Singer Kelli Rabke has had a long association with the music of Stephen Schwartz, beginning with Paper Mill Playhouse's production of Children of Eden, in which she played Yonah. She also made her Broadway debut as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and recently performed a Schwartz show, "The Wizard and I," at 54 Below. So, she was a natural for tonight's theme. Host Mark Janas introduced her after telling his own "Six Degrees of Stephen Schwartz" story (which involved the Clintons!), and she opened the show with a three-song set, featuring the fabulous Sean Harkness on guitar. Their first song was "Corner of the Sky," from Schwartz's first Broadway show, Pippin. Then, from the mega-hit "Wicked," Sean and Kelli performed a ballad-y, "unplugged" version of "Defying Gravity," which gave the song a whole new feel and color, and gave Sean a chance to display his virtuosity. For her third song, Kelli, chose Yonah's beautiful farewell from Children of Eden, "Stranger to the Rain." After the break, Kelli gave us what we were all waiting for: a terrifically funny version of "Popular" from Wicked. And to close out the evening, she gifted us with an intense rendition of the iconic "Meadowlark," from The Baker's Wife.
Salon Spotlight: Gregory Harrell
Producer Tanya Moberly introduced our Salon Spotlight artist, her old friend and colleague (from The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Gregory Harrell. Harrell is now a voice professor, living in Ohio, but has returned to the Big Apple to do his first cabaret show on Monday, August 15th, at Don't Tell Mama.. Together with his accompanist, Bryan Wade, he performed three sensational numbers, beginning with "A Man Could Go Quite Mad," from Drood. For his second song, he changed the mood, and gave us a reflective reading of the classic ballad "Secret Love." He closed his set with Kander and Ebb's "Kiss of the Spider Woman."www.gregoryharrell.com
Quick Wrap: Classical Corner:
Mark introduced his friend Tristan Cano, who performed a classical piano improvisation for the audience. Such improvisations on classical themes were popular in the past, but in the twentieth century, they were eclipsed by the new art of jazz improvisation. Tristan aims to revive this neglected musical form. His presentation was not of the "theme and variations" variety, with a structure and a set form, but rather, a stream of consciousness journey through the music of various composers (including Ravel, Wagner, Rachmaninov, and Brahms). He wove the different pieces and styles together seamlessly, also inserting a few contemporary musical fragments into the mix, just to make sure we were paying attention.
Mark introduced his friend Tristan Cano, who performed a classical piano improvisation for the audience. Such improvisations on classical themes were popular in the past, but in the twentieth century, they were eclipsed by the new art of jazz improvisation. Tristan aims to revive this neglected musical form. His presentation was not of the "theme and variations" variety, with a structure and a set form, but rather, a stream of consciousness journey through the music of various composers (including Ravel, Wagner, Rachmaninov, and Brahms). He wove the different pieces and styles together seamlessly, also inserting a few contemporary musical fragments into the mix, just to make sure we were paying attention.
Roster of performers for the evening (in order of appearance): Click to visit performers' website or other links when available. All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.
Kelli Rabke (with Sean Harkness on guitar)
Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas, Matthew Martin Ward, Sean Harkness, and Bryan Wade.
A big thank you, as always, to Gil Alexandre on lights and sound, and to our amazing waitstaff, headed by David Ballard, for taking such good care of us!
Ongoing Shows:
Monday nights (7pm): Opera Open Mic at Shangai Mong with Mark Janas and Matthew Martin Ward, 30 West 32nd Street, NYC. www.shanghaimongnyc.com
Monday, August 15, 2016 (6:30pm): The Metropolitan Room's 9th Annual MetroStar Challenge begins for seven Mondays in a row, and who knows...one of our Salon regulars may win! The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC
Now through August 28th: Adam Shapiro in "The Golden Bride," at The Museum of Jewish Heritage, Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Pl. NYC
Upcoming Shows:
Monday, August 15, 2016 (7 pm): Gregory Harrell makes his NYC cabaret debut with "Lovers and Other Killers, accompanied by Bryan Wade and directed by Tanya Moberly, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC
Monday, August 15th, 2016 (7pm): "Stephen's Angels," featuring Kathleen France, at Pangea, 178 Second Avenue, NYC.
Wednesday and Thursday, August 17th and 18th, 2016 (7pm): Matthew Martin Ward accompanies Sarah Rice in "Music of the Night," at Pangea restaurant 178 2nd Ave, NYC.
Kelli Rabke (with Sean Harkness on guitar)
Ellen Weiss (accompanying herself)
Barb Malley (Matthew Martin Ward accompanying)
Sally Darling (Matthew Martin Ward accompanying)
Janice Hall (Matthew Martin Ward accompanying)
Matthew Martin Ward (accompanying himself )
David Ballard
Kathleen France
Kathleen France
Gregory Harrell (Bryan Wade accompanying)
Tristan Cano (pianist)
Sarah Lee
Jaye Maynard
Jaye Maynard
Joe Regan, Jr.
Richard Eisenberg
Richard Eisenberg
Heather Bobeck
Joseph Mulholland (spoken word)
Paul Rhodes
Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas, Matthew Martin Ward, Sean Harkness, and Bryan Wade.
A big thank you, as always, to Gil Alexandre on lights and sound, and to our amazing waitstaff, headed by David Ballard, for taking such good care of us!
Ongoing Shows:
Monday nights (7pm): Opera Open Mic at Shangai Mong with Mark Janas and Matthew Martin Ward, 30 West 32nd Street, NYC. www.shanghaimongnyc.com
Monday, August 15, 2016 (6:30pm): The Metropolitan Room's 9th Annual MetroStar Challenge begins for seven Mondays in a row, and who knows...one of our Salon regulars may win! The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., NYC
Now through August 28th: Adam Shapiro in "The Golden Bride," at The Museum of Jewish Heritage, Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Pl. NYC
Upcoming Shows:
Monday, August 15, 2016 (7 pm): Gregory Harrell makes his NYC cabaret debut with "Lovers and Other Killers, accompanied by Bryan Wade and directed by Tanya Moberly, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC
Monday, August 15th, 2016 (7pm): "Stephen's Angels," featuring Kathleen France, at Pangea, 178 Second Avenue, NYC.
Wednesday and Thursday, August 17th and 18th, 2016 (7pm): Matthew Martin Ward accompanies Sarah Rice in "Music of the Night," at Pangea restaurant 178 2nd Ave, NYC.
Saturday, August 20th, (7:30 pm): Tanya Moberly sings with Judy! (Tommy Femia as Judy Garland, that is.) Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th Street, NYC.
SALONERS PAY NO COVER IF THEY RESERVE BY FRIDAY, 8/19! (After you reserve, email tanya@tanyamoberly.com, and let her know, and she will make sure the cover is waived.)
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Ricki, Joni with Ritt" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, September 11, 2016 (4 pm): Kelli Rabke is among the performers featured in "It Helps to Sing About It," the music of Schaechter and Kael, at the Metropolitan Room, 34 W 22nd, NYC.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 (7pm): Janice Hall reprises her award-winning show, Grand Illusions: The Music of Marlene Dietrich, as part of Stephen Hanks's series, "NY Cabaret's Greatest Hits." Metropolitan Room, 34 W 22nd St, NYC
Friday, September 16, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Ricki, Joni with Ritt" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, September 17, 2016 (9:30 pm): Kelli Rabke is among the performers featured in "It Helps to Sing About It," the music of Schaechter and Kael, at the Metropolitan Room, 34 W 22nd, NYC.
Monday, September 19, 2016 (7pm): Adam B,Shapiro makes his directing debut with Sallie Jo Hadley's show, "Bustin' Loose," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, September 25, 2016 (4pm): Jim Speake presents "Sweet Life: The Show," featuring the songs from his MAC-winning CD; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, September 25, 2016 (4pm): Mark Cummings is "extraORDINARY," at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd Street, NYC
Friday, September 30, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Ricki, Joni with Ritt" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
October TBD, 2016: Barb Malley, with Matthew Martin Ward, in "OMG!! Am I a Diva?" , directed by Sally Darling, at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street / Downstairs at the West Bank Cafe, NYC.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016 (8 pm): One night only: Kathleen France performs, "La Bella Vita," at The Iridium, 1650 Broadway, NYC.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Ricki, Joni with Ritt" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, October 8, 2016 (4pm): Jim Speake presents "Sweet Life: The Show," featuring the songs from his MAC-winning CD; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Friday, October 14, 2016 (7pm): Sally Darling in "Totally Noel" with Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, October 16, 2016 (5pm): Sally Darling in "Totally Noel" with Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Monday, October 24, 2016 (7pm): Adam B Shapiro makes his directing debut with Sallie Jo Hadley's show, "Bustin' Loose," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, November 6, 2016 (5 pm): Natasha Castillo continues performances of "Feels Like Home," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Friday, November 11, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Friday, November 18, 2016 (7 pm): Natasha Castillo continues performances of "Feels Like Home," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
NEXT SALON, Sunday August 21th, 2016:
SALONERS PAY NO COVER IF THEY RESERVE BY FRIDAY, 8/19! (After you reserve, email tanya@tanyamoberly.com, and let her know, and she will make sure the cover is waived.)
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Ricki, Joni with Ritt" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, September 11, 2016 (4 pm): Kelli Rabke is among the performers featured in "It Helps to Sing About It," the music of Schaechter and Kael, at the Metropolitan Room, 34 W 22nd, NYC.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 (7pm): Janice Hall reprises her award-winning show, Grand Illusions: The Music of Marlene Dietrich, as part of Stephen Hanks's series, "NY Cabaret's Greatest Hits." Metropolitan Room, 34 W 22nd St, NYC
Friday, September 16, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Ricki, Joni with Ritt" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, September 17, 2016 (9:30 pm): Kelli Rabke is among the performers featured in "It Helps to Sing About It," the music of Schaechter and Kael, at the Metropolitan Room, 34 W 22nd, NYC.
Monday, September 19, 2016 (7pm): Adam B,Shapiro makes his directing debut with Sallie Jo Hadley's show, "Bustin' Loose," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, September 25, 2016 (4pm): Jim Speake presents "Sweet Life: The Show," featuring the songs from his MAC-winning CD; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, September 25, 2016 (4pm): Mark Cummings is "extraORDINARY," at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd Street, NYC
Friday, September 30, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Ricki, Joni with Ritt" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
October TBD, 2016: Barb Malley, with Matthew Martin Ward, in "OMG!! Am I a Diva?" , directed by Sally Darling, at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street / Downstairs at the West Bank Cafe, NYC.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016 (8 pm): One night only: Kathleen France performs, "La Bella Vita," at The Iridium, 1650 Broadway, NYC.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Ricki, Joni with Ritt" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, October 8, 2016 (4pm): Jim Speake presents "Sweet Life: The Show," featuring the songs from his MAC-winning CD; Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Friday, October 14, 2016 (7pm): Sally Darling in "Totally Noel" with Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, October 16, 2016 (5pm): Sally Darling in "Totally Noel" with Matthew Martin Ward, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Monday, October 24, 2016 (7pm): Adam B Shapiro makes his directing debut with Sallie Jo Hadley's show, "Bustin' Loose," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, November 6, 2016 (5 pm): Natasha Castillo continues performances of "Feels Like Home," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Friday, November 11, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Friday, November 18, 2016 (7 pm): Natasha Castillo continues performances of "Feels Like Home," at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street, NYC.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Friday, December 9, 2016 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings "Tanya Moberly Sings Loggins with Watkins" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Theme: Salon's 11th Anniversary Co-Hosts: The Etceterettes
Join us as we observe the 11th Anniversary of Salon, with our co-hosts, the Etceterettes! Bring your favorite numbers and your Salon memories, and celebrate music, love, and community with the Salon family!
Join us as we observe the 11th Anniversary of Salon, with our co-hosts, the Etceterettes! Bring your favorite numbers and your Salon memories, and celebrate music, love, and community with the Salon family!
No comments:
Post a Comment