NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

Hello, Cabaret bloggers!

Lots to report, so let's get to it!

I just returned from Palm Springs where I performed my show From The Ridiculous To The Sublime as part of the gala fundraiser for Christopher's Clubhouse.

Did I mention that my special guest was Carol Channing?

It was a beautiful weekend in the desert, and the gala was a success.

ALSO...

Austin Cabaret Theatre is heading into it's TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY SEASON!

Can you believe it?

And YOU, dear patron, get to choose the line-up! That's right, you get to vote on which past Guest Artists you'd like us to bring back, or which entertainers you'd like us to present that haven't been here before! Voting rules and a partial list of past artists can be found on our website:

www.austincabaret.org

Voting must be completed by February 14th, so git 'er done!

...and...

DO NOT--I repeat--DO NOT MISS OUR NEXT SHOW:

KLEA BLACKHURST & BILLY STRITCH in

DREAMING OF A SONG...

THE MUSIC OF HOAGY CARMICHAEL

March 4-5

This critically acclaimed, award winning show spotlights the music of the legendary Hoagy Carmichael (Skylark, Georgia On My Mind, Stardust, The Nearness of You, and many others) with the delicious spin that only Klea and Billy can put on these tunes!

It's true, intimate cabaret at it's finest!

MY GOAL IS TO SELL OUT THE ENTIRE SHOW WELL IN ADVANCE--

won't you please help? You will LOVE this performance, you have my personal guarantee!

Call 512-453-ACTS (2287) for Tickets.

Thanks, friends, and we'll see you at the Cabaret!

xo

Stuart

JIM BAILEY is JUDY GARLAND LIVE!!!!

You won't believe your eyes.
And you certainly won't believe your EARS.
Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year JIM BAILEY comes to Austin Cabaret Theatre in his acclaimed show, JUDY GARLAND LIVE!
Singing all Judy's hits, like Over the Rainbow, Get Happy, The Trolley Song, The Man That Got Away, and more, Jim literally channels the iconic entertainer in a recreation of one of her classic concerts.
Check out some of the video clips to the right, and then call for your tickets before they're all gone!
This one-night-only event is not to be missed. Tickets are $99 and include Dinner, Show, Auction, and other surprises!
For more information and to reserve your seats, call Stuart at 512-289-2287.
See you at the Cabaret!

A report from New York!

Hello, Austin Cabaret Theatre friends and fans!

I just returned from New York where I had the honor to MC the Rockette Alumnae Reunion! What a great time, and what great ladies. Austin Cabaret Theatre was very well represented and promoted at the event, which included alum chums Suzanne Moore, and Darlene Whittaker (whom I had not seen in roughly 20 years!!!). I also got to attend the tech rehearsal for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, in addition to Hosting the Alumnae Gala.
Speaking of alumnae, I got to catch up with some ACT guest artists:
Michael Holland and Karen Mack (Gashole!) returned triumphantly to the Duplex on Saturday Nov 7th with their all-request show. They took a leave of absence to participate in the new musical festival with the show that Michael is doing the music for, and Karen is producing, called Hurricane.
Also caught Kevin Spirtas in a new off-Broadway play called Loaded. Very well done, well acted, directed and produced.
Got to do brunch with Paige Davis who is in rehearsals for a new production of I Do, I Do! with her real-life husband Patrick Page. It will premiere in December at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre.
A couple cocktails were consumed with Natalie Douglas and her hubby Billy Joe Young, as well.
This was the night after Natalie knocked 'em out during Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland, with a selection from her brand new Lena Horne tribute. Jim and Natalie chatted on stage about her recent return from Austin Cabaret Theatre, and pointed yours truly out--with Jim Caruso saying that ACT was a gem of a place to work!
A hi-light of the trip was seeing A Steady Rain, the limited Broadway run starring Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig. Talk about perfection in casting and ability, these men give a simultaneously warm yet chilling performance. One of the best pieces of theatre I've ever had the honor to attend.
Finally, don't forget that the Holidays are approaching...TICKETS MAKE A GREAT GIFT! Especially tickets for our superb benefit, JIM BAILEY is JUDY GARLAND LIVE!!!
Call my cell for info: 512-289-2287.
xoxo,
Stuart

I know the weather turned cold...but we have a way to make you MELT...

.
.
Wait.

Just wait...

Seriously, wait until you hear Natalie Douglas.
Ever heat up a knife and slice some butter?

Yeah, you get the idea.

The voice.

The charm and charisma.

The hair.

I especially love the hair.

You are going to have SUCH a great time at this show.
TWO NIGHTS ONLY...in our new home at The Long Center for the Performing Arts.
October 29-30. 8:30 pm.

I know it's Halloween and all...so hit the show, then a party.
Hey, come in costume and I'll give you $5 off your ticket!

You DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS SHOW.

Don't take my word for it...check her out at http://www.nataliedouglas.com/

Tickets: 512-453-2287, $37

See you there...and don't worry--we can mop up the puddle of delight she'll turn you into.
xo
Stuart

MANILOW: '73-'83!

I remember all my life, crooning into my hairbrush along with Barry Manilow on the radio.
Was it just me, singin' to the world??? Barry's indelible mark on the music industry can't be ignored. Well, Austin, this one's for you...a music town celebrating a music man. He writes the songs that make the whole world sing, you know.
Austin Cabaret Theatre tries to bring you the most diverse cabaret entertainment all the time...and this show is no exception. I'm ready to take a chance again on another energy-packed show--so don't miss this one! You'll be sorry! I've looked high, low, everywhere I possibly can for quality theatre like this.
It's a miracle that we were able to book the incredibly talented LENNIE WATTS in his homage?...spoof...? FUN FILLED tribute to Mr. M.
Plus, you get to see our new home, The Long Center!!! Looks like we made it to the pinnacle of class, style, and sophistication in Austin entertainment. I might have to wear a yellow feather in my hair and do the cha-cha...(ok, that one was a stretch, I know...)
The show is Sept 24-25, two nights only!!!
FRIEND US ON "FACEBOOK" (search Austin Cabaret) and you will be eligible for a special discount!!!
See you at the Cabaret...at The Long Center!
xo
Stuart

Well, we're movin' on up!

Greetings!
We're headed into our fabulous NINTH season here in Austin, in our new home at The Long Center For The Performing Arts!
Our entire season offerings can be found at www.austincabaret.org or check the previous blog post.
Meanwhile, another big announcement needs to be made--our benefit performance this year brings one of the most amazing entertainments you will ever see...hear...experience!
Forty years ago, the world lost one of the world's most legendary entertainers. This season, we're bringing her back! On January 8, 2010, ACT proudly presents four-time Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year JIM BAILEY as JUDY GARLAND LIVE!
With a litany of live and television appearances that is staggering, Jim literally becomes the late, great diva. The show includes dinner, auction, and lots of fun surprises. Call me NOW as tickets are on sale and going fast. 512-289-2287
This show will be in the wonderful and intimate Rollins Theatre at the Long Center.

News, views, and GUILTY PLEASURES!

I know, I know...I took a bit of a hiatus from the blog...not intentional, just been completely absorbed getting the 2009-2010 Season lined up! (more about that later...)
Meanwhile, last night ACT received an Austin Critic's Table Award for our presentation of Elaine Stritch...At Liberty...at Austin Cabaret Theatre! Thank you, Critic's Table (click to see all the recipients), for the recognition!
ALSO...our website is back up and running! We will be fine-tuning it over the next several months, so check it frequently and make sure you pass it on to anyone who loves great entertainment.

The really big news is that Austin Cabaret Theatre moves to its new home this Fall:
THE LONG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS!
This incredible facility will provide TWO spaces for ACT productions. The stunning Kodosky Room, with floor-to-ceiling windows and the city as our backdrop, and the wonderful Rollins Theatre. Plus you'll still have the option for pre-show dining as we move to a plated, served gourmet meal...that's right--no more standing in line! Let the fine staff of Sterling Affairs serve you!
As if this wasn't enough to make you completely delirious, The new season is called GUILTY PLEASURES and will be like that proverbial box of chocolates...delicious and filled with surprises!
Now admit it...you've closed the bedroom door and sung into your hairbrush to Barry Manilow on the radio. We all have. What's a bigger guilty pleasure than "Mandy," or "I Write The Songs?" Therefore, the Season kicks off with Lennie Watts in Manilow: '73-'83! It's a retro-spective of Barry's hits from that 10 year period. Mr. M. himself saw the show and said "Finally, somebody gets what I've been trying to do all these years!"

Next, picture a dark bar. Through the haze you see a sultry singer belting some of the most heavenly, complex, and heady music you've ever heard. It's the music of Nina Simone, and award-winner Natalie Douglas puts her indelible mark on this songbook in her critically acclaimed show, To Nina...

Come winter time, everyone needs some warmth...but we make it Hot-Hot-Hot when we turn our showroom into a cruise ship for the night, with Love Boat...TWISTED! Leave the sea-sick pills at home, but we encourage you to wear your grass skirt or swim suit!

Stardust. Georgia On My Mind. Skylark. Lazy River...the list goes on. Hoagy Carmichael is considered one of the best American songwriters of the last century. What greater guilty pleasure is there than the Great American Songbook? Join Billy Stritch and Klea Blackhurst in their MAC Award winning show Dreaming of a Song...The Music of Hoagy Carmichael.

Sitting in a dark theatre, crunching popcorn; it's the ultimate guilty pleasure! We round-out the season with a new show from yours truly, Just Go To The Movies, a love-letter to the Silver Screen written from the Great White Way.

AND AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH...we have a very special event, the return of JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY! This wacky, no-holds-barred open mic cabaret is back by popular demand.

Tickets, info, and more is available by calling me directly at 512-289-2287.
Thanks a bunch!!!
XO Stuart