C: Is for Cabaret Comebacks!

There was a time in New York when the nightlife included singers in smokey rooms interpreting the lyrics and melodies by great musicians long gone. Piano bars were sought after and cabaret performers swooned over the stately, romantic elegance of the Oak Room at the Algonquin. Slowly and methodically that world started to slide away until a few years ago when The Metropolitan Room opened. Located at 34 W. 22nd Street, this sleek, two year old spot revived the feeling of such established institutions. Critics, insiders, and even talent burst back onto the scene. Its perfect layout, and insightful bookings of an amazing array of talent crooned again. The venue has hosted the much heralded ongoing engagement by vocalese legend Annie Ross, in addition to blowout shows by British channeler Dylan and collaborators Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch. all of whom took home coveted Nightlife Awards for their efforts. With the Manhattan Association of Cabaret awards looming in the air next week it is sure that those award winners will shortly be booked into this venue. It also won a best of the best award in Time Out this year. Performing in April this year are two old friends. I performed with Larry Gatlin in his first musical theatre attempt called "Alive and Well and living in the land of Dreams". Larry is a GRAMMY Award winning country music legend. He is renown for his classic hits such as " "Love Is Just A Game," and "Statues Without Hearts " which are both from that show. Larry and his Brothers continue to perform across the country. Diva Sharon McNight and I have shared many of a venue and she makes her eagerly awaited return to New York City on April 25 and 26 in "GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN", Saluting the late great character women of the stage and screen. Martha Raye, Pearl Bailey, Ethels Merman, Madeline Kahn among and more will re-live. Sharon made her Broadway debut in "Starmites" and earned a Tony Award nomination, a Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut. Sharon delivers a song like no one else and her trashy yet delightfully crass interpretations will leave your sides aching for reprieve. Cabaret is an art that should be kept alive as it allows tradition to carry on and that is a tuneful F.A.C.T.