currently appearing as Marlene Dietrich on Sunday nights at THE FIREBIRD CAFE (363 West 46th Street, NYC - 212-586-0244) was elected by the membership as MAC Board Member at Large. Michael then introduced the next performers for the evening, Alix Korey, accompanied by a chorus made up of students from NYU. Ms. Korey and the group sang "Daughter of God."

A brief, ten minute intermission followed. At the end of the intermission, the Bobby Peaco Trio entertained while folks found their seats and prepared for the second part of the show.

Jazz star Annie Ross presented the next two awards, to Joyce Breach for Jazz Performer, and Billy Stritch for Major Jazz Performer. Mr. Stritch especially thanked John Pizzarelli for not placing himself up for nomination this year.

Karen Mason took center stage to serve as the next performer of the evening, presenting a balcony shaking rendition of "I Can See It" from THE FANTASTICKS. Karen will be returning to ARCI'S PLACE (450 Park Avenue South, NYC - 212-532-4370) with a new show soon. I can't wait.

Syndicated columnist and MAC Advisory Board member Liz Smith was introduced and she presented the MAC Lifetime Achievement Award to Bobby Short, after a brief and entertaining description of Mr. Short's amazing career. Bobby then stepped to the piano and presented two numbers, "Can't Get Started With You," and "Just One of Those Things" to the enthusiastic and appreciative audience.

The famed comedy improv duo of Monteith and Rand were introduced to present the MAC Comedy Awards. Angela LaGreca and Ron Poole received the awards for Female and Male Comedy, respectively. The Major Female Stand-up Comedy Award went to Margaret Cho, who was not present to accept the award. The Major Male Stand-up Comedy Award went to the very present Mario Cantone.

Ageless Broadway star Chita Rivera presented the final awards of the evening. The Male Vocalist went to a very surprised Thomas, and the Female Vocalist Award went to Natalie Gamsu. Michael Feinstein was named Major Male Vocalist (he was not present) and Julie Wilson was named Major Female Vocalist.

Finally, musical director and songwriter Shelly Markham came to the podium to present the MAC Board of Directors Award to his longtime friend Barry Manilow. Shelly recounted to old days of cabaret, when he and Barry played the piano at the various clubs of 20 years ago. Many of the performers they played for went on to become major stars in film, Broadway, TV and yes, cabaret.

In accepting the award, Barry continued that theme, detailing his appreciation for the years spent in cabaret, and encouraging those currently starting out in the medium to keep striving for excellence. He then performed some portions of his club act, including a brief summary of the ditties he wrote for various commercials, and finishing up with "Studio Musician."

A final good night from Jim Caruso, and the lights came up as the very thrilled and satisfied audience rose to both applaud and make their way to the exits. Victor and I rushed back to DON'T TELL MAMA, where he partied for the 10 minutes or so that it took me to rush upstairs to the luxurious and spacious offices of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE to send out the list of winners to the more than 1500 subscribers. Then I rejoined him, and we began our search for the perfect "7&Ginger" cocktail. That report will be on its way to you soon.

Now for some comments:

For the second year in a row, director Thommie Walsh and producer Nancy McGraw presented a fast-paced, exciting and flawless evening of entertainment that kept sweeping the audience along from act to act, presentation to presentation. The entire show was done in less than three hours, and yet never seemed rushed, never lost its breath. This team has the often thankless task of constructing a show for an audience made up of many performers, with a cast that needs to be drawn from comedy, jazz and cabaret. They are to be applauded for their efforts, which paid off in an extremely thrill-filled show. While no show could possibly top the extra special excitement felt last year with Liza's spectacular appearance and performance, followed within minutes by Betty Buckley's own presentation, this show indeed did come close.

The choice of Jim Caruso as MC was inspired to say the least. He charmed the audience almost immediately with his witty and pithy comments. And he remained always the ringmaster, never upstaging the others, yet always ready to step in with just the right comment or quip.

The Tony Origlio PR folks, who ably handled the press for the MAC AWARDS should be chided just a bit for an incomplete "running order" presented to us press folk who had to work in the dark most of the show. It would have been advantageous to have the song titles of the performances included, and the names (with correct spelling) of those taking part in the opening number, as well as the exact title or name of the chorus joining Alix Korey (spelled Alex Corey in the press packet). I had to search through other press materials and make a few phone calls to make sure the above report was as accurate as possible. Anyone who writes about cabaret knows how important the correct spelling of a person's name is - you can write a bad review, and you won't hear a word. But spell a name wrong, and your phone rings off the hook!

And a suggestion: With MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs) not holding an "official" post-MAC AWARD party this year, the award winners seemed to disperse all over the city after the show. Some type of post-show photo-op and chat-op for the benefit of the press should be considered, in the TOWN HALL facility, if possible. (If such an event was indeed held after this year's show, several of us covering the event were not made aware of it.)

There once was a rule that limited the number of MAC Awards that a person could win in a particular category over a lifetime. While this rule was abandoned as being too restrictive, I do believe it is about time that some folks who have won the Awards again and again, and are powerful and popular cabaret personalities, to step aside to allow other performers a chance to win an award. With the current nomination system, where the performers have to send in an application on their own behalf, and where all who apply and meet the requirements are included on the preliminary ballot, such graciousness on the part of cabaret superstars would certainly be applauded. Several multi-MAC Award winners did just that this year. Others should consider following that example.

There were a few startling surprises among this year's winners. I will comment on that in another issue of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

Once again, a big congratulations to MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs) for a terrific, entertaining, exciting and satisfying evening. Special hugs to Nancy and Thommie for all the hard work in producing and directing the event. I wish I could offer more than a hug to these two dedicated, talented, and oft-times under-appreciated folks. Congratulations also to all who worked behind the scenes on every aspect of the evening's events - from usher on up. As an indication of how good the show was, my very critical and hard-to-please friend Victor gave it his rare "two thumbs up."

And that is just about the way it was.

Hugs & Stuff,

STU

2000 MAC AWARD WINNERS

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