Mark faked his lucky charms accent to introduce the theme of "It's Not Easy Being Green" at the top of the show, and then got our Co-Hostess with the Mostess onto the stage: Sue Matsuki is a fixture in the jazz and cabaret community, and as singer, teacher, and charmingly talented hostess, she made the entire evening as bright and cheery as a pot o'gold. She started out the show with "How's That For Openers?" the cleverly-lyric'd theme song of her upcoming show which is filled with opening numbers across Musical Theater. In the second mid-show set, we had a sing-a-long with the lights up of a popular and absolutely ridiculous Irish song, "Mrs. Murphy's Chowder" complete with full lyrics handed to the audience and with Sarah Rice, Janice Hall and Matthew Martin Ward up on stage to help out with the verses. She then sang the cool, swinging, vengeful diatribe song "You'll See," crushing on someone and the inner monologue of green jealousy, which is not a pretty color on Sue. It was sung with Sue's signature smooth jazz vocal form, and quoted a lot of classic American Songbook song titles cleverly. She finished the set with "I'll Love You When" a "love song" to Donald Trump in a country song style, containing an impressive list of pop culture and social commentary. Sue's explained her philosophy to "Love thy neighbor, it'll drive them crazy" and sang lyrics like "I'll love you when Cabaret makes me rich..." She concluded the evening with "You Must Believe in Spring," written by Michel Legrand and Jacques Demy.
Sue has a bunch of performances lined up - check out the list below, but in particular note that she will be presenting at the 2019 MAC Awards on March 26th and will be teaching a "Building Your Show" workshop on Saturday, March 23rd from 10:30am to 1:30pm. Bring in 14 tunes and by the end of the class you'll have an idea of how to put together a show! At Don't Tell Mama www.cabarethotspot.com
| Photo: bjryansmagnoliaroom.com |
Our Salon Spotlight was the winner of Metrostar/MAC/Bistro/Julie Wilson Awards and Broadway actor T. Oliver Reid, who does a tribute show of Bobby Short on March 25th at The Birdland Theater, and last night's Spotlight highlighted a number of wonderful songs from this set. T. seeks in his show to discuss the commonalities with Bobby Short and cultural teachings as a man of both color and style. Ultimately, T.'s goal is to bring modern audiences the experience of watching Bobby Short at the Cafe Carlyle, and no better singer could we hope for in this experience: T. is a passionate singer with an expressive connection to lyric, connected to his training in Musical Theater with 12 (going on 13) Broadway shows under his belt. Tonight's theme of "Green" brought about thoughts of "Spring" and"Beginnings," leading to a tender rendition of "Begin the Beguine" on a Larry Yurman arrangement, which featured T.'s rich baritone notes. T. then related that in all his Broadway shows, so many of his coworkers shuddered at the thought of doing Cabaret as an art form...exactly for the reasons he himself went into Cabaret: as he said to this audience, "we can hear you breathing and have eye contact!" He then went into Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler's 1934 song "Ill Wind" from The Cotten Club movie (which was also featured in Reid's show "Drop Me Off in Harlem"). It was a slow, sultry, and heartbreaking song. The last piece was a Rogers and Hart classic, and we all know how R&Hart's works are some of the most beautiful songs in the American Songbook. He went into "Isn't it Romantic?" in a tenderly gleeful manner - swinging the rhythm, cheekily smiling and bouncing, utterly and adorably romantic in the gorgeous inner butterflies he set free with his emotions and voice. T. offered a true master class in intimate yet fully voiced and giving performance.
Beginning on March 22nd, T. will be appearing in his 13th Broadway show - "Hadestown" on Broadway at The Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 West 48th St, NYC 10036.
He will present "T. Oliver Reid Celebrates Bobby Short" on March 25th at 8:30pm at the Birdland Theater – 315 West 44th St, NYC 10036.
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| Photo: Nitelifeexchange.com |
Quick Wrap - Classical Corner
Need something green and classical and Celtic? Mark instantly went to his favorite Celtic-song-singing soprano and our friend Sarah Rice, who first sang "The Courtyard Lullaby" by Loreena McKennitt. She introduced the song with a little detail about the mythology of the Unicorn - a universally beautiful, mysterious creature, it can shift between the visible and invisible and is a religious symbol in the middle ages. A pure virgin woman can attract a Unicorn to her lap, representative of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. Another popular genre in Celtic lore and song is the "dead bride" song. After defining a few archaic words like "kine" = plural of cattle and "gear" = clothing/belongings, Sarah's dexterous voice flirted through the Celtic inner-melody trills and navigated to great soprano heights in the traditional "She Moved Through the Fair," which also featured a stirring a cappella section. To end Classical Corner, Sarah sang "The Voice," a rolling Irish waltz in 3/4 rhythm, with instrumental by Mark and rich soprano notes that reached a powerful climax (with the help of the tambourine) at the end.
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: Sue Matsuki
Marnie Klar
Michael Colby
Karen Joyce
Michael Prince
Rian Keating "Milestones" 40th Anniversary in New York,
Ann Talman
Carol Sue Gershman
Richie Eisenberg
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: Sue Matsuki
Marnie Klar
Michael Colby
Karen Joyce
Michael Prince
Rian Keating "Milestones" 40th Anniversary in New York,
Ann Talman
Carol Sue Gershman
Richie Eisenberg
Deborah Stone (self on guitar)
Susan Mack (Takaaki Otomo on piano)
Daryl Sherman (self on piano)
Sierra Rein
Zach Wobensmith
Salon Spotlight: T. Oliver Reid
Susan Mack (Takaaki Otomo on piano)
Daryl Sherman (self on piano)
Sierra Rein
Zach Wobensmith
Salon Spotlight: T. Oliver Reid
Classical Corner with Sarah Rice
BREAK
Co-Host: Sue Matsuki (with help from Janice Hall, Sarah Rice, and Matthew Martin Ward)
Tanya Moberly
Bobbie Horowitz (Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Katie Neiheisel
Becca Kidwell
Frank McDonough
Janice Hall (Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Frances O'Flynn (Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Sally Darling (Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (self on piano)
Joshua Bennett
Alison Nusbaum
Barb Malley
Bennett Silverstein
Joan Jaffe
Dave Schweisguth
BREAK
Co-Host: Sue Matsuki (with help from Janice Hall, Sarah Rice, and Matthew Martin Ward)
Tanya Moberly
Bobbie Horowitz (Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Katie Neiheisel
Becca Kidwell
Frank McDonough
Janice Hall (Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Frances O'Flynn (Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Sally Darling (Matthew Martin Ward on piano)
Matthew Martin Ward (self on piano)
Joshua Bennett
Alison Nusbaum
Barb Malley
Bennett Silverstein
Joan Jaffe
Dave Schweisguth
Co-Host: Sue Matsuki
Special thanks to musicians Mark Janas, Deborah Stone, Takaaki Otomo and Matthew Martin Ward. More thanks to Alison Nusbaum on lights and sound, and the astounding waitstaff including Joshua and Leo, and management at Don't Tell Mama. Finally, thanks to Steve Bustamante for his Videography!
Special thanks to musicians Mark Janas, Deborah Stone, Takaaki Otomo and Matthew Martin Ward. More thanks to Alison Nusbaum on lights and sound, and the astounding waitstaff including Joshua and Leo, and management at Don't Tell Mama. Finally, thanks to Steve Bustamante for his Videography!
Ongoing Shows:
Most Tuesdays (6pm): Peaceable Hour with Sarah Rice, Janice Hall, and Mark Watson at St. Clements Church, free, see schedule for details - peaceablehour.com, 423 West 46th Street, NYC.
Wednesdays-Sundays: Adam Shapiro is performing in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish at Stage 42, 422 W 42nd St, NYC.
Most Tuesdays (6pm): Peaceable Hour with Sarah Rice, Janice Hall, and Mark Watson at St. Clements Church, free, see schedule for details - peaceablehour.com, 423 West 46th Street, NYC.
Wednesdays-Sundays: Adam Shapiro is performing in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish at Stage 42, 422 W 42nd St, NYC.
Upcoming Shows:
Friday, March 22nd, 2019 (7pm): Susan Mack reprises her MAC Nominated show "Nobody Else But Me" at Don't Tell Mama, 345 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 (10:30am-1:30pm): Sue Matsuki, as part of Cabaret Hotspot, will present "Building Your Show" workshop at Don't Tell Mama, 345 West 46th Street, NYC. www.cabarethotspot.com
Monday, March 25th, 2019 (8:30pm): "T. Oliver Reid Celebrates Bobby Short" at the Birdland Theater, 315 West 44th St, NYC.
Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 (7pm): The 33rd Annual MAC Awards take place! Sue Matsuki and her biz partner David Sabella will be presenting, and SO many Salon regulars are up for nominations! www.MACnyc.com
Thursday, March 28th, 2019 (7pm-10pm): Sue Matsuki sings and hosts Parnell's Bar Open Mic with Bill Zeffiro on piano. No cover/$20 food/drink minimum, at Parnell's, 1st Ave @ 53rd Street, NYC.
Monday, April 1st, 2019 (7pm): Matthew Martin Ward will be a part of Joe Keenan's “Everybody Rise: A Resistance Cabaret” at Theatre at Birdland, 315 West 44th St, NY.
Monday, April 1st, 2019 (8pm): Tanya Moberly directs "A Life Behind Bars" at City Winery, 155 Varrick St, NYC.
Sunday, April 7th, 2019 (1pm): Becca Kidwell, Alison Nusbaum, Tracy Stark, Lennie Watts, Karen Mason and others in "Heron's Landing Reunion" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 (7pm): Frances O'Flynn with Matthew Martin Ward sing Jimmy Kennedy - "The Man Who Wrote the Teddy Bear's Picnic" at Don't Tell Mama, 345 West 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, April 14th, 2019 (7pm): Frances O'Flynn with Matthew Martin Ward sing Jimmy Kennedy - "The Man Who Wrote the Teddy Bear's Picnic" at Don't Tell Mama, 345 West 46th Street, NYC.
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 (7pm): Daryl Sherman will sing "Spring Fever" at the Birdland Theater, 315 West 44th Street, NY.
Saturday, April 17th, 2019 (8pm): Sue Matsuki sings "Ella and Me" with MD Gregory Toroian and Skip Ward on bass, at BJ Ryan's Magnolia Room 57 Main Street, Norwalk, CT.
Monday, April 1st, 2019 (8pm): Tanya Moberly directs "A Life Behind Bars" at City Winery, 155 Varrick St, NYC.
Sunday, April 7th, 2019 (1pm): Becca Kidwell, Alison Nusbaum, Tracy Stark, Lennie Watts, Karen Mason and others in "Heron's Landing Reunion" at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 (7pm): Frances O'Flynn with Matthew Martin Ward sing Jimmy Kennedy - "The Man Who Wrote the Teddy Bear's Picnic" at Don't Tell Mama, 345 West 46th Street, NYC.
Sunday, April 14th, 2019 (7pm): Frances O'Flynn with Matthew Martin Ward sing Jimmy Kennedy - "The Man Who Wrote the Teddy Bear's Picnic" at Don't Tell Mama, 345 West 46th Street, NYC.
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 (7pm): Daryl Sherman will sing "Spring Fever" at the Birdland Theater, 315 West 44th Street, NY.
Saturday, April 17th, 2019 (8pm): Sue Matsuki sings "Ella and Me" with MD Gregory Toroian and Skip Ward on bass, at BJ Ryan's Magnolia Room 57 Main Street, Norwalk, CT.
Friday, April 26th, 2019 (7pm): Barbara Malley with Musical Director Matthew Martin Ward in "OMG Am I A Diva?" at Don't Tell Mama, 345 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, April 27th, 2019 (4:30pm): Barbara Malley with Musical Director Matthew Martin Ward in "OMG Am I A Diva?" at Don't Tell Mama, 345 West 46th Street, NYC.
Saturday, May 11th, 2019 (8pm): Sue Matsuki sings "Ella and Me" with MD Gregory Toroian and Skip Ward on bass, at Maureen's Jazz Cellar, 2 N. Broadway, Nyack, NY.
Saturday, May 18th, 2019 (2pm): "Heart Strong Heart Songs" a Benefit for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society co-Hosted by Sue Matsuki and Terri Dannenberg, starring Joann Gass, Paul McGrath, with guest star David Sabella and special guest star Carole Demas, at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Friday, May 31, 2019 (7pm): Sierra Rein - as part of Marquee Five - performs "8-Track Throwback" with Dan Pardo on piano, Matt Scharfglass on bass, and Rich Huntley on drums, at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC.
Thursday, October 17th, 2019 (7pm): Bobbie Horowitz presents "It's Just a Number" at Don't Tell Mama, 345 West 46th Street, NYC.
NEXT SALON: March 24th, 2019
The theme for the next salon will "Slip Sliding Away – Things That Elude Us." So come with your comedic or not so comedic musical reflections on the things that slipped through our fingers. Our Co-Hosts will be noneother than Mama’s Boys – Tommy J. Dose, Brian Kalinowski, Paul Pilcz and Jon Satrom, so expect some amazing harmonies and playful hosting all night long!
- Sierra Rein
Blogette for The Salon
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