First Edition of Broadway Ballyhoo at 54 Below
Broadway Ballyhoo
54 Below, NYC, June 10, 2014
Reviewed by Ron Forman for Cabaret Scenes
After lengthy runs at Feinstein’s at the Regency and The Laurie Beechman Theatre, Broadway Ballyhoo has a new home the second Tuesday of every month at 54 Below. Each show features different performers singing Broadway show tunes. The first edition at 54 Below featured a parade of truly brilliant voices, each performing two songs. The opening performer, William Michals, used his operatic baritone beautifully to describe what was about to be “Some Enchanted Evening.” One outstanding operatic voice led into another as Raissa Katona Bennett followed with “Think of Me.” Ben Davis performed a thrilling “Dulcinea.” Jana Robbins (pictured) presented a dramatic, gut-wrenching “I’m Still Here.” Although most of the numbers were from classic Broadway shows, David Austin delighted the audience with two of his recent compositions. Cabaret sensation Carole J. Bufford excited also with an exception to the show tune rule with “Who Did That To You” from Django Unchained. Michals, Bennett, Robbins and Bufford added second numbers to make the evening a musical delight. Pianist Ian Herman flawlessly accompanied all of the singers.
I have attended all of the Siegel’s Ballyhoos, and this show was typical of the amazing way he has managed to put together more than 100 of these productions of such high quality.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
