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
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
ANOTHER SEASON DRAWS TO A SPECTACULAR CONCLUSION!
I KNOW that sometimes I sound like a broken record.
I KNOW that I tell you all our shows are fantastic (and, well, they are).
But what YOU may not KNOW is that the upcoming show is truly the one I have been the most excited about all season.
"Why," you ask?
Easy. It's unlike anything we've ever presented.
I'll let their work speak for themselves.
Hit some of the YouTube links to the right.
You'll see what I mean.
And LIVE & IN PERSON is truly unbelievable.
Come on out to the show.
As a special incentive:
IF YOU ORDER YOUR TICKET BEFORE APRIL 18th, I'LL BUY YOUR FIRST COCKTAIL!
Here's the info:
TOXIC AUDIO
April 30-May 1, 2009
8:30 pm (pre-show dinner available at 7:00)
The Mansion at Judges' Hill (MLK & Rio Grande)
Tickets $39
Call Stuart directly: 512-BUY-ACTS
More audio and video at www.toxicaudio.com
I'll see you all at the cabaret...PLEASE help us spread the word!
XOXO
Stuart
I KNOW that I tell you all our shows are fantastic (and, well, they are).
But what YOU may not KNOW is that the upcoming show is truly the one I have been the most excited about all season.
"Why," you ask?
Easy. It's unlike anything we've ever presented.
I'll let their work speak for themselves.
Hit some of the YouTube links to the right.
You'll see what I mean.
And LIVE & IN PERSON is truly unbelievable.
Come on out to the show.
As a special incentive:
IF YOU ORDER YOUR TICKET BEFORE APRIL 18th, I'LL BUY YOUR FIRST COCKTAIL!
Here's the info:
TOXIC AUDIO
April 30-May 1, 2009
8:30 pm (pre-show dinner available at 7:00)
The Mansion at Judges' Hill (MLK & Rio Grande)
Tickets $39
Call Stuart directly: 512-BUY-ACTS
More audio and video at www.toxicaudio.com
I'll see you all at the cabaret...PLEASE help us spread the word!
XOXO
Stuart
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Latest from the Big Apple...
Greetings!
I have just returned from New York, and a whirl-wind cabaret and theatre trip that still has me flying high. National Board member Jody Jackson and I had some theatrical "catch-up" to do, and since it was spring break, she brought along her daughter, Bailey, and daughter's best friend, Morgan. Good girls. For teenagers. 'Nuff said.
(kidding--adore you both!!!)
Upon arrival, dinner of course at Chez Josephine, then a dash up to Bemelmen's Bar at the Carlyle to hear our fav's, the Loston Harris Trio. While there, Tony--the magnificent maitre'd in the Cafe Carlyle--came through and invited us to Barbara Junger's 10:45 show. In a word, DIVINE. This British chanteuse blew us away. I had lunch with her a few days later, and we're starting the "ball rolling" to bring her to ACT.
The matinee of Distracted (a Roundabout Theatre production), starred "Sex In The City's" Cynthia Nixon and was sheer genuis. Funny, touching, thoughtful, and impeccably directed.
That evening was a performance of Hair that was one of the most celebratory evenings of theatre I've had in a long time (outside of Austin Cabaret Theatre, of course!). The uber-talented cast of this revival deserves a Tony Award for Best Ensemble performance.
A lovely coffee date with singer-songwriter Amanda Green was terrific, and talks are underway to get this wildly talented woman to Austin, as well.
John Tartaglia's cabaret at Feinstein's was absolutely darling--fun, sweet, delightful--all the things John himself is. That was followed up by an incredible evening at Birdland for Jim Caruso's Cast Party!
Tuesday evening brought us to Blithe Spirit starring Angela Lansbury, Christine Ebersole, and Rupert Everett. This Noel Coward revival boasted strong performances, despite some lacking direction.
Any chance to see Ms. Lansbury on stage is truly an honor, and she didn't disappoint!
Post-bows, we dashed up to the Iridium Jazz Room to hear Terese Genecco and her "little big band." Anyone who can do justice to the songbook of Francis Faye is ok in my book.
The matinee of B'way's revival of West Side Story closed the trip (ok, the show, then a cosmo at Sardi's...), and while uneven, had many high points--namely Matt Cavinaugh's rendition of "Maria," which can make even the most jaded theatre-goer swoon. An extra plus was going to the show with the brilliant Paige Davis and her dashing husband, Patrick Page.
When not sitting in a theatre or cabaret room, Jody and I were shopping for some finishing touches on the apartment...
IF YOU NEED A PLACE TO STAY IN MANHATTAN, WE ARE OPERATING IT AS A VACATION RENTAL! LET ME KNOW! WE'LL GIVE YOU A GREAT DEAL!
Finally...
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
TOXIC AUDIO
comes to ACT April 30-May 1.
If you don't attend another event this year, DO NOT MISS THIS ONE.
They will blow you away.
Five Voices. No Instruments.
Never underestimate the power of the human voice.
Tickets: 453-ACTS
Call now! Seats are going fast--not that you'll be able to stay in them!
Take care, and we'll see you at the Cabaret!
XO
Stuart
I have just returned from New York, and a whirl-wind cabaret and theatre trip that still has me flying high. National Board member Jody Jackson and I had some theatrical "catch-up" to do, and since it was spring break, she brought along her daughter, Bailey, and daughter's best friend, Morgan. Good girls. For teenagers. 'Nuff said.
(kidding--adore you both!!!)
Upon arrival, dinner of course at Chez Josephine, then a dash up to Bemelmen's Bar at the Carlyle to hear our fav's, the Loston Harris Trio. While there, Tony--the magnificent maitre'd in the Cafe Carlyle--came through and invited us to Barbara Junger's 10:45 show. In a word, DIVINE. This British chanteuse blew us away. I had lunch with her a few days later, and we're starting the "ball rolling" to bring her to ACT.
The matinee of Distracted (a Roundabout Theatre production), starred "Sex In The City's" Cynthia Nixon and was sheer genuis. Funny, touching, thoughtful, and impeccably directed.
That evening was a performance of Hair that was one of the most celebratory evenings of theatre I've had in a long time (outside of Austin Cabaret Theatre, of course!). The uber-talented cast of this revival deserves a Tony Award for Best Ensemble performance.
A lovely coffee date with singer-songwriter Amanda Green was terrific, and talks are underway to get this wildly talented woman to Austin, as well.
John Tartaglia's cabaret at Feinstein's was absolutely darling--fun, sweet, delightful--all the things John himself is. That was followed up by an incredible evening at Birdland for Jim Caruso's Cast Party!
Tuesday evening brought us to Blithe Spirit starring Angela Lansbury, Christine Ebersole, and Rupert Everett. This Noel Coward revival boasted strong performances, despite some lacking direction.
Any chance to see Ms. Lansbury on stage is truly an honor, and she didn't disappoint!
Post-bows, we dashed up to the Iridium Jazz Room to hear Terese Genecco and her "little big band." Anyone who can do justice to the songbook of Francis Faye is ok in my book.
The matinee of B'way's revival of West Side Story closed the trip (ok, the show, then a cosmo at Sardi's...), and while uneven, had many high points--namely Matt Cavinaugh's rendition of "Maria," which can make even the most jaded theatre-goer swoon. An extra plus was going to the show with the brilliant Paige Davis and her dashing husband, Patrick Page.
When not sitting in a theatre or cabaret room, Jody and I were shopping for some finishing touches on the apartment...
IF YOU NEED A PLACE TO STAY IN MANHATTAN, WE ARE OPERATING IT AS A VACATION RENTAL! LET ME KNOW! WE'LL GIVE YOU A GREAT DEAL!
Finally...
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
TOXIC AUDIO
comes to ACT April 30-May 1.
If you don't attend another event this year, DO NOT MISS THIS ONE.
They will blow you away.
Five Voices. No Instruments.
Never underestimate the power of the human voice.
Tickets: 453-ACTS
Call now! Seats are going fast--not that you'll be able to stay in them!
Take care, and we'll see you at the Cabaret!
XO
Stuart
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Back from "Circling the Globe" to bring you the best entertainment!
Ok, so really I was on vacation...
BUT...
while in London and Paris I did take advantage of the extraordinary entertainment scene.
We caught the delightful West End revival of La Cage aux Folles starring the talented Graham Norton. I wish HE would have done the role on Broadway instead of the scenery-chewing, mugging mess that was Gary Beach.
But I digress...
We also went to Madame JoJo's to catch a mixed bag cabaret night...the outstanding segment being a duo called Frisky and Mannish who were the British equivalent of Holland and Mack, two ACT favorites.
Clever, brilliant stuff.
In Paris, naturally we had to catch the new show at The Lido, a mainstay of extravagant entertainment. A LOT of birds died to costume that show...wow...
The architecture was stunning in both cities, and we made some terrific friends, namely Stuart Saint (thank you, Jenny Stewart!!!) in London, and Ali & Guillaume in Paris, who design and operate my new favorite jewelry boutique, Gavilane. I bought lots of it. You'll be seeing it at our shows...
Speaking of which...
The amazing SHARON MONTGOMERY
graces our stage March 26-27!
Dinner available pre-show!
Call:
453-2287 for tickets!
"Sharon Montgomery is a fantastic party you're glad you went to...funny, brilliantly talented, and full of surprises." --Liza Minnelli
NEED WE SAY MORE?!?!
More news soon...and make sure you "friend" Austin Cabaret on Facebook!!!
XOXO
Stuart
BUT...
while in London and Paris I did take advantage of the extraordinary entertainment scene.
We caught the delightful West End revival of La Cage aux Folles starring the talented Graham Norton. I wish HE would have done the role on Broadway instead of the scenery-chewing, mugging mess that was Gary Beach.
But I digress...
We also went to Madame JoJo's to catch a mixed bag cabaret night...the outstanding segment being a duo called Frisky and Mannish who were the British equivalent of Holland and Mack, two ACT favorites.
Clever, brilliant stuff.
In Paris, naturally we had to catch the new show at The Lido, a mainstay of extravagant entertainment. A LOT of birds died to costume that show...wow...
The architecture was stunning in both cities, and we made some terrific friends, namely Stuart Saint (thank you, Jenny Stewart!!!) in London, and Ali & Guillaume in Paris, who design and operate my new favorite jewelry boutique, Gavilane. I bought lots of it. You'll be seeing it at our shows...
Speaking of which...
The amazing SHARON MONTGOMERY
graces our stage March 26-27!
Dinner available pre-show!
Call:
453-2287 for tickets!
"Sharon Montgomery is a fantastic party you're glad you went to...funny, brilliantly talented, and full of surprises." --Liza Minnelli
NEED WE SAY MORE?!?!
More news soon...and make sure you "friend" Austin Cabaret on Facebook!!!
XOXO
Stuart
Monday, February 9, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Greetings!
Many of you have seen the amazing, talented, and stunning ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY on our stage at Austin Cabaret Theatre. If you haven't seen her, then you simply do not know what you're missing. Here's your chance...Ann will be back in Austin with Ramsey Lewis (fabulous!) at THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE for a Valentine's concert!
This is not an ACT show, but both Ann & the Paramount are part of our family, so please support the arts in Austin...plus, if you're REALLY trying to make someone your Valentine, then this will impress the socks (and most likely other articles of clothing) off of them.
You can get tickets and info at www.austintheatre.org
I'm just back from New York, where I got to see a couple of our "ACT Alums!"
Kevin Spirtas and I had coffee and caught up--he'll be doing a lot of concert appearances, so check out his site for info:
www.kevinspirtas.com
Also, Paige Davis and I had dinner. The Delightful Ms. D. has several irons in the fire (as usual...I swear, she's the hardest working woman in show business...) and both she and Kevs send their love to our fantastic patrons.
I managed to grab drinks with buddies Doug Wilson (also from TLC) and Randall Tang, make-up genius to the stars...a terrific evening and much needed diversion from the work-load of the trip.
Finally, DON'T FORGET we have SHARON MONTGOMERY gracing our stage at The Mansion at Judges' Hill on March 26-27.
More on that soon...I'm off to a much needed vacation.
See you at the cabaret, ol' chums!!!
XO
Stuart
Many of you have seen the amazing, talented, and stunning ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY on our stage at Austin Cabaret Theatre. If you haven't seen her, then you simply do not know what you're missing. Here's your chance...Ann will be back in Austin with Ramsey Lewis (fabulous!) at THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE for a Valentine's concert!
This is not an ACT show, but both Ann & the Paramount are part of our family, so please support the arts in Austin...plus, if you're REALLY trying to make someone your Valentine, then this will impress the socks (and most likely other articles of clothing) off of them.
You can get tickets and info at www.austintheatre.org
I'm just back from New York, where I got to see a couple of our "ACT Alums!"
Kevin Spirtas and I had coffee and caught up--he'll be doing a lot of concert appearances, so check out his site for info:
www.kevinspirtas.com
Also, Paige Davis and I had dinner. The Delightful Ms. D. has several irons in the fire (as usual...I swear, she's the hardest working woman in show business...) and both she and Kevs send their love to our fantastic patrons.
I managed to grab drinks with buddies Doug Wilson (also from TLC) and Randall Tang, make-up genius to the stars...a terrific evening and much needed diversion from the work-load of the trip.
Finally, DON'T FORGET we have SHARON MONTGOMERY gracing our stage at The Mansion at Judges' Hill on March 26-27.
More on that soon...I'm off to a much needed vacation.
See you at the cabaret, ol' chums!!!
XO
Stuart
Thursday, January 22, 2009
It's PARTY time!!!
Hello, friends!
Just a quick note to say don't miss
JIM CARUSO's CAST PARTY
with the amazing BILLY STRITCH!!!
And here's special incentive...
DISCOUNT TICKETS!
Go to:
http://nowplayingaustin.tix.com/Schedule.asp?ActCode=34337
and you can order tickets (regular price $39) for
ONLY $19
Think of it as the Austin Cabaret Theatre Entertainment Bail-Out!
That's right, we're throwing a party and want to make sure you come!
This open mic crazy cabaret will have you in hysterics.
Let's pack the house and show Jim & Billy that we are thrilled Texas' favorite sons have returned home!
January 29-30, dinner available at 7:00, show at 8:30.
The Mansion at Judges' Hill, MLK & Rio Grande
SEE YOU AT THE CABARET!!!
XO
STUART
Just a quick note to say don't miss
JIM CARUSO's CAST PARTY
with the amazing BILLY STRITCH!!!
And here's special incentive...
DISCOUNT TICKETS!
Go to:
http://nowplayingaustin.tix.com/Schedule.asp?ActCode=34337
and you can order tickets (regular price $39) for
ONLY $19
Think of it as the Austin Cabaret Theatre Entertainment Bail-Out!
That's right, we're throwing a party and want to make sure you come!
This open mic crazy cabaret will have you in hysterics.
Let's pack the house and show Jim & Billy that we are thrilled Texas' favorite sons have returned home!
January 29-30, dinner available at 7:00, show at 8:30.
The Mansion at Judges' Hill, MLK & Rio Grande
SEE YOU AT THE CABARET!!!
XO
STUART
Friday, January 9, 2009
A (belated) New York report and WHAT's NEXT!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL from AUSTIN CABARET THEATRE!
December of 2008 brought laughter and tears, both.
The loss of the extraordinary (and ACT alum) Eartha Kitt was a blow.
(see previous blog)
However, in E.K.'s celebratory spirit, we press onward and upward. And one of the most soaring, life-altering shows I've seen in a long time was LIZA'S AT THE PALACE. It went beyond my wildest dreams, and prominently featured ACT's next stellar entertainers,
JIM CARUSO
&
BILLY STRITCH
who grace our stage JANUARY 29-30 with
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY!
This crazy, no-holds-barred evening of entertainment will feature the wildly talented Jim & Billy, as well as some of Austin's best crooners, belters, and entertainment oddities!
ORDER YOUR TICKETS AT 453-ACTS.
Show at 8:30, Scrumtious dinner by Sterling Affairs starts at 7:00.
Mention you saw the info on the blog and get a discount on your show ticket!!! Call me for more info.
Ok, back to New York...
With raised eyebrow and crossed arms I took my seat at All My Sons, thinking "Ok, Mrs. Tom Cruise, let's see how you fare with real actors." I had to revise that line of thinking. John Lithgow, brilliant. Dianne Wiest, heartbreakingly real. Patrick Wilson, transcendant. Katie Holmes, terrific. I got to go to the opening night party for the show back in the Fall, and am thrilled I finally got to see it.
I took in the new Roundabout Theatre production of Pal Joey. Stockard Channing was not only stunning, but perfect in the role of Vera Simpson. And Martha Plimpton was hysterical--and brilliantly bitchy--as Gladys Bumps. Matthew Risch--replacing the injured Christian Hoff permanently in the production--did the best he could with an unlikeable character, Joey. Gorgeous show, as all are at Roundabout, but not my favorite thing they've ever done...
We found ourselves at the DUPLEX to catch Michael Holland and Karen Mack (also ACT alums and chums) and had a ball. Or was it a high-ball? or four?
Love them.
Naturally, it wasn't the Holidays without the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. If you have never gone, just book the trip now. I promise you it's worth it.
Joe's Pub brought us the most irreverant, dirty, politically incorrect, HYSTERICAL and FABULOUS show, Jackie Hoffman: Scraping the Bottom--the Hannukah Show.
And I desperately want to book it for ACT.
So...now you're caught up!
Don't forget to order those CAST PARTY tickets. We'll see you at the Cabaret!
XOXO
Stuart
December of 2008 brought laughter and tears, both.
The loss of the extraordinary (and ACT alum) Eartha Kitt was a blow.
(see previous blog)
However, in E.K.'s celebratory spirit, we press onward and upward. And one of the most soaring, life-altering shows I've seen in a long time was LIZA'S AT THE PALACE. It went beyond my wildest dreams, and prominently featured ACT's next stellar entertainers,
JIM CARUSO
&
BILLY STRITCH
who grace our stage JANUARY 29-30 with
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY!
This crazy, no-holds-barred evening of entertainment will feature the wildly talented Jim & Billy, as well as some of Austin's best crooners, belters, and entertainment oddities!
ORDER YOUR TICKETS AT 453-ACTS.
Show at 8:30, Scrumtious dinner by Sterling Affairs starts at 7:00.
Mention you saw the info on the blog and get a discount on your show ticket!!! Call me for more info.
Ok, back to New York...
With raised eyebrow and crossed arms I took my seat at All My Sons, thinking "Ok, Mrs. Tom Cruise, let's see how you fare with real actors." I had to revise that line of thinking. John Lithgow, brilliant. Dianne Wiest, heartbreakingly real. Patrick Wilson, transcendant. Katie Holmes, terrific. I got to go to the opening night party for the show back in the Fall, and am thrilled I finally got to see it.
I took in the new Roundabout Theatre production of Pal Joey. Stockard Channing was not only stunning, but perfect in the role of Vera Simpson. And Martha Plimpton was hysterical--and brilliantly bitchy--as Gladys Bumps. Matthew Risch--replacing the injured Christian Hoff permanently in the production--did the best he could with an unlikeable character, Joey. Gorgeous show, as all are at Roundabout, but not my favorite thing they've ever done...
We found ourselves at the DUPLEX to catch Michael Holland and Karen Mack (also ACT alums and chums) and had a ball. Or was it a high-ball? or four?
Love them.
Naturally, it wasn't the Holidays without the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. If you have never gone, just book the trip now. I promise you it's worth it.
Joe's Pub brought us the most irreverant, dirty, politically incorrect, HYSTERICAL and FABULOUS show, Jackie Hoffman: Scraping the Bottom--the Hannukah Show.
And I desperately want to book it for ACT.
So...now you're caught up!
Don't forget to order those CAST PARTY tickets. We'll see you at the Cabaret!
XOXO
Stuart
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