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Here is a recent CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE message sent to nearly 2,500 readers of this free e-mail newsletter. Check at the bottom of the message for the way you can have a free subscription.


CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE #050607 - Thursday, June 23, 2005
Since 1990 Your First, Best, and Only Complete Source of Cabaret News

CELEBRATING OUR 15th YEAR COVERING CABARET ALL OVER THE WORLD!
NOW - BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!

If it's anything to do with cabaret, you'll probably read it here first!


This is the MIDWEEK Issue this of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, which includes news, breaking stories and notes, cabaret tips, announcements of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE reviews, plus listings of shows offering discounts to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE. The MONDAY Issue of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE includes cabaret listings for around the world, and also includes information on all the banner ads running on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website.


ATTENTION AOL USERS: Over 400 newsletters sent out to AOL subscribers have been bouncing back each issue - with no resolution coming from AOL in spite of repeated promises. If you are an AOL user and have missed some issues, please call AOL to complain. They keep telling me all will be corrected but each issue I have to attempt to resend 300 to 400 issues using another method (in small batches of 30 addresses). Maybe if enough of their members complain they will actually do something about it! All copies of past issues are archived on the website.

ADS AVAILABLE IN THE ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM
Only a very limited number of 1/6 page ads are still available in the souvenir program we are preparing for the 15th Anniversary event on July 6th at $20 each (the back page has already been sold). You can combine to ads for 1/3 a page or 4 ads for 2/3 page if you wish. Just send me a note if you need details. If you can't make it to the show - several have written to tell me they will be out of town - here is a way you can support the event.


ONLY 30 TICKETS TO THE SHOW AVAILABLE
Only 30 tickets remain out of 70 available for the 15 YEARS OF HUGS & STUFF show to benefit CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE at THE ENCORE (266 West 47th Street, NYC - 212-221-3960 - http://www.theencorenyc.com/ ) on July 6th at 7:30 pm, and I don't want you to be left out. Please don't delay. Once all 70 seats are sold, that's it. No second show is planned. You will need to make your reservations for the 7:30 pm show via the website - don't call the club. Go to http://svhamstra.com/HugsStuffOrder.shtml to order tickets. 2005-2006 Members get a $15 discount.


SPECIAL TO ALL MEMBERS OF CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
All 2004-2005 Memberships expire on July 5th, 2004. Your support by way of membership donations is important, especially during the summer months, to help maintain the website and keep these bi-weekly newsletters going out regularly. Please go to the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/) and click on the JOIN HERE button at the top of the page for information on all the benefits of the various levels of membership, plus methods to renew - even by credit card! Only two weeks left on your 2004-2005 membership.


TOMORROW GOES THE BRACE
Only 26 hours to go - tomorrow at 2:00 pm I will be permitted to discontinue using the brace that I have been wearing for over 100 days. During this period I have come to loath velcro - there are 10 places on this brace that are joined by velcro, including 6 long straps that always seem to end up clinging to each other when I attempt to put the thing on. I was told to continue to use my cane until I felt comfortable without it. I still have a problem with stairs - the knee muscles simply aren't strong enough yet so the cane or a handrail is needed.

Hopefully, things will soon be back to normal. I have now in the third week of physical therapy to strengthen the leg muscles that were sort of immobile for 3 months. Not only does this take up many hours each week, it is also quite exhausting. I have also been working on the Anniversary Party plans, and trying to make sure all membership cards are sent out quickly, so that members will have their 2005-2006 cards in time for the July 6 party & show. All this, plus preparing and sending two newsletters a week has meant less time for other things. As a result, my website has not had any news posted except in the NEWS BRIEFS section for some time. I am taking the night off from cabaret tonight in hopes of getting enough rest so I can get 4 or 5 new reviews posted (from Boston and Australia) on Friday - plus any other news articles I can get coded and posted.


HERE'S A FEW SHOWS I'VE SEEN THAT I HOPE YOU WILL GET TO SEE
No time to write full reviews, but if you are in NYC in the next few days, here are a few I saw these past few weeks that are well worth your cabaret dollars. Please note, this is not a complete listing of shows - just on shows I've actually seen. See the MONDAY issue for listings of all shows (at least all shows I could find out about) that are playing in NYC - and other areas as well.

TONIGHT, JUNE 23rd:

Scott Barbarino & The Cosmopolitans Variety Hour with Leslie Anderson & Ricky Ritzel are at IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB (1650 Broadway, NYC - 212-582-2121 - http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/ ) Thursdays at 7:00 pm with special guest Alice Frazier (and more guests as well). Always a great show! This will be the last Variety Hour for a while - Scott and the gang are taking a month. Shows of this type are important to cabaret - showcasing both new and established performers to new audiences. And they are fun to go to as well - as they say, variety is the spice of life!

The new all-original musical revue What's Your Problem? by Hector Coris and Paul L. Johnson at 7:00 pm (and subsequent Thursday nights in June) at THE ENCORE. The show stars an attractive cast including Dawn Trautman, Travis Bloom and Matthew Myers. Loads of fun and some fantastic new songs. I saw a short sample of the show again last night at the LIVE AT THE ROSE show, and the cast was so enthusiastic, I really want to try to see it again. It isn't often that a full-fledged, all original revue as sparkling and exciting as this one comes along. By the way, cabaret performers looking for new material need only stop by here for some real finds.

2-time MAC Award winner Marcus Simeone is at HELEN'S RESTAURANT, CABARET & PIANO LOUNGE (169 Eighth Avenue, NYC - 212-206-0609 - http://www.helensnyc.com/ ) tonight at 7:00 pm with his Johnny Mathis tribute. It is a well done, top quality performance, and at times Marcus' vocals are dead-on Mathis reproductions. When Marcus is good, he is very, very good. High point was his duet with Lina Koutrakos. This is the last show of this run, so make that reservation today! Marcus is one of the performers featured in 15 YEARS OF HUGS & STUFF on July 6th - see http://svhamstra.com/HugsStuffOrder.shtml

Melissa Mason Jones is making her cabaret debut at THE ENCORE (266 West 47th Street, NYC - 212-221-3960 - http://www.theencorenyc.com/ ) and has a performance tonight at 9:30 pm. It is hard to believe that this is a cabaret debut since the show was so well performed, and Ms. Jones showed such poise and seemed so at ease on stage. Director Eric Michael Gillett assure me that this was indeed a musical performance debut - unless you count the fact that in the reality TV show THE REAL GILLIGAN'S ISLAND Ms. Jones does sing a song. She plays the millionaire's wife - along side her husband, a millionaire in real life. With musical direction by Eugene Gwozdz (yes, that's the actual spelling) the hour seems to fly by - lots of stories of the adventures filming the show intermixed with appropriate songs to illustrate the tales, and flawless vocals.

Blue Jupiter is an amazing a-cappella quartet that recalls the energy and enthusiasm of that historic NYC gang JQ & the Bandits of so many years ago. This lively group of cute and talented guys presents an hour of excitement and sound with no instruments except their voices, including percussion backup. The show is so dazzling and the sound so unbelievable, you will find yourself simply overcome with music. They are at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/ ) tonight at 11:00 pm - well worth stay up up late on a school night for!

The 2005 MAC AWARD winning THE JOHNNY MERCER BIRTHDAY SHOW, with Ricky Ritzel and Leslie Anderson at 11:00 pm at THE ENCORE. Its a full-fledged cabaret revue, directed by Jim Luzar and featuring, at one point, a medley of over 30 Mercer classics. Always fresh and entertaining, I have seen this version a half-dozen times, I was there again last Thursday, and this is a show that deserves every award and accolade it has received. And according to reports these may be the final weeks of its long run. Catch it while you can!

FRIDAY, JUNE 24th:

I saw the opening night of Steven Ray Watkins' new solo show "Guilty Pleasures - Vol. 1 - Olivia Newton John" last week at THE ENCORE, and I must tell you that this show is exactly what "quality cabaret" is all about. There is a dynamite band consisting of Jerry Smith on drums, Kyle Sanna on guitar, and Matt Wigton on bass. There is the incredible backup trio of Karen Mack, Alisa Schiff and Julie Stirman. There is direction is by Lennie Watts. If that isn't a recipe for quality, then spice it all up with Stevens' totally extraordinary arrangements and delightful vocals - and his charming personality. The word WINNER is written all over this one, folks, and the good news is that it plays tonight at 7:00 pm and next Wednesday at 7:00 and Fridays, June 24th & July 1st at 9:30 pm. That means you all have only a few more chances to catch it.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25th:

Brian Tom O'Connor and Debra Vogel bring their acclaimed musical comedy revue "Guy & Doll" today at 2:30 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA. The show again reunites O'Connor & Vogel with the Director and Musical Director of the cabaret show, "Are You Perfect" which played earlier this year, Elfin Frederick and Darryl Curry. Musical staging is by Nora Brown. Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Vogel are masters at their craft, and in this show they display the best of their talents. Together they blend songs and stories into a show filled with fun and action. They will be doing this show at ODETTE'S this weekend as well.

Boulevard East is at THE ENCORE today at 5:00 pm with a special show, titled "The Best ... Encores & More," which will highlight the group's favorites from their varied repertoire, plus a few new additions. I have watched this group grow over the past few years into one of the most entertaining and exciting trios in town. Their easy-going style, their song choices, and just the way they interact with each other and the audience gives their shows a down-home feel that audiences enjoy. I saw this latest show last week, and again on Tuesday, the 28th at 9:30 pm. This exciting group always delivers quality, and the show is both fun and entertaining.

David St. John has returned to DON'T TELL MAMA and is performing his CALIENTE show tonight at 6:30 pm. I saw an earlier version of this show a few months ago, and the improvements this time were astounding. David is a lovable gay guy who's taste in wardrobe is just beyond the word "gaudy" but not quite "grotesque." As the character "Carlos" he prances around the stage, singing and speaking in a very thick Spanish accent (or reasonable facsimile). It adds up to a lot of laughs and good fun. Then, after a guest performer does a few numbers (the week I was there it was the marvelous Sue Matsuki) David returns, does a few more "Carlos" bits, pops behind the curtain while his musical director Gerry Dieffenbach does a solo turn, and returns as himself for neat and touching finish. It is always a thrill to watch a performer perfecting and revising a show to create that quality presentation he can be proud of. Mr. St. John's show isn't quite there yet, but he certainly is a talent to watch.

Anthony Santelmo, Jr. continues to "Seek Out The Tunes" tonight at 7:00 pm at HELEN'S, with another evening of delightful song - many of them new songs by new songwriters, plus obscure songs of the past. One of the most entertaining performers on the cabaret scene, all of Anthony's shows are filled with treats and treasures. Best of all, he is joined by Nan Butcher at the piano. Always ready with a quick clue for a lost lyric, Butcher & Santelmo are a perfect team - its always an additional pleasure watching a show where performer and musical director are such a great match.

The new all-original musical revue What's Your Problem? by Hector Coris and Paul L. Johnson goes downtown for a special Gay Pride Week performance at UPSTAIRS AT ROSE'S TURN (55 Grove Street, NYC - 1-212-366-5438 - http://www.rosesturn.com/ ) tonight at 7:00 pm. See Thursday at 7:00 pm above for more information.

Ron Poole's MAC and BISTRO Award-winning "POOLE PARTY" stand-up and musical comedy show is playing tonight at 8:30 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA instead of in its usual Saturday at 11:00 pm slot. Nancy Witter and Sidney Myer drop by most shows to provide a lot of laughs as well. The long-running variety show features performers from Stand-Up as well as Cabaret and Musical Comedy. I must have been at this show a dozen times already this year. If its Saturday, and I'm looking for some clean, clever and quality comedy, I grab my water wings and head for the Poole.

One of the most funny shows around is Chuck Sweeney's Peggy Lee show, which is having a one-time Gay Pride week performance tonight at 11:00 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA. As Steven is to Barbra, Rick to Liza, Tommy to Judy, Richard to Carol, Chuck Sweeney is to Peggy Lee. No lip synching (although Chuck uses tracks that include back-up singers and band - Chuck presents a rip-roaring spoof that always leaves folks rolling in the aisles. And tonight he has two guests: Nancy Witter and Collette Hawley - side-splitters in their own right. Take along your tooth brush - this show just might last all night!

SUNDAY, JUNE 26th:

CATERINA'S (316 East 53rd Street, NYC - 212-355-5360 - http://cabaretusa.com/_wsn/page2.html) is the place to be at 4:00 pm today for the first of just two appearances by Australian cabaret/jazz icon Janet Seidel and her trio. The performance is being presented by Kelly Briggs, and there is no cover charge, just a $15 minimum. This is a dinner show, not a brunch show. Seating is limited so be sure to make that reservation! The food here is Italian/Hungarian. I have been eagerly awaiting this show for a year and put my reservation in as soon as the dates were announced. Ms. Seidel will also be here next week Sunday, the 3rd of June, at 4:00 pm to present her acclaimed tribute to Doris Day.

David St. John has returned to DON'T TELL MAMA and is performing his CALIENTE show tonight at 7:00 pm. See Saturday at 6:30 pm above for details.

I saw the theater piece, The Marilyn Tapes, when it opened at DON'T TELL MAMA several weeks ago but it was announced as a "work in progress" at that time, so I withheld my comments. I saw it again a few weeks ago, and indeed, the show has been reorganized, with all the "dead air" moments deleted and long blackouts shortened. First presented in Canada to rave reviews and sell-out audiences, the show is written and performed by Australian actress Lenore Zann (as Marilyn Monroe) with David Raleigh (as Billy, her musical director). Music and lyrics are by Cliff Jones. Ms. Zann holds back nothing in this show (at one point quite literally) as she portrays both the successes and the failures of this quite complicated personality. From the time she was ran away from a foster home and her failed marriage to the Kennedy Birthday party and her tragic death, Marilyn is revealed from every angle. The result is a dramatic, sometimes chilling but always entertaining show that stirs the soul and touches the heart. It plays today and next Sunday, both shows at 9:00 pm and has been extended into July. (There are about 5 seconds of nudity in this show - tasteful and appropriate - be not afraid.)

MONDAY, JUNE 27th:

Award-Winning comedienne Colette Hawley presents her new one woman show "Colette Hawley's Box Of Sadness" Monday nights in June at 9:00 pm at DON'T TELL MAMA with musical direction by "over-caffeinated muppet" Michael Isaacs, and directed by Trent Rhoton. Take along a seat belt and fasten it tight - and take along some tissues to catch those tears of laughter. One never knows what Collette is going to pull from her box of sadness, but you'll soon realize its really a crate of comedy! I saw it for a second time last week and am still laughing. Don't arrive late - there is a "Law & Order" parody that set the tone of the show right at the start. Over 21, please.

Chris Barret is at HELEN'S with his show "While We're Here" tonight at 7:00 pm. Mr. Barrett always brings his longtime experience as a piano bar entertainer to his shows, with anecdotes and comments that bring each song to life.

Melissa Mason Jones is at THE ENCORE tonight at 7:00 pm. See Thursday, June 23rd at 9:30 pm above.

More recommendations in the next issue.


HAVING TROUBLE USING PAYPAL?
Yes, it can be confusing. If you have a problem, send me an e-mail with the amount you wish to send and I will send you a PayPal "invoice" which everyone says makes the procedure easy. For new PayPal users, there is a full set of instructions included with the "invoice."


NEWS ABOUT CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE

JOIN CABARET HOTLINE TODAY AND GET A FULL YEAR OF BENEFITS
Your membership donations support this publication and the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website - currently approaching 4,000 pages of news, views, reviews and information on all things cabaret, including back issues of the newsletter. Current memberships will expire on July 5th, 2005. For information on becoming a contributing member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, just click on the JOIN HERE button on the website. You can even make your membership donation by credit card, using PayPal. If you prefer not to use a credit card and PayPal, you can send a check made out simply to Stu Hamstra and mail it to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, 676A Ninth Avenue #120, NY, NY 10036. Each week over $100 in discounts to cabaret events are available to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE (see the MEMBER DEALS page). And this year there's another reason to join or renew your membership:

All members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE for 2005-2006 have a special invitation to the 15th Anniversary Party that we are holding at THE ENCORE (266 West 47th Street, NYC - 212-221-3960 - http://www.theencorenyc.com/ ) on Wednesday, July 6th. The event is being held to celebrate the 15th birthday of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE - coinciding with my 66th birthday. By joining before July 6th you will be able to attend the party in the ENCORE piano bar at 6:00 pm for FREE. Non-members can join at the door for $20 and receive a SILVER membership, but you can avoid that hassle by joining today. There will be the NEW FACES IN CABARET show, snacks, a cash bar with happy hour prices, plus a chance to network and schmooze, with music provided by the talented newcomer David Austin at the piano. See http://www.svhamstra.com/FifteenthBrthdy.shtml for details.

If you rejoin as a 2005-2006 member, you will also be able to get a $15 discount for the star-filled 15 YEARS OF HUGS & STUFF show at 7:30 pm downstairs at THE ENCORE. Non-member cost is $40 and 2005-2006 member cost is just $25 ($12 food/drink minimum applies). Details are on the website.

Also CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE will announce the first JEFF MATSON MEMORIAL AWARD at the show, to be given to a performer, musical director, writer, songwriter, director and/or graphic designer showing outstanding excellence, talent and creativity in cabaret.

Only 30 tickets remain out of 70 available, and I don't want you to be left out. Please don't delay - nearly 120 folks have already joined for 2005-2006 and have received information about the party and show. Once all 70 seats are sold, that's it. No second show is planned. You will need to make your reservations for the 7:30 pm show via the website - don't call the club. Go to http://svhamstra.com/HugsStuffOrder.shtml to order tickets. The page is a little confusing right now, but I think it is usable.


NEW FACES IN CABARET TO DEBUT AT ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
I really hope as many folks as possible will make it to THE ENCORE (266 West 47th Street, NYC - 212-221-3960 - http://www.theencorenyc.com/ ) on July 6th. At the pre-show party, I will be trying out a possible format for a show series that CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE just might produce starting in September or October, at a venue still to be chosen. In addition to our featured performer, puppeteer Tim Reilly, we will present three debut cabaret performers who have impressed me with their shows in 2005. This "test" show will feature Shaynee Rainbolt (who is doing a run at THE ENCORE with just one performance left on the 15th), Alisa Schiff (who just completed a fantastic run, also at THE ENCORE) and Matt Sigl (who an amazing debut show at DON'T TELL MAMA a short while back). This show is FREE for all 2005-2006 members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE. See http://www.svhamstra.com/FifteenthBrthdy.shtml for details.

If this pre-show party presentation seems to be of interest, I'll start checking out more debut performances and setting up possible dates for the fall. You can be assured that the shows will feature a SUPER discount for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


LOOKING FOR CDs
All GOLD members (and higher) who join CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE will receive a FREE cabaret CD - the ones I currently have available are listed and displayed on the special FREE CD page (http://www.svhamstra.com/MembershipCDs.shtml ) page with a link to where they can be purchased. If you have cabaret CDs (unused) that you would like to donate for this promotion, just send them in to STU HAMSTRA, 676A Ninth Avenue #120, New York, NY 10036. This is a MAILBOXES, ETC. store just around the corner from MAMA'S & DANNY's, open every day except Sunday until 7:00 pm (they close at 5:00 pm on Saturday) if you are in the area and care to drop them off there and save on postage. Send me a note if you need more details.

Thank you to Cynthia Crane for your gift of a bunch of CDs this week.


JEFF MATSON TO BE HONORED AND REMEMBERED
Cabaret lost one of its most creative talents when Jeff Matson passed away suddenly on April 2nd, 2005. Jeff was a songwriter, a writer, a director, a producer and a graphic designer, in addition to a strong supporter and friend of performers. Add to the list reviewer, because for far too short a time he served as a reviewer for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.

And at the "15 YEARS OF HUGS & STUFF" show on July 6th at THE ENCORE (266 West 47th Street, NYC - 212-221-3960 - http://www.theencorenyc.com/ ) CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE will present THE JEFF MATSON award to a person or persons showing outstanding excellence, talent and creativity in cabaret in the field of performance, musical direction, writing, songwriting, directing and/or graphic design. This will be the first time the award (or awards) will be given. In the future I will ask members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE to submit nominations for this award in the various fields listed above (more may be added) and a committee will be formed to assess the nominations and recommend recipients. If time and finances are available, we hope to expand this award to several areas of the USA - Boston, Chicago, LA and San Francisco to start, with nominations gleaned from members in each area. Stay tuned.


ON WITH THE NEWS
I have a lot of cabaret news for you. I promise you will read things in this issue you will not find published anywhere else!
SPECIAL LATE BREAKING NEWS
Here are a few items so new and fresh, I have hardly had time to proofread them!

BACA BOARD MEMBERS ELECTED AND ANNOUNCED
New and re-elected board members of BACA (Boston Association of Cabaret Artists - http://www.bostoncabaret.com/ ) were announced at their 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting held on Monday, June 29th on the 26th floor conference center of WILMER CUTLER PICKERING HALE AND DORR LLP (60 State Street, Boston MA). Joining current board members Julia Madeson and Hildy Grossman are Tommy Hensel, Jim Keating (re-elected), Kevin Luey, Mache Seibel and Don Warnock (re-elected). Congratulations to all - and to BACA for 10 years of serving cabaret performers in the New England area.


GURLAND REPRISES NEUROTICA DOWNTOWN
David Gurland will have a special performance of his acclaimed new show Neurotica: A Theatrical Presentation of the Music of Madonna Louise Ciccone Ritchie, on Saturday, June 25th at 8:00 pm at ACE OF CLUBS (9 Great Jones Street, NYC - 212-462-9077 - http://www.spincyclenyc.com/ ) as part of the Ace of Clubs Pride Music Series. Appearing also are Michael Holland, Karen Mack, David Boyd, Jerry Smith, and Marco Brehm. There is a $12 cover charge.


NEW SHOW WILL HAVE CHICAGO LAUGHING ALL NIGHT
An all-comedy cabaret show called "Laugh the Night Away" will be presented at DAVENPORT'S (1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL - 773-278-1830 - http://www.davenportspianobar.com/ ) on Friday, July 8th at 10:30 pm. Hosted by Carla Gordon, with musical direction by Dan Stetzel, this event features Tony Bittner, Amy Cole, Peaches Faison, Andrew Krugley, Jimmy Odom, and more. There is just a $12 cover and 2-drink minimum.


JASON ROBERT BROWN TO APPEAR AT AU BAR
Jason Robert Brown opens at AU BAR (41 East 58th Street, NYC - 212-308-9455 - http://www.ticketweb.com/ ) on Monday, June 27th, with additional performances on Wednesday, the 29th and Friday through Sunday, July 1st through 3rd. This date coincides with the release of Jason's first solo CD. This Tony winner has a wealth of new material just ripe for listening. r. Brown has 2 shows in development now, all part of an exciting and full career for the man who has been dubbed the bright new voice of the American musical theatre. Call the club for showtimes, cover and minimum information.


TODAY'S CABARET NEWS TODAY!
Here are a number of cabaret events taking place today!

SETH'S CHATTERBOX TONIGHT FEATURES MATTHEW MORRISON
Seth Rudetsky's BROADWAY CHATTERBOX at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/ ) tonight, Thursday, June 23rd at 6:00 pm, will feature Matthew Morrison, who received a 2005 Tony nomination for his performance as Fabrizio Naccarelli in The Light in the Piazza. Seth's weekly interview show always features stars, soon-to-be stars and folks behind the scenes of the musical theater stage - for just a $10 cover - 2-drink minimum. Best of all, all proceeds from the cover go to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS (http://www.bcefa.org/ )! For details, see: http://www.sethsbroadwaychatterbox/.


BARBARINO & COSMOS TONIGHT AT THE IRIDIUM WITH GUEST ALICE FRAZIER
Scott Barbarino & The Cosmopolitans Variety Hour with Leslie Anderson & Ricky Ritzel returns to IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB (1650 Broadway, NYC - 212-582-2121 - http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/ ) on a new night - Thursdays at 7:00 pm. The show includes special guests each week, plus a special Stardust Spotlight Guest and novelty acts courtesy of Magic Brian and the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. Guest for June 23rd is Alice Frazier. There is a $15 cover. $15 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


CABARET SHOWCASE AT CLUB 1020 TONIGHT
Les Michaels' Cabaret Showcase tonight, June 23rd at THE TEN20 at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel (1020 North San Vincente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA - 310-854-1111) will feature Leslie Nessbitt, Bill Shawn and Leslie Saultainian, all with Ron Snyder at the piano. This very popular event is now the longest-running cabaret showcase of its kind in Los Angeles. Showtime normally is 7:45 pm, with open mic following at 9:30 pm. There is no cover, no minimum. (Valet Parking Only - $2 for 2 hours, $3 each additional hour.) For more information see http:/www.lesmichaels.com/.


THAT'S KENTERTAINMENT! ON MANHATTAN CABLE TONIGHT
This week at THAT'S KENTERTAINMENT! Manhattan Cable's Craziest Comedy/Variety Show host Ken Kleiber will feature more stars from Broadway, TV, stage and screen. THAT'S KENTERTAINMENT! airs Thursdays at Midnight on NY Manhattan Cable's Channels 34 or 107 or you can find it online at http://www.mnn.org/ , (just click the "34" icon). For more information, visit http://www.thatskentertainment.com/.


DAVE'S GONE BY ON RADIO & NET TONIGHT
DAVE'S GONE BY is a weekly mix of talk-radio, humor and music, ranging from political commentary to sketch comedy, from theater reviews to interviews, from musical detours to straight-talking monologues. It can be heard in the NYC area on Thursday nights at 7:00 pm on Long Island's WGBB-AM (1240) and also on the web, live, at at http://www.am1240wgbb.com/ . Past guests have included Karen Grassle, Dottie Burman, Neil Sedaka, Tom Paxton, October Project and Housewives on Prozac. Read all about the show and tonight's guest at http://www.davesgoneby.com/.


MORE NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF CABARET
These news items are placed in chronological order.

LATE-NIGHT CABARET IN CHICAGO FRIDAYS AT DAVENPORT'S
CCP (Chicago Cabaret Professionals - http://www.chicagocabaret.org/ ) presents "Night Owls Series" every Friday night in June at 10:30 pm at DAVENPORT'S (1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL - 773-278-1830 - http://www.davenportspianobar.com/ ) featuring several Chicago artists nightly, offering a variety of songs and styles. Scheduled for June 24th: TAKING CHANCES, with Beverly Opelka, Carol Holmes, Carol Weston, Kathy Lahiff, Michelle Greenberg, Patti Kinsella, Phyllis Zornig, Ray Kasman. Music director, Sue Keller. Directed by Claudia Hommel. Tickets are $12, 2-drink minimum.


"AT THE RITZ" SUNDAYS ON THE RADIO & THE NET
Jeffrey Williams and Lynn DiMenna host a radio show in Fairfield County, Connecticut called "At the Ritz!" which can be heard on WVOF 88.5 FM. The Sunday show is broadcast live from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and features cabaret, jazz, big band, swing, Broadway, Hollywood and Sinatra. The show is also simulcast on the web around the world on http://www.wvof.org/.


"EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW" PRESENTS
On this coming Sunday, June 26th, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN, on the Radio over WBAI 99.5 FM and on the Internet at http://www.2600.com/offthehook/hot2.ram, usually heard from 9:00 to 11:00 pm (ET) host David Kenney features his Annual All Judy Garland Broadcast. This year's show featuring Judy Garland: By Request. Send Your Song Request And The Reason For Your Request To: Davidkenney@Oldisnew.Org. You are invited to e-mail your comments and suggestions for future shows to David Kenney at: oldisnew@earthlink.net. For more information, see http://www.oldisnew.org/.


NEXT JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS TV BROADCAST TUESDAY, JUNE 28th
The cable TV show "Jamie deRoy & friends" heard locally here in NYC on Time Warner Channel 67 and RCN Channel 110 will next be seen on Tuesday, June 28th at 8:00 pm. Each show features interviews and performances by stars of cabaret, comedy and theater. The show is produced by Jamie deRoy & friends, inc. and directed by Barry Kleinbort. Taped and Edited by Applause Video. It is also broadcast in Washington DC and Connecticut - check local listing. For details see http://www.jamiederoy.com/ .


JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS LIVE TAPING JUNE 30th AT THE ENCORE
The hit cable-TV show "Jamie deRoy & friends" will continue taping a new series of shows the last Thursday of each month, with the final show for this series set for June 30th. The shows are presented at THE ENCORE (266 West 47th Street, NYC - 212-221-3960 - http://www.theencorenyc.com/ ) at 7:30 pm. June 30th guests are Lorna Dallas, Maya Days, Classical Pianist Meral Guneyman, Trent Armand Kendall, Mary Liz Mcnamara, Sidney Myer, Comedienne Jane Stroll and Todd Sullivan (Violinist). There is a $20 cover, $12 food/drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


ADVERTISING ON CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE

PROMOTE YOUR SHOW, CD OR OTHER EVENT TWO WAYS ON THE WEBSITE
If you are planning on running a banner for your show or CD in June, July & August, be sure to get your order in. I limit the number of ads to 20 per week and in some weeks only a few slots remain. Please let me know if you wish to reserve space and for which weeks (banners run from Sunday through Saturday). A banner ad for three weeks can cost as little as $108 total - if you take advantage of the PayPal and Member Deals discounts - and even less if you are a GOLD member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE. SILVER members receive a one-time rebate of $20 on their first banner ad of the membership year.

Performers running banners get a special listing for their show or other cabaret-related item in every MONDAY issue of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, reaching nearly 2,500 subscribers. Go to http://svhamstra.com/BannerHere.shtml or else just send me a note at banners@svhamstra.com with the single word "banners" in the subject line, and I'll send all the details.


SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS FOR MEMBERS OF CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
The following shows are currently offering members special prices and discounts totaling over $100. If your show is offering a discount to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members and is not listed here, please let me know at once, so that you can be included on the MEMBER DEALS page on the website and listed weekly in the newsletter.


SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS IN NEW YORK CITY

SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS AT DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-757-0788 - http://www.donttellmama.com/ )

Ron Poole's MAC and BISTRO Award-winning "POOLE PARTY" stand-up and musical comedy show continues every Saturday night at 11:00 pm (tonight the show is at 8:30 pm, with Chock Sweeney's Peggy Lee show taking the 11:00 pm time slot). Nancy Witter and Sidney Myer drop by most shows to provide a lot of laughs as well. The long-running variety show features performers from Stand-Up as well as Cabaret and Musical Comedy. Cover is $10 with a 2-drink minimum. $5 cover for m embers of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


Critically acclaimed in Canada, "THE MARILYN TAPES," presented by ALCHIMIA and LZ Productions will have its American premiere through June 26th. The show is written and performed by Australian actress Lenore Zann (as Marilyn Monroe) with David Raleigh (as Billy, her musical director). Music and lyrics by Cliff Jones. In unraveling the Marilyn myth, actor/writer Lenore Zann reveals the truth behind the headlines with her dazzling portrayal of the screen goddess who was anything but a dumb blond. Remaining performances are scheduled for Sunday, June 26th at 9:00 pm, Sunday, July 10th at 8:00 pm, and Mondays, July 11th & 18th at 9:00 pm. There is a $20 cover, 2-drink minimum. $15 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


Brian Tom O'Connor and Debra Vogel bring their acclaimed musical comedy revue "Guy & Doll" with shows scheduled for Saturday, June 25th at 2:30 pm, Friday, July 15th at 6:30 pm and Sunday, July 17th at 7:00 pm. The show again reunites O'Connor & Vogel with the Director and Musical Director of the cabaret show, "Are You Perfect" which played earlier this year, Elfin Frederick and Darryl Curry. Musical staging is by Nora Brown. There is a $15 cover plus 2-drink minimum. 1/2 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


Jackie Draper brings her new show "Jazzy Jacqueline" for two nights in June, Saturday, the 25th at 5:00 pm and Tuesday, the 28th at 6:30 pm. Musical director is Gregory Toroian with John Loehrke on bass. Director is Helen Baldassare. There is a $12 cover, 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS AT THE ENCORE (266 West 47th Street, NYC - 212-221-3960 - http://www.theencorenyc.com/ )

Bistro and MAC Award winner Steven Ray Watkins returns with a new solo show called "Guilty Pleasures - Vol. 1 - Olivia Newton John." Remaining shows are scheduled for Wednesday, June 29th at 7:00 pm and Fridays, June 24th and July 1st at 9:30 pm. The band consists of Jerry Smith on drums, Kyle Sanna on guitar, and Matt Wigton on bass, with backing vocals by Karen Mack, Alisa Schiff and Julie Stirman. Direction is by Lennie Watts. There is a $15 cover and a $12 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


In 2004, the vocal trio Boulevard East celebrated the arrival of its first CD "Timeless," with a series of appearances around the tri-state area. The trio now returns to New York City with a special show, titled "The Best ... Encores & More," which will highlight the group's favorites from their varied repertoire, plus a few new additions. Show times are as follows: Saturday, June 25th at 5:00 pm, and Tuesday, June 28th at 9:30 pm. A $15 cover charge applies with a $12 food or drink minimum. There is a $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


The new all-original musical revue What's Your Problem? by Hector Coris and Paul L. Johnson plays on Thursday night, June 23rd at 7:00 pm. Switching gears from his debut cabaret show, Not Me!, in this show Hector turns the pointing finger away from himself and onto the rest of the world - namely his single friends and the gay community. The show stars an attractive cast including Dawn Trautman, Travis Bloom and Matthew Myers. There is a $10 cover charge plus a $12 food/drink minimum. $5 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


The hit cable-TV show "JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS" will continue taping a new series of shows the last Thursday of each month. The remaining show will be presented at 7:30 pm on June 30th with guests Lorna Dallas, Maya Days, Classical Pianist Meral Guneyman, Trent Armand Kendall, Mary Liz Mcnamara, Sidney Myer, Comedienne Jane Stroll and Todd Sullivan (Violinist). There is a $20 cover, $12 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


The 2005 MAC AWARD winning THE JOHNNY MERCER BIRTHDAY SHOW, with Ricky Ritzel and Leslie Anderson, continues in June, with shows scheduled for Thursday nights at 11:00 pm. Originally begun as a weekly Mercer tribute called "Mercer A-Z," this show has become one of the longest running cabaret presentations in NYC history, and has spawned a CD, "Cool, Cool, Cool" which is available at the club. This version is a full-fledged cabaret show, directed by Jim Luzar and featuring, at one point, a medley of over 30 Mercer classics. There is a $15 cover, $12 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


International Singing Star Libra will appear in New York City for only one more show on Wednesday, June 29th at 9:30 pm. Libra captures the glamour and soul of jazz and R & B like no one else. The show is titled "A Rhapsody of Songbirds" and will feature a tribute to the captivating, seductive women in song including Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Diana Ross, Ruth Brown and others. Libra will be appearing with a 4 piece band of top jazz and R & B musicians, musically directed by Charles Carrington. It is produced and directed by ShaRell Productions' Shari Upbin and Sandi Durell. Cover Charge: $15.00 plus a $12 Food/Drink Minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


Gregory Purnhagen appears just one more time, on Thursday, June 28th at 7:00 pm with his acclaimed show "Where's the Fire?" Musical director is David Cook, with Michael Blanco on bass and Lieven Venken on drums. Leonard Peters directs. There is a $15 cover, 2-drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


In her new show "Mama Said ... the songs of Cass Elliot," Alisa Schiff takes a musical journey through the career and catalogue of this icon of 60s pop culture. Receiving rave reviews when it ran in May & June, Alisa returns on Wednesdays, July 13th & 20th at 7:00 pm. The show is directed by Lennie Watts, and musically directed by Steven Ray Watkins, with backup vocals by Mason Roberts and Julie Stirman. There is a $10 cover, $12 food/drink minimum. $5 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS AT HELEN'S RESTAURANT, CABARET & PIANO LOUNGE (169 Eighth Avenue, NYC - 212-206-0609 - http://www.helensnyc.com/ )

2004 and 2005 MAC Award-winning vocal phenomenon Marcus Simeone returns to New York for just one more performance of his show "MATHIS" on Thursday, June 23rd at 7:00 pm. Musical directors/arrangers for the show are Tracy Stark and Michael Sansonia on piano and guitar, Marco Brehm on bass. There is a $15 music charge and a $15 Food/Drink minimum. There is a $10 cover charge for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


Bistro Award Winning, Singer/Comic Rick Skye has brought his hit show, "A Slice O' Minnelli" back to New York for the month of June. The show has been touring and has received great reviews and had very successful runs in Chicago (at the Lakeshore Theater), in Provincetown (at The Vixen) in Rehoboth Beach and in several venues in New York. The show runs just one more Wednesday, on June 29th at 9:30 pm. There is a $15 cover charge with a $15 food or drink minimum. There is a $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


Chris Barret is at HELEN'S with his show "While We're Here" tonight at 7:00 pm. Mr. Barrett always brings his longtime experience as a piano bar entertainer to his shows, with anecdotes and comments that bring each song to life. There is a $15 cover and $15 food/drink minimum. 1/2 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS AT THE IMPROV (318 West 53rd Street, NYC - tkts: http://www.comedysportznewyork.com/ )

COMEDYSPORTZ is a hilarious, audience-interactive comedy competition between two teams of professional comedians who perform a series of scenes, games and songs all based on suggestions from the audience! Shows are scheduled for Sundays at 6:00 pm and Mondays at 8:00 pm. Comedy for everyone that's fast, fresh and competitive. If you like "Who's Line Is It, Anyway?" you'll LOVE ComedySportz. Cast members include Christine Turner, Debbie Rabbai, Sam Cohen, Lynn Marie Hulsman with Matt Loren Cohen and Hector Coris sharing duties at the piano. There is a $10 cover, 2-drink minimum. NO COVER for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS AT THE IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB (1650 Broadway, NYC - 212-582-2121 - http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/ )

Scott Barbarino & The Cosmopolitans Variety Hour, starring Scott Barbarino and Leslie Anderson as The Cosmopolitans, and Ricky Ritzel at the piano, will be appearing Thursdays at 7:00 pm. The show features special guests each week. This week Alice Frazier is special guest. There is a $15 cover. $15 food/drink minimum. $10 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS AT UPSTAIRS AT ROSE'S TURN (55 Grove Street, NYC - 1-212-366-5438- http://www.rosesturn.com/ )

There will be a special Gay Pride Weekend performance of the new all-original musical revue What's Your Problem? by Hector Coris and Paul L. Johnson on Saturday, June 25th at 7:00 pm. Switching gears from his debut cabaret show, Not Me!, in this show Hector turns the pointing finger away from himself and onto the rest of the world - namely his single friends and the gay community. The show stars an attractive cast including Dawn Trautman, Travis Bloom and Matthew Myers. $10 cover charge and a 2-drink minimum. $5 cover for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


If We Were Men We'd Be Famous now in its fifth year, returns for another season. Five women comedians on a Saturday night and it's not a festival? No, it's Shecky Beagleman, Gilda Konrad, Suzanne O'Neill, Janet Rosen, and Jane Stroll in "If We Were Men We'd Be Famous". The off-beat stand-up comedy and storytelling of these five funny females leaves audiences laughing and agreeing with their boastful-but-true title. The girls have appeared on "Up All Night with Gilbert Gottfried", "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "Girls Night Out." Remaining performance is Saturday, June 25th at 9:00 pm. There is a $10 cover charge plus a 2-drink minimum. $5 Cover Charge for members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE.


SHOWS OFFERING DISCOUNTS OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY

BLACK & WHITE BLUES AT LE CHAT NOIR IN NEW ORLEANS
The musical comedy that celebrates New Orleans' obsession with food, restaurants, and celebrity chefs, BLACK & WHITE BLUES just celebrated its 101st performance at LE CHAT NOIR (715 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA - 504-581-5812 - http://www.cabaretlechatnoir.com/ ). With book & lyrics by Ricky Graham and music by Harry Mayronne, the show features Heidi Junius, Bob Edes, Chris Wecklein & Jessie Terrebonne. (Special Discount for service industry and CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members.) Check the website for next performance date.


NEW RESTAURANT IN DALLAS GIVES HOTLINE DISCOUNT
Hector Garcia, who visits NYC from time to time, and uses that chance to sing in several piano bars around town, has just opened HECTOR'S OF HENDERSON (2829 North Henderson, Dallas, TX - 214-821-0432), a restaurant featuring American cuisine with a Texas Twist, prepared by chef Todd Erickson. Hector's is offering a 10% discount to members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE - and it gets even better: they have live music on Fridays and Saturdays, featuring Gleni Tai on the piano, and her husband Lebeaux on jazz trombone and trumpet - and open mic! Call for reservations and information.


REMINDER REGARDING CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE DISCOUNTS
MEMBERSHIP CARDS are sent to all members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, and can be used for show discounts where offered. Any show that offers a discount to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE members will be listed on the special MEMBER DEALS page in the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website for the run of the show, and included in the SHOW DISCOUNT listings in the MID-WEEK issue of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE NEWSLETTER. The discount offered must be equal to or greater than any other discount offer you make available to other persons, groups or organizations.

To be eligible for a listing on the MEMBER DEALS page you must send in your flier, press release and/or other promotional materials by regular mail (not via e-mail) clearly showing the discount offer. That information will be used as the basis for the website page notice, as well as for the newsletter listing. Please confirm that you have sent me the material with an e-mail reminder so I can watch for it. Please be sure to check with the venue where you are performing to be sure that these discounts will be honored.

Any member who is denied a properly listed CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE discount should notify me at once. I cannot guarantee that the discount will be honored, but I can take steps to contact the parties involved and publish the facts in the newsletter and remove the listing from the MEMBER DEALS page.


MORE NEWS FROM CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE

GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT! - FOR FREE! - WITH NO HASSLES!
Please don't miss out on another feature of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ ) - the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE CHAT BOARD - where anyone, anywhere, can post information about their shows, CDs or other cabaret-related event. You can also post requests and questions about cabaret performance, and share your thoughts and ideas of cabaret. You don't have to be a member of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE, you don't have to fill out a form, and you don't need to remember one of those dreaded passwords. All you need to do is follow the rules - clearly posted on the board - before you make a posting. I will remove your message if I deem it inappropriate. Fully 70% of visitors to the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ ) visit the CHAT BOARD.


CABARET NEWS ON THE WEBSITE
Information about other shows around the country and around the world can be found on the CABARET NEWS page of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website (http://www.cabarethotlineonline.com/ ). How do you get an item posted in the CABARET NEWS section of the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website? Just e-mail me a press release of at least four paragraphs, giving the complete information on your show, CD release or other cabaret related event. Include photos in jpg or gif format if available. By the way, I try to get information about shows offering CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE discounts up on the website first. I am also especially interested in releases on shows outside the NYC area.

Please send me complete information - and do not merely e-mail me a copy of your flier or a reference to a website. With two newsletters going out a week, I don't have enough time to look these things up, and often have to simply toss out incomplete items. By the way, I usually trim quotes from reviews from the press releases I receive before using the item on my website or in the newsletter, so don't count them when putting together the four or more paragraphs.


TIME TO GO
At the top of this newsletter I promised that you would read things in this issue you will not find published anywhere else. Did I keep my promise? This has actually been a fun issue to write - with a lot of exciting news to relate to you all.

A great big thank you to the nearly 120 folks who have already joined as members of CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE for the 2005-2006 membership year - which actually starts on July 6th but effective as soon as your new card received. Last year over 400 folks took advantage of membership and gave their support to this publication and website. Your support through memberships and banner advertising keeps this whole operation going and growing. Help make CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE bigger and better in the months to come. Your financial support, through membership donations and banner advertising, is especially important to me right now. I am counting on your help.

And that is just about the way it was.

Hugs & Stuff,

STU

 


Event listings are provided for the information of users only. They are not provided with the intention that users rely upon the information therein for any purposes. Accordingly, Cabaret Hotline Online, and/or Stuart V. Hamstra shall under no circumstances be liable for any loss or damage, including but not limited to loss of profits, goodwill or indirect or consequential loss arising out of any use of or inaccuracies in this information. All warranties express or implied are excluded to the fullest extent permissible by law.

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