21 SHOWS! OVER 100 ARTISTS!
With current producer Sue Matsuki at the helm (read NiteLife Exchanges with Sue), WINTER RHYTHMS 2023 marks the 15th year that Urban Stages welcomes noted musical artists to its stage during the holiday period. Our annual festival has received a Bistro Award for Outstanding Series and the Ruth Kurtzman Benefit Series MAC Award amongst other accolades. Turning Urban Stages theater into an intimate music venue, WINTER RHYTHMS brings the talents of well-known and up-and-coming singers, musicians, lyricists and composers to the attention of the New York theater community. All proceeds go to Urban Stages’ Outreach, a city-wide program that tours and makes available online free plays and art programming for all ages. Outreach is a key part of Urban Stages’ mission to champion diverse artists and make art, theater, and education available for all.
All tickets are $35
(except Our Opening Night Gala which is $60
and Part 2 of the Algonquin Retrospective which is $40).
All proceeds benefit art, theater and education (via Urban Stages Outreach Program).
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
7:30pm
Michael Colby Presents "Nights at the Algonquin"
(Part 1 of Algonquin Retrospective)
A historic evening spotlighting stars of the legendary Oak Room Supper Club. Appearing are Karen Akers, Natalie Douglas, Jeff Harnar, Boots Maleson, Mark Nadler, Karen Oberlin, Steve Ross, Daryl Sherman, KT Sullivan. Photographs, recollections, and favorite songs from a golden era in NY cabaret. Hosted by Michael Colby ("The Algonquin Kid"). Directed by Sara Louise Lazarus. Musical Director: Alex Rybeck.
To read an article on Michael and this event, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/f4JzKkRFa1c?si=aCQt2OCQMaO8-Z8-
7:00pm-7:30pm - Champagne and Wine
7:30pm - The Show!
After The Show - Hors D'oeuvres and Drinks!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
See Both Dec 7 Shows for Just $60 - CLICK HERE
7:00pm
Rosemary Loar in "STING*chronicity"
Rosemary Loar’s STING*chronicity does what all good songbook shows are supposed to do: give you a fresh interpretation on the music of the composer. Rosemary does more than that in STING*chronicity. The songs are wrapped in a theatrical conceit, a series of monologues unveiling different characters, each with a unique perspective on the music of Sting. Musical Director: Frank Ponzio with Tom Hubbard on bass.
Rosemary Loar is a veteran of six Broadway shows and has had leading roles in two Off-Broadway productions, four national tours and numerous regional theaters, including, Mame, Mama Rose (Gypsy) and Grizabella (Cats.) Rosemary is also no stranger to the concert stage. She was the featured vocalist for the PBS-TV production, New Year’s Eve with Guy Lombardo, which was a staple of the winter holiday season for 4 years. She performed at Town Hall with Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion and at Carnegie Hall (concert version of the Broadway show Chess). She was a featured soloist for the prestigious Lyrics and Lyricist series at the New York City 92nd Street YMCA Ms. Loar has been a cabaret and jazz artist for over 35 years and has just returned from Palermo, Italy where she performed in the Sicilian Jazz Festival. In 2014 won the prestigious Hanson Award for continued excellence in Cabaret. To learn more: rosemaryloar.com
9:00pm
”And the Winner Is...” Ann Talman, Danny Bolero & Josephine Sanges
Matsuki Productions presents three of this year's MAC and Bistro Award Winners who will be sharing a bit of each of their award-winning shows on one stage…TONIGHT! We have Ann Talman in "Elizabeth Taylor: The Shadow of Her Smile" with Alex Rybek, Danny Bolero in "They Call Me Cuban Pete" with Drew Wutke. And Josephine Sanges in "The Funny Girl in Me" with John Cook.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
See Both Dec 8 Shows for Just $60 - CLICK HERE
7:00pm
Celia Berk sings: "A Dream and a Song: The Musical Stories of Elizabeth Sullivan”
Award-winning vocalist Celia Berk shares highlights from the songbook and writings of Elizabeth Sullivan. Shaped by a life on the Oklahoma prairie — and deeply informed by her spirituality — Elizabeth writes about family, love and loss, and the creative impulse. Her music has been performed in iconic venues including Carnegie’s Weill and Zankel Recital Halls, the National Arts Club and The Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room. Musical Director: Jon Weber with Stephen Benson on guitar and Seoyeon Im on violin. Directed by: Jeff Harnar.
9:00pm
Sara Louise Lazarus Presents "Circle Sings the Seasons "
The graduating class from Circle in the Square Theatre School is delighted to be invited back to Urban Stages' Winter Rhythms Series after their exciting holiday show last year. Nineteen talented singers will take the stage to share solos, duets and group songs with humor, musicality, and harmony. Come join the fun! Producer: Sara Louise Lazarus. Musical Director: Joseph Baker.
Use Student Code: WRS2023 for a $20 ticket with student ID at check-in.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
See Both Dec 9 Shows for Just $60 - CLICK HERE
3:00pm
Signasium presents “Blame it on the Mouse! Celebrating 100 Years of Disney Magic”
Singnasium, New York’s first Cabaret and performing arts school will celebrate the wonder of Disney! Featuring: Natalie Ault, Jenn Bornstein, Bianca Kroening, Justin Dylan Nastro, Julie Salzano, Misako Yamagishi and Deborah Zecher. Musical Director: Steven Ray Watkins. Directed by: Lennie Watts. For more information please visit: singnasium.org
7:00pm
Patti Bottino-Bravo in “ACT 3!”
Patti Bottino-Bravo celebrates endings, beginnings, and everything in between with the Gregory Toroian Trio. When a half-century of working a day job ends, and the expectations don't quite meet the reality, the only thing to do about it is... SING! Directed by Lina Koutrakos, Bottino-Bravo and her accomplished musicians, musical director/arranger Gregory Toroian on piano, Skip Ward on bass, and David Silliman on drums, deliver an entertaining, poignant, and inspiring take on reflection and renewal, looking back and moving forward with thoughtful observations and a “ya just gotta laugh” outlook on life.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
1:00pm
Rebel Squeezebox starring Mary Spencer Knapp
Accordionist, actor and educator Mary Spencer Knapp in Rebel Squeezebox: a dazzling world music journey through the histories of women who revolutionized the Accordion. What is the accordion and who plays it?? Broadway accordionist and childhood music educator Mary Spencer Knapp takes us on a musical journey to meet some of the squeezebox’s most influential players from around the world. Together we will learn about Creole zydeco music from Louisiana’s legendary Queen Ida, experimental music from the legacy of Pauline Oliveros and merengue tipico from Republica Dominicana’s Fefita La Grande! Get ready to dance, shake... and squeeze!
$5 KID TICKETS AVAILABLE!*
*Children must be under 12 and accompanied by at least 1 adult who has purchased a General Admissions ticket.
3:00pm
Michael Colby Presents "Created at the Algonquin"
(Part 2 of Algonquin Retrospective)
A tribute to songs from musicals written (in part) at the hotel. The musicals include MY FAIR LADY, CAMELOT, Noel Coward's SAIL AWAY, and CHARLOTTE SWEET. All-star cast includes Major Attaway, Craig Bierko (singing "Camelot"), Nat Chandler, David Edwards, Shana Farr, Jenn Gambatese, Anita Gillette ("Wouldn't It Be Loverly?"), Leah Hocking, Michael McCoy, Rita Neidich, Jon Peterson, Steve Ross ("Why Must the Wrong People Travel?"), Megan Styrna, Marianne Tatum, and Karen Ziemba
7:00pm
Tom Toce Presents "The Songs of Taylor Swift"
Originally presented at the American Popular Song Society last February, Tom Toce presents The Songs of Taylor Swift. He will be joined by Meg Flather, Hannah Jane, Jillian Mustillo, Megan Styrna, members of the Yale a cappella singing group Something Extra (Kira Berman, Serena Feniger, and Lara Yellin) and others. Over her seventeen-year career, Swift has won twelve Grammys, including three for Album of the Year. This show focuses on the songs she has written, particularly those that work well in a cabaret setting. She has said, “Writing songs is my life’s work and my hobby and my never-ending thrill.” A brilliant and prolific songwriter, Taylor Swift presents a challenge for someone needing to select thirteen songs for a show. This program will delight Swifties who know why there must be thirteen songs and provide an introduction to Taylor Swift the songwriter for those who don’t. Musical Directors: Michael Lavine and Tom Toce.
Use Student Code: WRS2023 for a $20 ticket with student ID at check in.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11
7:00pm
D.C. Anderson Sings his Holiday CD in a LIVE Performance of “All is Calm, All is Bright!”
Bistro Award recipient and multiple MAC nominated cabaret performer/recording artist, Broadway star (Phantom of the Opera, Pippin, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby), and TV actor (Billions, The Blacklist, Late Night with Stephen Colbert) D.C. Anderson will present Yuletide songs by Stephen Sondheim, Mary Rodgers, Jule Styne, Kander and Ebb, David Buskin, Lucy Simon, Susan Birkenhead, Roy Zimmerman, Jane Siberry and Lee Holdridge. D.C.‘s recent holiday collaborations with Steven Landau, Stephen Randoy and Doug Coe will round out his set list. DC has 12 recordings on all streaming services. He has performed seven times in the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret Convention. He and Cameron Silver began Los Angeles’ cabaret organization ‘Cabaret West’. Come see why Broadway World reviewer, Stephen Mosher writes: “D.C. Anderson has a lovely, gentle, sweet-natured quality about him... With each song, Anderson invests himself and his skill into the telling of stories…as though each song is a painting unto itself, and Anderson is using his voice as the master craftsman.” Musical Director: Rose Snyder.
For more information please visit: dcanderson.net
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
See Both Dec 13 Shows for Just $60 - CLICK HERE
7:00pm
Bruce Clough Presents "From Out of the Blues"
A New Orleans inspired funk and blues show, Bruce Clough joins legendary cabaret artists Lennie Watts (director) & Tracy Stark (music director), along with Skip Ward (bass) & Don Kelly (drums) in a timely, uplifting celebration of bluesy music from the New Orleans region. Bruce's last cabaret, The Dark Side, directed by Eric Michael Gillett & musical directed by Barry Levitt, filled houses & earned terrific reviews in 2013. Then he left cabaret to run a high school drama department. Tonight he joins us from out of the blues!
9:00pm
“Hey Y’all & Yee Haw" with Hannah Jane
Bringing a little country to the city, Award-winning cabaret artist Hannah Jane is debuting her first ever country show, "Hey Ya'll and Yee Haw.'' Backed by heartwarming stories of the music that made her, she will feature the Queens of Country Music from the 90's through today that have dominated country music radio across the world. Reliving some of her most vivid childhood memories and the role that country music played in the background of it all, Hannah Jane will have you tapping your toe one minute, singing along to legendary songs the next and maybe shedding a tear or two before it's all over. She's been called "the future of Broadway" by NYC critics, and after this show you are going to see why they have also called her "one of the most versatile talents to be seen on Manhattan stages in a very long time." Come and see for yourself where Hannah Jane got her nickname, the Southern Sweetheart of NYC. To learn more: www.hannahjane.nyc
Musical Director: Jon Weber with Jordan Floro on guitar, Dan Saulpaugh on bass, Austin West on drums and Special Guest: Coco Cohn
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14
See Both Dec 14 Shows for Just $60 - CLICK HERE
7:00pm
Michael Kirk Lane with William TN Hall in “Merry Almost Christmas”
Michael Kirk Lane and William TN Hall reunite for their almost annual holiday show: “Merry Almost Christmas.” Expect classic holiday tunes, specialty numbers, original songs, special guests, and even a puppet or two, in a special evening curated by these two award-winning cabaret artists who've been performing together for over a decade. With Special Guest: Fergie L. Phillipe (Hamilton, Camelot)
William TN Hall is a composer, arranger, teaching artist, music director and performer in New York City. He has contributed music to two musicals currently available for licensing: Methtacular! (Off Broadway, TIME Out New York Critic's Pick) and Songs for a More Funnier World (NYMF Award Winner) He has written music for numerous plays and film and special material for performers including Tony winner Nikki M. James. William is proud to be musical director for R Family Vacations. He has worked extensively in LGBT entertainment whether it be with RuPaul's Drag Race Stars or performing on world famous RSVP, Atlantis and Source cruises. He was also pianist to the legendary late Joan Rivers at her New York engagements. William is a two-time MAC award winner and 2018 BroadwayWorld Winner. He is an alumnus of the BMI Advanced Musical Theatre Writers Workshop. His albums Heights Traffic and Beacon: Holiday Improvisations are available on all digital platforms.
Michael Kirk Lane is an award-winning cabaret artist, most recently winning Manhattan Association of Cabaret Awards in both 2022 and 2020. He also was the recipient of the 2018 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award for Best Cabaret Show. He is the host and producer of 92NY’s series “Cabaret Conversations.” Lane is an Executive Producer of "Duncan the Skunk and the Big Costume Trunk" on Hellosaurus and serves as Associate Producer for No Strings Productions, making puppet films for children in troubled areas of the world. In addition, he is a member of the voice cast for International Children's Television's YouTube series "The Flying Tent". He was also seen Off-Broadway in the cast of “Hell’s Belles.” To learn more: michaelkirklane.com, https://williamtnhall.com
9:00pm
Elizabeth Hayden-Passero in “Swingin’ the Blues Away!”
With Christopher Denny at the piano and Skip Ward on bass, Elizabeth Hayden-Passero takes us on a musical journey about love, loss, and never giving up on your dreams. Elizabeth is a singer, actress, producer, director, casting director, and interior/set designer. She has starred in musicals and sung with orchestras and in cabarets across the country. This January, she directed Casting Aspersions at Urban Stages. In June, she starred as Julia in Noel Coward's Fallen Angels and in November, she played Martha in W. Somerset Maughn’s The Constant Wife, both at the Out of the Box Theatre in Manhattan.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
See Both Dec 15 Shows for Just $60 - CLICK HERE
7:00pm
Matsuki Productions Presents "Legends that 'Muse' Me - Part 1"
Four vocalists perform an eclectic program of songs inspired by their favorite legendary singers and songwriters. Featuring: Maria Corsaro (Carmen McRae), Lionel Shockness (Stephen Sondheim), Eva Steinberg (Peggy Lee) and Leslee Warren (Duke Ellington). Skip Ward on bass. Musical Director: Gregory Toroian.
Vocalist Maria Corsaro believes Carmen McRae to be one of the most influential jazz vocalists of all time - right up there with Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. McRae is known for her connection and interpretation of the lyric, her phrasing, and her earthy vocal tone. This four-song set consists of a ballad, bebop, bossa, and swing. To learn more: https://www.mariacorsaro.com/
New York City native Lionel Shockness has been a longtime regular on the city's cabaret scene with appearances at Sweetwater’s, Don't Tell Mama, The Duplex, and Pangea. Over many years of working as a psychotherapist, Lionel has been inspired by the way Sondheim captures the tenderness and complexity of the human condition. He creates beautiful poetry with all of life’s grief, loss, sorrow, and profound joy! Listening to Sondheim, we can embrace this life with all its seeming contradictions and ambivalences. Sondheim allows us to see our humanity in song.
Eva Steinberg returned to the cabaret stage last year after a 20-year absence with her show, Not Your Mama's Peggy Lee, an exploration of Lee's lesser-known material and a reexamination of some of her classic songs. Eva is happy to share a selection of these songs with you tonight.
Vocalist Leslee Warren is a fan of the art, music, and style that Duke Ellington brought to the Harlem Renaissance. These songs reflect the jazz and joy and sleek blues of an unforgettable era. Leslee is also in the studio working on a recording of her debut solo show, Me Myself & Eye: Songs of a Nearsighted Girl. To learn more: https://lesleewarren.com/
9:00pm
Matsuki Productions Presents "Legends that 'Muse' Me - Part 2"
Four vocalists perform an eclectic program of songs inspired by their favorite legendary singers and songwriters. Featuring: Fred Aiese (Stevie Wonder), Jacqueline Draper (Michel Legrand), Kati Neiheisel (Julie London) and Deborah Stone (Joni Mitchell / Joan Baez). Skip Ward on bass. Musical Director: Gregory Toroian.
Brooklyn-born vocalist Fred Aiese loves Stevie Wonder for his music, especially for his extraordinary vocal range, and his amazing keyboard prowess. On some of his recordings, Wonder plays all the instruments, and his use of the synthesizer was groundbreaking in rhythm and blues. Fred is very pleased and honored to perform four songs which he believes are among Stevie Wonder’s best.
Jacqueline Draper has performed 21 different cabaret shows in NYC–all including dance. Jackie sings in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and, more recently, Portuguese. Michel Legrand has influenced Jacqueline’s repertoire and nourished her soul since childhood with the limitless scope and variety of his musical styles. In her 21 solo shows she has sung a total of 34 different Legrand songs. Legrand’s soaring strains, in both French and English, are treasures that reveal and resonate with personal perspectives from the infinitesimal to the infinite.
A sneak peek at Kati Neiheisel's new show featuring the songs of Julie London, voted Billboard Magazine's Female Artist of the Year in 1955, 1956 and 1957. London was best known for her smooth, smokey and sultry delivery of jazz-inspired tunes, many of which were written by her husband, jazz pianist Bobby Troup, best known for writing the song “Route 66.” The show is directed by Lina Koutrakos, with musical direction by Gregory Toroian. And now... London by Night. To learn more: katineiheisel.com
A native New Yorker, Deborah Stone has been a dancer, actor, and singer on the East and West Coasts, and was a showgirl/dancer in New York City and Dallas. Her new show Take Me Back; Joan, Joni, Dylan and Others is an exploration and celebration of her days as troubadour in NYC, with guitar and song. Two major influences in her musical life were Joan Baez, her original inspiration as a young teen playing folk guitar, and later in life, Joni Mitchell, who “painted our very thoughts” with her songs. To learn more:deborah-stone.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
See Both Dec 16 Shows for Just $60 - CLICK HERE
3:00pm
Shana Farr in “Bernstein to Sondheim: The Barbara Cook Songbook”
Shana Farr brilliantly commands the stage and leads the audience on a journey from a young ingénue to a woman full of life experience - that of Barbara Cook and herself. A feast of vocal amazement and stellar interpretation, paying tribute to Cook with songs by Bernstein, Hammerstein II, Sondheim and more. The show exudes warmth and buoyancy, featuring Cook’s signature songs including “’Til There Was You”, “Ice Cream” and “This Is All Very New to Me”, as well as Bernstein’s “Glitter and Be Gay” and selections from some of Sondheim’s greatest, including Follies, Merrily We Roll Along and Anyone Can Whistle. A must-see show resonating with optimism, sophisticated silliness and worldly wisdom. Music Director: Jon Weber. To learn more: shanafarr.com
7:00pm
Marcus Simeone & Tracy Stark in "Up, Up & Away: The Songs of Jimmy Webb"
Jimmy Webb is one of the most influential and celebrated songwriters in American music history. With a career spanning over five decades, he has written some of the most iconic and timeless songs of all time. From “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” to “Wichita Lineman,” Webb’s music has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. Webb’s songs have been recorded by the greatest voices including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Nina Simone, Isaac Hayes, Art Garfunkel, Linda Ronstadt, Tony Bennett, Michael Feinstein, Michael Ball and Josh Groban. In 2016 Rolling Stone magazine listed Webb as one of the top 50 songwriters of all time. Jimmy Webb was the youngest member ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and served as its Chairman. With solos and duets, Stark and Simeone take you on a journey through Webb’s music and career. Musical Director: Tracy Stark. Directed by Lina Koutrakos.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
See Both Dec 17 Shows for Just $60 - CLICK HERE
3:00pm
Kenny Passarelli & Amy Loper in "Forever is Now: A Story of Love, Music & Transformation"
“Forever Is Now” is the romantic and unlikely story of a professional musician and a retired lawyer who fall in love when they are both eligible for Social Security and start writing songs together a few years later.
Kenny Passarelli has lived a lifetime of music on and off the world stage. He is a multi-instrumental musician, singer, composer, and producer. He has toured and recorded with scores of widely known musicians, including Elton John, Joe Walsh, Stephen Stills, Hall & Oates and Dan Fogelberg. He co-wrote “Rocky Mountain Way” and “Life of Illusion” with Joe Walsh.
Amy Loper was a successful trial lawyer for almost forty years. After she retired, Kenny discovered a singing voice she hadn’t used since college and an unexpected gift for lyric writing.
Kenny and Amy’s late life relationship has resulted in a wonderful catalogue of genre-crossing songs that marry melody and lyric. Join Kenny and Amy as they share their unique and inspiring story and their original music in “Forever Is Now”.
Sizzle reel: https://youtu.be/UJQp0Kypzf4
Check out this article in the Denver: https://www.westword.com/music/kenny-passarelli-amy-loper-musical-love-story-17165268
7:00pm
Tom Toce Presents "Songs of Hope VI"
This show has become an annual tradition here at Winter Rhythms. We always close the festival with this upbeat show of songs to inspire us to keep going. This year Tom Toce has joined forces with co-producers, Ritt Henn (also on bass) and Beth Falcone (also the Musical Director). We love ending this series with love and hope! Performers include Fred Caruso, Christine de Frece, Renee Katz, Madalynn Mathews, Linda Mironti, Sidney Myer, Woody Regan, Julie Reyburn, Adrien Rolet, and Jane Seaman.
Winter Rhythms’ Assistant & Banner Graphic Designer, Kati Neiheisel