The room darkened, the piano belted a thunderous intro, and we all were excited to expect some fabulous music last night. And our prospects were met with enthusiasm! "Great Expectations" was the theme, and our with your Co-Host, Wendy Scherl, the runner-up of the MetroStar competition this past year. She took the theme to the starting line by belting out the vampy and swingin' "They Just Keep Movin' the Line" from the musical TV series Smash. For her Act II set, she revealed how much her return to cabaret (and getting very close in MetroStar) meant to her; she sang the free-flowing "A Way Back to Then" with this in mind. With romance in mind, Wendy then sang the wistful "Where've You Been?" as recorded by Kathy Mattea (co-written by Jon Vezner and Don Henry). She then flipped into a different kind of "great expectation" by singing the comedic marching song "Viagara in the Water," which painted *quite* an interesting number of images in the audience's mind. At the end of the evening, she performed a song David Friedman's anthem to being nice to one another, "We Can Be Kind," which included a lovely singalong chorus by the end.
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| Wendy Scherl |
Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show on April 28th, May 11th, May 24th, and June 15th, 2017, and will also open with a short set of songs for the 2017 MetroStar winner David Baida on March 8th and April 24th (7pm both shows) - all shows at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Salon Spotlight: Marta Sanders
Marta Sanders burst on to the stage, bringing with her the vivaciousness that earned her MAC and Bistro Awards, as well as a coveted role in the original cast of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. With a low and sultry alto, she started with the hilariously vampy "Hunk on the Bus." Taking a sharp turn into loveliness, she then sang a healing and sweeping "What a Wonderful World." She then introduced the theme of her new show, "Follow Me," which features songs inspired by all the travel throughout the years. Beyond the experiences, she explained, what's more important is to discover the person you became through it. Marta then went into the the epic "I'm Still Here" from Follies.
Marta's show "Follow Me" will take place on February 2nd, 11th, 16th, and 25th (all at 7pm) with musical direction by John McMahon, direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind, at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Quick Wrap - Classical Corner
Mark got a call from a good friend of his, David Shenton (pianist and violinist extraordinaire), that he'd be at Salon, and Mark jumped at the idea of having David perform for Classical Corner.
Bedrich Smetana was a Czek composer (1824-1884) who wrote a lot of patriotic music, including the orchestral wonder Má vlast, his first fully orchestral piece. The Vltava movement (aka "The Moldau/My Country") of this work is beautifully orchestrated and translates well to violin and piano. Smetana was proud of his homeland, and David wanted to play something on behalf of his Dentist. She is from Iran and has been in the US for 20 years after fleeing persecution in her homeland. In the spirit of wanting to preserve some pride in our nation, David and Mark played violin and piano, respectively, in two parts of the piece.
Salon Spotlight: Marta Sanders
Marta Sanders burst on to the stage, bringing with her the vivaciousness that earned her MAC and Bistro Awards, as well as a coveted role in the original cast of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. With a low and sultry alto, she started with the hilariously vampy "Hunk on the Bus." Taking a sharp turn into loveliness, she then sang a healing and sweeping "What a Wonderful World." She then introduced the theme of her new show, "Follow Me," which features songs inspired by all the travel throughout the years. Beyond the experiences, she explained, what's more important is to discover the person you became through it. Marta then went into the the epic "I'm Still Here" from Follies.
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| Marta Sanders |
Quick Wrap - Classical Corner
Mark got a call from a good friend of his, David Shenton (pianist and violinist extraordinaire), that he'd be at Salon, and Mark jumped at the idea of having David perform for Classical Corner.
Bedrich Smetana was a Czek composer (1824-1884) who wrote a lot of patriotic music, including the orchestral wonder Má vlast, his first fully orchestral piece. The Vltava movement (aka "The Moldau/My Country") of this work is beautifully orchestrated and translates well to violin and piano. Smetana was proud of his homeland, and David wanted to play something on behalf of his Dentist. She is from Iran and has been in the US for 20 years after fleeing persecution in her homeland. In the spirit of wanting to preserve some pride in our nation, David and Mark played violin and piano, respectively, in two parts of the piece.
Upon thunderous applause, they then sight-read (!) the second movement of Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Opus 22 for violin and piano, by early1800s romantic Polish composer Henryk Wieniawski (who is well known for his violin literature). It was marvelous, and indicative of their enormous musicianship to have sight-read it so well.
Roster of performers for the evening (in order of appearance):
Click link to visit the performer’s website or other links, when available.
All piano accompaniment by Mark Janas unless otherwise noted.
Co Host: Wendy Scherl
Bobbie Horowitz
Lynda Rodolitz
Marnie Klar
Natasha Castillo
Jerome Weinstein
Ira Lee Collings
Richard Becker
Robin Westle
Adam Shapiro
Elaine Mitchell (with David Shenton at the piano)
David Ballard
Sierra Rein
Jaye Maynard
Salon Spotlight: Marta Sanders
Classical Corner: Mark Janas and David Shenton
BREAK
Co Host: Wendy Scherl
Tanya Moberly
Kit
Barbara Malley
Emily Ellet
Cathy Cavender
Susan Mack
Richard Eisenberg
Susan Neuffer
Angela Leone
Jen Bradley
Co Host: Wendy Scherl
Special thanks to tonight’s musicians: Mark Janas and David Shenton!
And thank you to Becky Balin on lights and sound, and our amazing waitstaff who always handle the demands of a full house with grace and style, and James Eden, tonight's videographer.
Ongoing Shows:
Monday nights (7pm): Opera Open Mic at Shanghai Mong with Mark Janas and Matthew Martin Ward, 30 West 32nd Street, NYC. www.shanghaimongnyc.com
Upcoming Shows:
Thursday, February 2, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler &; Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Tuesday, February 7th, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly (and more!) in Cabaret Scenes benefit concert at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Saturday, February 11, 2017 (4pm): "Lynda Rodolitz is Off Her Rocker" performs at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, February 11, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Thursday, February 16, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Friday, February 24, 2017 (7pm): Ira Lee Collings and John Cook in "Simply Ira Lee: Through the Looking Glass-Warts and All! An 80th "GAY GEEZER" Celebration" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, February 25, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Saturday, February 11, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Thursday, February 16, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Friday, February 24, 2017 (7pm): Ira Lee Collings and John Cook in "Simply Ira Lee: Through the Looking Glass-Warts and All! An 80th "GAY GEEZER" Celebration" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, February 25, 2017 (7pm): Marta Sanders in "Follow Me," with musical direction by John McMahon, Direction by Mark Nadler and Debra Zalkind at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Monday, February 27, 2017 (7pm): Robin Westle in "The Adventures of Taffy Longvue" with Director Eric Michael Gillett and music director Andrew David Sotomayor, at the Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W 42nd St, New York.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Barbara Malley is bringing back her show, "OMG! Am I a Diva?" to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC, benefitting American Rivers.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Friday, March 3, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Nilsson With Weber" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will open with a short set of songs for the 2017 MetroStar winner David Baida at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Thursday, March 9, 2017 (7pm): Robin Westle in "The Adventures of Taffy Longvue" with Director Eric Michael Gillett and music director Andrew David Sotomayor, at the Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W 42nd St, New York.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Friday, March 3, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Nilsson With Weber" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will open with a short set of songs for the 2017 MetroStar winner David Baida at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Thursday, March 9, 2017 (7pm): Robin Westle in "The Adventures of Taffy Longvue" with Director Eric Michael Gillett and music director Andrew David Sotomayor, at the Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W 42nd St, New York.
Friday, March 10, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings the Blues with Ian Herman" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (7pm): Adam Shapiro in "Guide to the Perfect Breakup" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Friday, March 17, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Rickie and Joni with Ritt Henn" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Sunday, March 19, 2017 (3pm): Susan Neuffer in "Apocalypse Wow" with Director Lennie Watts, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Monday, March 20, 2017 (7pm): Bobby Horowitz presents "It's Just a Number," with Mark Janas, Tanya Moberly, Julie Reyburn, and honoring Shawn Moniger, Carol Ostrow, and the Choir of St. Clement's Church's (and Salon Producer) honoring Father Jeff Hamblin.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 (7pm): Kit is appearing for one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 (7pm): Richard Becker brings a new show, "Gambling for Love," to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Amy Beth Williams in "Carried Away" at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (7pm): Adam Shapiro in "Guide to the Perfect Breakup" at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Friday, March 17, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Amy, Ani, Rickie and Joni with Ritt Henn" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Sunday, March 19, 2017 (3pm): Susan Neuffer in "Apocalypse Wow" with Director Lennie Watts, at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Monday, March 20, 2017 (7pm): Bobby Horowitz presents "It's Just a Number," with Mark Janas, Tanya Moberly, Julie Reyburn, and honoring Shawn Moniger, Carol Ostrow, and the Choir of St. Clement's Church's (and Salon Producer) honoring Father Jeff Hamblin.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 (7pm): Kit is appearing for one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 (7pm): Richard Becker brings a new show, "Gambling for Love," to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Friday, March 31, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly brings back "Tanya Moberly Sings Kenny Loggins with Steven Ray Watkins" one night only at Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St, NYC.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.
Sunday, April 9, 2017 (7pm): Richard Becker brings a new show, "Gambling for Love," to Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC.
Monday, April 24, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will open with a short set of songs for the 2017 MetroStar winner David Baida at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.
Friday, April 28, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show May 23th, and June 15th, 2017, at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 (7pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.
Thursday, May 11, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017 (9:30pm): Tanya Moberly directs Dan Ruth in "A Life Behind Bars" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, NYC.
Friday, May 19, 2017: Jaye Maynard in the choir performance of "Art Mob."
Friday, May 20, 2017: Jaye Maynard in the choir performance of "Art Mob."
Friday, May 21, 2017: Jaye Maynard in the choir performance of "Art Mob."
Tuesday, May 23, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
Thursday, June 15, 2017 (7pm): Wendy Scherl will perform a yet-untitled show at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, NYC.
We will NOT be back next week, as there is NO SALON on February 5, 2017. Instead, we'll be returning on February 12, 2017 with the theme "Fun & Fancy Free," with Guest Co-Host Bret Shuford and a Salon Spotlight featuring the triple-threat Meg Flather, Rosemary Loar & Tracy Stark.
Ciao for now!
Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
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