"Pop!" goes the Workshop!

Not only did we have a FANTASTIC time with the enormously talented MICHAEL HOLLAND & KAREN MACK, but they also conducted a very enlightening workshop on how pop, rock, and contemporary music are becoming the mainstay of today's Musical Theatre.

Students from the St. Edward's University theatre program participated, performing both standard and contemporary show music, getting terrific feedback and advice from Karen & Michael.

Think of it as "Idol" without the snippy, nasty one...

The show was a huge success...I wasn't sure how my Great American Songbook-loving audiences were going to react to irreverant pop medleys, but suffice it to say, I'm surprised there's still a ceiling on the Mansion! What a welcome reception and outrageous response!

Don't forget to order your SEASON TICKETS! This way you can also secure your ELAINE STRITCH performances! There's a jpeg of the order form here...click on it, print it out, and send it in!!!

(and check back to this blog soon for information on MY upcoming show, From the Ridiculous to the Sublime!)
XOXO
Stuart

Austin Cabaret Theatre proudly presents the Tony Award winning show...

ELAINE STRITCH...AT LIBERTY!
That's right...the incomparable, incredible, ELAINE STRITCH kicks off our '08-'09 Season with a four-night run of her Tony winning turn, AT LIBERTY!
And let me tell you...phone calls from "Stritchie" are the best things in the world. I laugh my a** off. We sat recently in her apartment in NYC and we had a ball.
I really felt like one of the "ladies who lunch!"
(yes, she does it in the show!)
And what a pro. This octogenarian is feistier than a pit-bull, and brings more energy and entertainment to the stage than I've ever seen. It is, I think, the most perfectly crafted evening of theatre I've ever witnessed.
AND AUSTIN CABARET THEATRE is bringing this Broadway smash to our intimate showroom!
Details:
SEPTEMBER 3-6, 2008
$79 which INCLUDES a scrumptious dinner at The Mansion at Judges' Hill
CALL 512-453-ACTS for tickets and information
NOTE: Tickets are currently ONLY available with an 08/09 Season Ticket subscription. They are going fast!
IF there are seats still available for individual sale after May 31st, we will post that on the website and on this blog.
ALSO...
Don't forget to call for tickets to NUMBER 2's!
featuring NY's MICHAEL HOLLAND & KAREN MACK (see below)
We'll see you at the Mansion!!!!

LAUGH SO HARD YOU MIGHT...NUMBER 2?

DO NOT MISS OUR NEXT SHOW.
There.
I said it.
And I really mean it--
Michael Holland and Karen Mack return to Austin Cabaret Theatre in their critically acclaimed
NUMBER 2's!
The show is APRIL 24-25 at The Mansion at Judges' Hill (MLK & Rio Grande) at 8:30 pm.
This assault on your funny bone pays homage to 50 years of Billboard hits that climbed as far as number two, but never grasped the top spot!
Done in their crowd-pleasing musical melding mayhem, this show is both hysterical and historical--and will leave you cheering for more.
You're gonna LOVE it...and you're gonna laugh yourself silly.
PLUS...
since we all need a little "relief" after tax time, the FIRST 10 PEOPLE who call me and say they read about the show on this blog will get $10 TICKETS! That's right...big entertainment for little green! Regular price tickets are $39.
CALL STUART AT (512) BUY-ACTS AND MENTION THIS BLOG! First 10 only!
Dinner is available pre-show (at 7:00 pm) for $27.99 and cocktail service is available throughout. Come to the Cabaret, ol' chum!
Check out more on
http://www.karenmack.com/
or
http://www.michaelholland.com/
ONE MORE THING...
At the THURSDAY performance, we are honoring the Capital City Men's Chorus with ACT's Arts in ACTion Award. Show your support for this wonderful Austin arts organization and order your tickets now! More about this great group at http://www.ccmcaustin.org/

I just flew in from New York...(insert joke here)

Hello, my lovelies!
Was in my dear Manhattan for 5 days, catching up on the newest offerings... One of my Board members (and fabulous friend) Jody and I had a "whirl-wind!"
Here's the down-and-dirty:
Caught the new B'way production of CRY BABY...naturally I cheered loudly because JOHN WATERS was sitting behind us.
Ok...what a LOVELY man. Gracious, charming, sweet, and we had a grand time. The choreography (Rob Ashford) is the most inventive and innovative I have seen in years on The Great White Way. First Act had some rough spots, second Act was divine, they are still in previews, so I'm sure that the things that need fixing will get fixed!
Also got to see IN THE HEIGHTS. Kids, RUN do not walk to see this. The hype is true, and the glowing reviews seem but a tiny ember compared to the GENIUS of this show.
wow-wow-wow-wow-wow!!!!
Visited with the cast backstage after the performance...and by visited, I mean did tequila shots in the stage manager's office with the kids in the show. What a great group. I'm in love with all of them--it was a banner day!
What else...?
Oh, yeah...more shots (Southern Comfort this time) backstage at the "Grease" revival.
Oh--took in Faith Prince (ACT Alum!) and her new show with Harvey Fierstein and Tom Wopat, A CATERED AFFAIR, directed by friend John Doyle (Sweeney Todd, Company). I tell ya, Faith is the actor's actor. COMPLETELY in the moment at every moment. There are some very compelling scenes, but sadly not enough of them. Again, still in previews, time to fix. John, if you're reading this, CALL ME! I don't have a Tony on my mantel like you, but I got some thoughts!
BARBARA COOK at The Carlyle was an inspiration. Her total breakdown during "Smile" was a little unnerving. Since we have some "history," I didn't feel like I was prying when we talked after. Her agent of 30+ years had died the day before. Keep her in your thoughts, gang. She is an icon--and I adore her. At any rate, it was good to see her again, and I always enjoy getting a hug from Barbara...when she hugs you, she means it.
The food was back up to snuff there, too--I had been disappointed the last couple times. Thanks, Anthony, you always do right by me for seating, too!
Naturally had to take in CAST PARTY with Jim Caruso at Birdland. Always fun fun fun!
Wrapped up with the off-Broadway run of "Fabulous Divas of Broadway" starring Alan Parker.
Nice idea. And that's all I have to say about it.
I'm sure I'll remember more tales to tell you when I catch up on my sleep!
XOXO
Stuart