A: Is for Art that is supported by Town hall

Town Hall keeps the art of cabaret and performing alive. Without Town Hall as the producer of events like I saw last week would cease to exist. As a not for profit organization, Town Hall helps these wonderful events take place.

Scott Seigel and Town Hall have been keeping the art of traditional musical theatre and cabaret alive since I can remember. Three years ago they started the Summer Broadway Festival, which showcases talent from emerging newcomers to veteran stage performers. As I sat in the audience for Broadway Rising Stars tonight, all I could think of was how lucky this graduating class of performers was to have this nurturing coming out party. Directed by the wonderfully talented Emily Skinner (Side Show) and Scott Coulter these 24 were picked to carry the torch of a genre slowly losing an audience. From across the country Scott and his wife Barbara scouted and auditioned and found new talent to infuse new light. Seeming at times more like an audition than a performance, there were some talented performers that careers will take flight and some, sadly that will not. My favorite by far was Kristin Dausch who sang "Men" from "So Long 174th Street" and stole the show. She proved that AMDA had the right stuff to offer their students to move forward in their careers. Not only could this talented lady sing, she could act and it was that quality that made the difference. This really is a show to teach other performers the art of performing and Scott narrates so that we gain insight into where these students come from. It adds the human factor to each performance. He truly cares and it shows. Oakley Boycott, Eli Budwill, Jimmy Boorum, Christina Aranda, Kyle Taylor Parker and Antonio Addeo also all hailed from American Musical and Dramatic Academy and all stood out. In the case of Oakley this tall statuesque blond sang a song called "Where's the Beat." Though the song was an original it was not a good song choice, but she was so good, she overcame the song. Jimmy sang "Run Away from Me" from a new show called "The Unauthorized Biography of Samantha Brown." Though done well, all I could wonder was, what was that song from and who was that composer. Not always a good choice, when what you want, is for the audience to notice you. Andrew Chappelle's version of "Love's Revenge" from "Two Gentleman of Verona" had the audience thinking maybe the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music was the place to attend. Rachael Ferrera proved black was the color to be with "Random Black Girl" from "Homemade Fussion" by Michael Kooman (music) and Christopher Dimond (lyrics). This is one great song. Ali Stroker, wheelchair bound sang her heart out in “Be a Lion” from “The Wiz.” She proved talent comes despite afflictions. It is hard not to judge these young performers on a level that one would judge a professional, as that is the work force they are about to enter. Town Hall should be lauded as a not for profit organization that despite budget cuts still gives generously. Scott Siegel has one more event in this series called All Singin’ All Dancin’ on the 27th at 8pm and his Cabaret Series this year looks to provide some first rate entertainment. I personally am looking forward to Broadway Unplugged November 16th. Town Hall is located at 123 West 43rd and has been giving for over 21 years and that is a F.A.C.T.