All stories by Andrew Poretz on BroadwayStars

Friday, November 7, 2025

Kay Kostopoulos a Delight with “Love Letters” at Pangea by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz Performer Kay Kostopolous is a highly accomplished Bay Area jazz singer for whom New York is her second home. She regularly appears at Pangea with her Black Olive Jazz quart…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 11:40PM
Thursday, November 6, 2025

“The Jackie Mason Musical” Plays The New York Comedy Festival at The Triad Theatre by Andrew Poretz

Jackie Mason lives again in this riotously funny comedy based on a true story.  The show features Jackie’s real life daughter comedian Sheba Mason, his striking look-alike Ian Wehrle, and…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 06:29PM
Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Jessica Sherr a Sure Hit In “Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies” by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . Back in 1968, an advertising poster for Blackglama furs featured a Richard Avedon photo of iconicc star Bette Davis with the tagline, “What Becomes a Legend Most?”…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 03:42PM

The Power of Women’s Voices Shines Bright at Triad Theater Showcase by Andrew Poretz

The Power of Women’s Voices is a soul-stirring celebration of prose, poetry, art, and music that honored the unapologetic brilliance of women over 40. The Triad had a packed house, and the…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 02:03PM
Monday, October 27, 2025

Chris Autore in “Look at Me Now” by Andrew Poretz

Pianist-entertainer Chris Autore is marking an extraordinary 75 years in show business with a special performance of Look at Me Now on Wednesday, November 5 at 7 PM at Don’t Tell Mama. He�…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 11:17PM
Thursday, October 23, 2025

The Best Is Yet to Come: A Celebration of Cy Coleman by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . On October 21, the 36th annual Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention opened at the Frederick P. Lowe Rose Room (Jazz at Lincoln Center) on with The Best Is Yet to Come: A Ce…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 10:27PM
Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Strokes of Genius: Hirschfeld at the Algonquin by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . Photos by Melissa Griegel Photography (www.griegelphoto.zenfolio.com) Theater Pizzazz was on the scene to cover the Al Hirschfeld Foundation’s cocktail party and ope…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 06:37PM
Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Sean Harkness: Just Me by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . . Guitarist and composer Sean Harkness is one of the most talented musicians you’ll ever hear, and a rather humble fellow with a sweet nature. An impeccable guitaris…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 08:29PM
Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Verena McBee: Bird (S)wing at Chelsea Table + Stage by Andrew Poretz

Jazz singer Verena McBee unveiled her latest album, "Bird (S)Swing," at Chelsea Table + Stage on May 3rd.

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 11:42PM
Thursday, May 1, 2025

WONDERFUL TOWN IS AN OVERCROWDED PLACE by Andrew Poretz

The City Center Encores! revival of the beloved 1953 musical is just too busy for its own good. By Brian Scott Lipton In the past few years, City Center Encores! has tried to make lightning …

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 05:50PM

New York Pops’ Gala Concert an Exciting Capper To A Great Season by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . . The New York Pops closed its season back in March with a spectacular finish (see HERE). In the equivalent of a post-season bowl game, the Pops returned for its annua…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 12:29AM
Thursday, April 10, 2025

Lynne Charnay’s Centennial Show A Sold-Out Smash by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz. . . . Making it to 100 years old is quite a milestone. On April 1st, chanteuse Lynne Charnay joined this exclusive club, celebrating with two sold-out nights at Don’t Tel…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 11:33PM
Thursday, March 27, 2025

Gabrelle Stravelli at Birdland by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . . Gabrielle Stravelli has long been a favorite of this reviewer. She recently completed a weekly residency at Birdland Jazz of early Saturday sets. This reviewer atten…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 05:15PM
Friday, March 21, 2025

The New York Pops Scores with Film-Centric Season Closer by Andrew Poretz

The New York Pops, after a diverse season of excellent programming and concerts, had its season finale on March 14 at Carnegie Hall with 100 Years of Film Scores. Unlike most of its programs…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 09:45PM
Monday, March 17, 2025

Laila Biali: Classics Reimagined by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . Canadian singer/songwriter and pianist Laila Biali first came to this reviewer’s attention at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) conference seve…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 12:16AM
Thursday, March 13, 2025

Ella Mae Dixon’s Impressive 54 Below Debut! by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . . Ella Mae Dixon is a 21-year-old jazz vocalist and cabaret singer based in New York City. She first came to this writer’s attention at age 18, when she appeared in …

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 09:19PM
Monday, February 10, 2025

Madalyn Matthews: Fill My Cup With Blue by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . . The very young cabaret singer Madalyn Matthews recently made her 54 Below debut with Fill My Cup With Blue. Madalyn first came to my attention at the Mabel Mercer Fo…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 06:14PM
Wednesday, February 5, 2025

The 35th Annual Kleban Awards by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . The 35th Annual Kleban Awards took place on February 3rd at ASCAP’s (American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers) Manhattan headquarters. The post The 3…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 05:18PM
Sunday, December 22, 2024

Remembering Danny Bacher by Andrew Poretz

By Andrew Poretz . . . Danny Bacher died on December 16, 2024, but I don’t have to believe it if I don’t want to. (With apologies to John O’Hara.) New Jersey-born jazz singer and sopra…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 08:07PM
Friday, December 6, 2024

Margaret Curry: The Space In-Between by Andrew Poretz

Actress and singer Margaret Curry is a Bistro Award-winning cabaret performer. This reviewer saw her perform at the most recent Bistro Awards, and welcomed an opportunity to catch an encore …

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 04:42PM
Monday, November 25, 2024

Juliet Ewing’s Latest Sellout Set At Don’t Tell Mama by Andrew Poretz

Cabaret Review by Andrew Poretz . . . The Brick Room at Don’t Tell Mama was entirely sold out for Juliet Ewing’s second encore performance of her George Gershwin show, Rise Up Singing �…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 05:02PM
Sunday, November 17, 2024

Newcomer June Cavlan Off Wows At Birdland Theater by Andrew Poretz

It’s always exciting to find new talent. It’s especially rewarding to discover a young singer who is keeping jazz and the Great American Songbook alive. June Cavlan, in her early twentie…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 04:45PM
Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Michael Feinstein Lit Up Zankel Hall With Songs That Got Away by Andrew Poretz

Concert Review by Andrew Poretz . . . The latest installment in cabaret great Michael Feinstein’s Standard Time series took an eclectic turn from his themes celebrating specific musical ic…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 10:09AM
Saturday, October 26, 2024

Cabaret Convention First Night Celebrated Charles Strouse by Andrew Poretz

Cabaret Review by Andrew Poretz … The three-night 2024 Cabaret Convention had a spectacular opening night, with Put On a Happy Face: A Celebration of the Music of Charles Strouse.For the f…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 05:22PM
Monday, October 7, 2024

Star-Studded Gala Set to Benefit Legendary West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre by Andrew Poretz

Broadway’s brightest stars are gathering for an unforgettable night to celebrate and raise funds to save The West Bank Cafe. On Tuesday, October 8th, the iconic restaurant and its famed do…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 01:55PM
Monday, September 30, 2024

Upcoming Cabaret by Andrew Poretz

Here’s exciting news about new music releases from Jane Monheit, Allyson Briggs and CelloVoci. Jane Monheit Jazz and adult contemporary vocalist Jane Monheit’s new eponymous album, Jane …

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 10:15AM
Friday, September 27, 2024

“Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library” Coming to 59E59 by Andrew Poretz

Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, written by Jenny Lyn Bader and directed by Ari Laura Kreith, will play at 59E59 from October 18 to November 10. The show stars Ella Dershowitz,…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 10:06AM
Sunday, September 22, 2024

“All In: Comedy About Love” Coming To The Hudson Theater in December by Andrew Poretz

Musical duo The Bengsons (Abigail and Shaun Bengson) will be performing songs live on stage from The Magnetic Fields (composer, Stephin Merritt), including selections from their album “69 …

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 10:01PM
Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Three “Hairspray” Veterans To Appear In “Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now!” by Andrew Poretz

Three leading ladies from Hairspraywill star in I’m A Big Girl Now! are back and better than ever! Tony nominees Laura Bell Bundy (Legally Blonde), Kerry Butler (Beetlejuice, Xanadu), and …

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 02:21PM

Award-Winning Writer John Patrick Shanley Makes New York Debut of Banshee at The Chain Summer One-Act Festival by Andrew Poretz

The 2024 edition of the Chain Summer One-Act Festival features the New York premiere of Banshee by award-winning writer John Patrick Shanley,  the world debut of the Jesse Eisenberg-produce…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 02:20PM

The Overlook Sessions, Monday Nights In September by Andrew Poretz

The Overlook Sessions is a new weekly event on Monday nights in September at The Overlook Bar, featuring live performances by Jesse Gelber, the renowned pianist from Speakeasy Magick, and hi…

SOURCE: Theater Pizzazz at 02:10PM

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