Bill Boggs News

The 13th Street Repertory Theater will offer talkbacks--in which audience members can ask any questions they like of the actors, playwright, and choreographers-after select performances of ASCAP award-winner Chip Deffaa's new musical comedy, "Theater Boys." The show-about actors auditioning for a gay musical--opens Sunday, September 21st. Talkbacks will held after the following performances: Sunday, September 21st at 3 p.m; Thursday, September 25th at 7 pm; Sunday, September 28th at 3 p.m.; Thursday, October 2nd at 7 pm; Sunday, October 5th at 3 p.m.; Thursday, Oct 9th at 7 pm; Sunday, October 12th at 3 p.m; Thursday October 16th at 7 p.m.; Thursday, October 23rd at 7 pm; Sunday, October 26th at 3 pm.

Jurassic Park star Jeff Goldblum just opened the legendary New York City cabaret Cafe Carlyle with his jazz band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage from his show!

Hailed as "two parts Sinatra, one part Billy Joel, meshed seamlessly" by the New York Times, singer, pianist and songwriter Tony DeSare returns to Feinstein's at the Nikko with his brand new show, Night Life, for two performances only - Thursday, October 16 (8 p.m.) and Friday, October 17 (8 p.m.). Tony DeSare's new show will explore some of the most hauntingly beautiful and memorable melodies ever written, both old and new, plus a few new DeSare originals. From Cole Porter and Duke Ellington to Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Willie Nelson, the only requirement is a sophisticated, romantic and swinging melody. Add in a martini or two and you have the quintessential night out on the town. Tickets for Tony DeSare range in price from $40-$55 and are available now by calling 866.663.1063 or visiting www.ticketweb.com.

Last night were the finals of the MetroStar Talent Challenge and BroadwayWorld was there. One by one the nervous five entered the dark room and the process started. The judges were identified and their qualifications noted by host Tom Gamblin.

On Monday, in one of the most competitive MetroStar competitions to date, five finalists were selected to move on to the two-week finals of the 7th annual MetroStar Talent Challenge. The five finalists, who will go head-to-head the next two Mondays, August 18 and 25, are Joanna Morton Gary, Lindsey Holloway, Leah Jennings, David LaMarr and Kristoffer Lowe. The Top 5, narrowed down from a group of nine semifinalists, are the last singers singing from an initial pool of 48 when the 8-week competition began on July 7.

Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars! Well after Broadway orchestra's begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven- o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you some cabaret highlights for this week, including: Under the Covers, The Lady with the Torch, Dare to Dream, A Taylor Swift Love Story, and Freestyle Love Supreme.

New York's Metropolitan Room is extending its deadline for applications for this year's 2014 "MetroStar Talent Challenge" to July 4.

Ervin Drake has had many birthday tributes recently and one of the most interesting ones was held at the legendary Friars Club. Host and well known interviewer Bill Boggs, together with music critic/historian/author Will Friedwald traced the life of the 95 year old music icon.

Tommy Tune, the nine-time Tony Award-winning singer/actor/dancer, will make his Cafe Carlyle debut with More Taps, Tunes and Tall Tales, through May 3. The show features Musical Director Michael Biagi on piano. BroadwayWord brings you photos from his concert below!

Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC), dedicated to advancing the art and business of live entertainment, held their 28th Annual MAC Awards celebration last evening at BB King's Blues club in Times Square. Winners in twenty-five categories were announced. The show was hosted by the vivacious singer, band leader, multiple MAC Award winner and 2014 Nominee, Terese Genecco. The gala was produced by Julie Miller and directed by Lennie Watts, the current MAC President. Don Rebic served as Musical Director. Presenters included Will Friedwald of the Wall Street Journal and designer Bob Mackie. CLICK HERE for a full list of winners.

Frank Wildhorn with Jane Monheit & Clint Holmes continues 'At the Piano in Song and Story', featuring Wildhorn's pop, jazz, and theatre songbook at Cafe Carlyle, through February 1st, 2014. Check out phtos from the concert below!

Last night, Jan. 25, KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler brought A SWELL PARTY, a tribute to Cole Porter to 54 Below. BroadwayWorld was on the scene to bring you coverage of the show - check out photos below!

Frank Sinatra Jr. and Steve Tyrell headlined "Come Fly with Me: Celebrate Sinatra's Songwriter"-a special program honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary songwriter Sammy Cahn. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and New Jersey Performing Arts Center co-presented the one-day-only program on Sunday, November 24, at NJPAC in Newark.

Urban Stages (Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director), in association with producer/director/lyricist Peter Napolitano announces a series of musical evenings entitled WINTER RHYTHMS 2013, beginning on Tuesday, December 3 and running through Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). Tickets are $30 per show (unless otherwise noted).Tickets may be purchased on www.smarttix.com or 212 868-4444.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel present John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey playing through November 23-Tuesday to Friday, 8:45 p.m., Saturday, 8:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m., and an additional show at 10:45 p.m. Friday, November 22. Check out photos from the opening night concert below!

Friar Neil Sedaka, wife Leba and daughter Dara were in the Frank Sinatra Room of the Friars Club last night to attend a Tribute Show to Connie Francis and Neil Sedaka. Jenna Esposito and Jim Van Slyke performed the hit songs of Connie & Neil and the show was produced by Jeff Leibowitz, Laura Slutsky and Jenna. Friar Bill Boggs hosted. A special Tribute Menu was presented by Friars Chef Anatoly Veksler. It consisted of "Stupid Cupid Vegetables, Mama's Potato Crusted Brook Trout, Roasted Loin of Veal Is Hard To Do, Artichoke & Peppers On Your Collar Chicken Breast and Where The Chocoholics Are Pyramid." Connie Francis was present via a wonderful video message. An emotional highlight of the evening was when Neil was "coaxed" to take the piano bench. He sang a song he wrote for his cousin who recently passed away..Eydie Gorme.

Hotel Nikko San Francisco and Michael Feinstein are thrilled to welcome singer, pianist and songwriter Tony DeSare to Feinstein's at the Nikko for two performances only - tonight, October 25 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, October 26 (7 p.m.). Located within Hotel Nikko (222 Mason Street, San Francisco), Feinstein's at the Nikko presents a wide range of entertainers from stage and screen all within an intimate 140-seat cabaret setting.

For four magical nights in October, the Mabel Mercer Foundation present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll. Jones was just honoerd during the festivities and you can check out photos below!

A tribute to one of the great Friars was held at the legendary club last night. Significantly it was held in the Frank Sinatra room, the crooner who is most identified with Sammy Cahn's songs. Songwriter Sammy Cahn career was presented in live performance, rare video clips, and historical lecture.

For four magical nights this week, the Mabel Mercer Foundation will present a sparkling array of America's leading cabaret stars. Among the 60 outstanding artists who will take the stage at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center from today, October 7th through 10th are multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Jones, Marilyn Maye, Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Nellie McKay, and Barbara Carroll.