PETER GALLAGHER AT FEINSTEIN'S

I can always count on a great cabaret performance at the Loews Regency Hotel's nightclub, Feinstein's (who I have yet to see perform).  The intimacy of a room with just enough tables to sit anywhere and still be close enough to the entertainer is what makes it works.  This hotel will be up for some renovation as Feinstein's will soon be having a new venue, although I won't know until a few weeks (when it's announced) as to where nor whether it will be temporary.  In the meantime, we have the month of December to look forward to.

I had the pleasure of seeing Peter Gallagher do his thing, calling his act, "How'd All You People Get In My Room".  On this particular evening Gallagher had some friends and family as he sang and told heartwarming stories about his career while imitating many of those he met (such as Jimmy Cagney).

Back in 1977, for instance, while auditioning for the Broadway show, Hair, he sang Paul Anka's hit "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and whereas performers are halted after eight bars, they allowed him to finish the song. "My knees buckled, and my eyes filled with tears". 

Gallagher had a story for each of the songs including a duet with his 19-year-old daughter Kathryn singing "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)".  He then took a break to allow her to perform her original "rock-ballad" song, "Damaged".

A quartet, led by pianist Jeff Collela, accompanied the evening's performance as Gallagher strolled through the audience a few times singing to the ladies.  We got to hear, "Luck Be A Lady" from when he was in Guys And Dolls.

Gallagher certainly has a whole bunch of talent, with a career that spans Broadway, movies and television (including "The O.C.").  He's a mere 57-years-old.  Expect to see and hear a lot more of him.