Monday, July 27, 2015

The Salon Wrap-Up for July 26, 2015 - "Heroes, Villains, Kings and Queens"

July 26, 2015
Theme: “Heroes, Villains, Kings and Queens”
The Official President of MAC and the Mayor of Cabaret (not an official title) Lennie Watts reigned over the Co-Hosting last night at The Salon, and while he wasn't elected into this state, he certainly was a King (and, sometimes Jester) of the evening.  Lennie began the evening by relating that TimeHop (Facebook's ability to tell you what you were doing a year ago) had reminded him that morning that a year ago, he was Co-Hosting The Salon...hmmm...times have changed, Long Live the King!  He began the night with "Let Me Sing," which had us certainly tapping our feet and laughing, making him happy.  In his Act II set, Lennie did a trio of songs representing the theme. The first was The King himself, an Elvis song, "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You," performed with Lennie's signature soul-filled interpretation.  For the Heroes/Villains theme, he brought memories of his father, a POW from WWII, who would have shaken his head at the politics of today and what a hero means, with "I Don't Believe in Heroes."  But, like some stories end, the Villain can become a Hero, and sometimes who you thought was a Hero can become a Villain - thus, Lennie sang "I'm Changing" to wrap up his set.  At the end of the evening, he sang the theme from the movie Norma Rae (a Heroine amongst the workers),  "It Goes Like it Goes."

Lennie's next solo show will be "Shameless: The Lennie Watts Musical," September 29 and October 5, 12, and 19th at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Lennie Watts
Salon Spotlight

Our Salon Spotlight last night was Wendy Russell, who is part of Don't Tell Mama's "Mama's Next Big Act," and has her own show in October.  She began the Hero theme of her set with a lovely mashup of "Take Me With You, Soldier Boy" and "Soldier Boy," and then went into a description of her father, who was a writer for years with Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dark Shadows, and One Life to Live.  She explained that while he could be difficult at times, he continued to be a good man, and then sang a gorgeous arrangement that perfectly paired "Something Wonderful" from The King and I with "Can't Help Lovin' That Man of Mine" from  Show Boat. To showcase the work she and others have done in the Arranger Bootcamp she attended, she then encouraged the alumni in the audience to sing their parts on a intricately reworked "You'll Be in My Heart" from Tarzan. Wendy can be seen on Wednesday, October 14th (7pm) and Saturday, October 24th (5:30pm)  in "Where Have I Been All My Life?" at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC. It is Directed by Lennie Watts and musically directed by Steven Ray Watkins.



Quick Wrap: Steven's Corner
In his chance to shine in a corner, Steven Ray Watkins extolled one of his songwriting heroes, a singer-songwriter from the UK called Nik Kershaw who was claimed by Elton John to be "the best songwriter of a generation."  Steven went through three songs by Kershaw, and it was clear why this songwriter was a testament to great lyrics and melodies to match.  Steven first sang "Don Quixote," a wonderful questioning of whether our heroes are super, brave, or just crazy and tilting at windmills.  His next piece, "Dangerous Eyes," was a humorous warning that a woman's villainously attractive ways can certainly arise from behind modest glasses and appearance.  Steven's third song for his Corner was "Somebody Loves You," which was a gloriously beautiful love song from the point of view of a hero (super or not) to those that may not feel loved or heard.
Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):
Click link to visit the performer’s website, when available.
All piano accompaniment by Steven Ray Watkins unless otherwise noted.

Lennie Watts
Natasha Castillo
Jim Speake
John DePalma
Josephine Peacock
Lynda Rodolitz
Lisa Viggiano
Eve Eaton
Carly Ozard
Rob Davis
David Ballard
Sierra Rein
Janice Hall
Wendy Russell
Lennie Watts
Tanya Moberly
Ira Lee Collings
Barb Malley
Heather Villaescusa
Ann Dawson
Adam Shapiro
Richard Eisenberg
John Koprowski
Lennie Watts

Special thanks to tonight’s pianist: Steven Ray Watkins!
And thank you to Gill Alexandre on lights and sound, our amazing waitstaff who always handle the demands of a full house with grace and style, and Steve Bustamante who is providing video footage for people interested in that service!
Upcoming shows:
Ongoing: Matthew Martin Ward plays on Mondays at the West End Lounge, 955 West End Ave, NYC.
Ongoing: Bill Zeffiro plays every Tuesday (8:30-11pm) at Millesime, 92 Madison Ave, NYC and every Wednesday (8-12) at La Rivista, 313 W 46th St, NYC.

Ongoing: Metrostar Competition every Monday night until August 17, 2015. At The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Ongoing: Mama's Next Big Act every Tuesday night until August 25th at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Weds, July 29, 2015 (6:30pm) - "Music and Art For City Greens" at Tudor City Greens, 25 Tudor City Pl, New York, NYC.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 (6pm) - Charles Baran hosts "Saturdays at Six" featuring Janice Hall, Reverend Yolanda, Molly Gazay, and Joshua Bennett at Room 53, 314 W 53rd St, New York, NYC.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Steven Ray Watkins) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

 Thursday, August 6, 2015 (8pm) - David Ballard hosts "Starting Here!" a new composers/new songs showcase at Room 53, 314 W 53rd St, New York, NYC.
Friday, August 14, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Steven Ray Watkins) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

 Saturday, August 15, 2015 (7pm) - Karen Carpenter tribute (with Natasha Castillo and Adam Shapiro) at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015  - Robin Kradles and her Hot Box Girls, at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, September 12, 2015 - Heather Villaescusa in "What I Did For Love" at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, September 20, 2015 - Heather Villaescusa in "What I Did For Love" at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, September 27, 2015 (4:30pm) - Barb Malley in "Eat! Drink! Be Merry!" at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Monday, September 28, 2015 - Lennie Watts in "Shameless: The Lennie Watts Musical,"at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, September 20, 2015 - Heather Villaescusa in "What I Did For Love"at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Saturday, October 3, 2015 - Ann Dawson in "Traveling Solo,"at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Monday, October 5, 2015 - Lennie Watts in "Shameless: The Lennie Watts Musical,"at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Monday, October 12, 2015 (7pm & 9:30pm) - Sierra Rein and other Los Angeles/NYC original casts in "bare" Reunion Concert at 54 Below, 254 West 54th Street, NYC.

 Monday, October 12, 2015 - Lennie Watts in "Shameless: The Lennie Watts Musical,"at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC

 Monday, October 12, 2015 - Lennie Watts in "Shameless: The Lennie Watts Musical,"at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC

 Wednesday, October 14, 2015 (7pm) - Wendy Russell in "Where Have I Been All My Life?" at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, October 23, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Mark Janas) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

 Saturday, October 24, 2015 (5:30pm) - Wendy Russell in "Where Have I Been All My Life?" at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 - Ann Dawson in "Traveling Solo,"at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Friday, November 6, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Sean Harkness) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

 Tuesday, November 11, 2015 - Rob Davis in "Rob's Big Birthday Celebration: Frank, Billie and Me!" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Friday, November 13, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Ritt Henn) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, November 20, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Steven Ray Watkins) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.
Next Week - Bits and Pieces!

Bits and bobbles, cuts and pastes, cutouts and tiny chunks of music - however you're going to interpret that, it will be a huge night!  Guest Host and Pianist will be Barry Levitt, and our Co-Hosts will be the knockout duo Dana Lorge and Warren Schein!

Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Catch a mistake or update needed? Email me
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Monday, July 20, 2015

The Salon Wrap-Up for July 19, 2015 - "To Thine Own Self Be True"

July 19, 2015
Theme: “To Thine Own Self Be True - Celebrating Uniqueness”
Lemme tell ya about a gal who self-proclaimed herself to be "Betty Rubble on Acid." She's got an accent, she's got a streak of pink in her hair, and last night, she Co-Hosted The Salon. Her name is Fran Leonardis, and her unique energy, voice and whip-like wit and humor drove the momentum of Sunday's open mic night with vim and verve. Not to be upstaged by anyone, Ricky Ritzel was at Fran's side to Guest Host while Mark Janas is away at BuckHill Skytop, and with Ricky's expertise at the piano and Fran at the host mic, everyone was in good hands all around.

Fran charged up to the stage in her platform sandals to start the evening off with the song "Slow Boat to China." For her Act II opening set, she reached into her nearby past to sing "Some People" from Gypsy, harkening back to her role of Mama Rose last year, and included some gentle (or not) jokes about her own father, "Pancho." She next sang "Oklahoma?" from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels wearing a cowboy hat.  To finish, she hilariously-intro'd "Where the Boys Are" (complete with mentions of Fire Island in Joseph Macchia's teenaged diary).  At the end of the evening, she brought all her dreams to life as she sang "Rich, Famous and Powerful," and everyone who had ever been in an audition room wholeheartedly applauded. After a selfie stick picture with Fran and the entire room, we all departed! 

Selfie at The Salon!
Fran and all her unique glory can be seen in her upcoming show "Follow Your Arrow" at The Metropolitan Room, 7/29 at 7pm, 8/1 at 7pm, 8/16 at 1pm and 8/22 at 4pm. Ricky Ritzel will be Music Director, and Director will be Joseph Macchia.

Salon Spotlight

Our Salon Spotlight was singer-songwriter Carol McCann, who was backed up vocally by Mary Foster Conklin and John Di Pinto (who also played piano). Carol showcased her big vocals with the strong "Son of A Preacher Man," which had us all tapping out feet and bopping our heads. She then went into a parody of "Like a Rolling Stone" which asked the question "How does it feel...to be old...er?" I'm no spring chicken, so I laughed along with all those in the room who related to the clever and number-masking lyrics. She completed her set with an original work, a gorgeous pop ballad with a mature heart entitled "The Love Along the Way."  Carol's show "What is Hip" will perform at The Metropolitan Room on July 21, 2015 and July 30, 2015, both shows at 7:00pm.
Carol McCann
Quick Wrap: Ricky's Corner
Ricky Ritzel commanded his corner of the room, threw everything he had into his voice and commanded Ethel Merman's very unique demeanor back from the dead to sing a few "hit?" songs from the musical Happy Hunting, a notoriously difficult show for Merman, partly because of the divisive relationship she had with co-star Fernando Lamas. Ricky regaled us with stories from the rehearsal and performances, and sang parts of the show, including tidbits from "It's Good to Be Here," "Mr. Livingston," "This is What I Call Love" (Merman's first 'love song), "The Game of Love" and the title song "Happy Hunting," the lyrics of which caused much groaning of many people in the room. I looked up this musical, and here's a quote from Time magazine: "...it is more than just not out of the top drawer, it is from a discontinued line of furniture." Ouch! 

Ricky will be bringing back his immensely popular "Ricky Ritzel's Broadway: Hello, Dolly!" show (starring Sidney Meyer as Dolly) at Don't Tell Mama this Sunday, July 26th at 6:30pm. He will bring a new set of musicals to this series, "Ricky Ritzel's Broadway: Guys and Dolls/Follies/A Funny Thing Happened..." (starring Lennie Watts) on August 26th, 2015.
Roster of singers for the evening (in order of appearance):
Click link to visit the performer’s website, when available.
All piano accompaniment by Ricky Ritzel unless otherwise noted.

Fran Leonardis
Bob Diamond
Elaine St. George (CD link here)
David Ballard
Christina Aranda
Virginia Hill
Michael Colby
Alan Tulin
Donna Kendall Stearns (self on piano)
Annie Lebeaux (self on piano)
Jaye Maynard
Carol McCann & Mary Foster Conklin (with John Di Pinto on piano)
Ricky Ritzel
Fran Leonardis
Janice Hall (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Sally Darling (with Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (on piano)
Ira Lee Collings
Richard Eisenberg
Heather Antonissen
Rob Davis
Fran Leonardis

Special thanks to tonight’s pianists and guitarists: Ricky Ritzel, Matthew Martin Ward, Annie Lebeaux, Matthew Martin Ward, and John Di Pinto!
And thank you to Gill Alexandre on lights and sound, our amazing waitstaff who always handle the demands of a full house with grace and style, and Steve Bustamante who is providing video footage for people interested in that service!
Upcoming shows:
Ongoing: Matthew Martin Ward plays on Mondays at the West End Lounge, 955 West End Ave, NYC.
Ongoing: Bill Zeffiro plays every Tuesday (8:30-11pm) at Millesime, 92 Madison Ave, NYC and every Wednesday (8-12) at La Rivista, 313 W 46th St, NYC.

Ongoing: Every Sunday at 10:30pm, David Ballard produces "Starting Here!" A new songs by new composers showcase at Room 53, 314 West 53rd Street.

Ongoing: Metrostar Competition every Monday night until August 17, 2015. At The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015 (7:30pm) - "Mama's Next Big Act" - catch Barb Malley and Ira Lee Collings, part of the Fabulous Fourteen, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015 (7pm) - Carol McCann in "What is Hip" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015 (7pm) - Bobbie Horowitz presents "It's Just a Number" series at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Thursday, July 23, 3015 (7pm) - Summer Cabaret Festival at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 (7pm) - Fran Leonardis in "Follow Your Arrow" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Monday, July 27, 2015 (7pm) - Sally Darling in "Perspectives" with Matthew Martin Ward, Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Thursday, July 30, 3015 (7pm) - Carol McCann in "What is Hip" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Friday, July 31, 2015 (7pm) - Sally Darling in "Perspectives" with Matthew Martin Ward, Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.
Friday, July 31, 2015 (7pm) - Charlotte Patton in “Celebrating Men (Bless Their Hearts)” at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 (7pm) - Fran Leonardis in "Follow Your Arrow" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Steven Ray Watkins) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.
Friday, August 14, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Steven Ray Watkins) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Sunday, August 16, 2015 (1pm) - Fran Leonardis in "Follow Your Arrow" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.
Thursday, August 20, 2015 (7pm) - Charlotte Patton in “Celebrating Men (Bless Their Hearts)” at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Saturday, August 22, 2015 (4pm) - Fran Leonardis in "Follow Your Arrow" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC.

Monday, October 12, 2015 (7pm & 9:30pm) - Sierra Rein & other Los Angeles/NYC original casts in "bare" Reunion Concert at 54 Below, 254 West 54th Street, NYC.

Friday, October 23, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Mark Janas) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, November 6, 2015 (7pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Sean Harkness) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, November 13, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Ritt Henn) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.

Friday, November 20, 2015 (9:30pm) - Tanya Moberly in “Songs I Feel Like Singing” (with a rotation of musicians - this date has Steven Ray Watkins) at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, NYC.
Next Week - Heroes, Villains, Kings & Queens!

Sharpen your swords, your teeth, and polish your Crown Jewels - next Sunday we will be celebrating the good, the bad, and the bejeweled, with Guest Host Steven Ray Watkins and Co-Host Lennie Watts! Our Salon Spotlight will be Wendy Russell. Be there, or there's a train track just fit for you to be tied to...MWAHAHAHAHA!

Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
Catch a mistake or update needed? Email me
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