SARAH RICE BOOKING

SARAH RICE

Glamorous Nights & Careless Rapture

Music of the Era of Downton Abbey, Gosford Park and more...

Featuring the songs of Ivor Novello, Noel Coward and British Music Hall.

March 3 @ 7PM

Sunday

Sarah Rice, Vocals & Theremin

William Zeffiro, Piano & Vocals

Maria Banks, Harp

Jonathan Russell, Violin

One of the most dazzling and beloved singers on the worldwide cabaret and concert scene today, multiple award winner Sarah Rice brings Glamorous Nights and Careless Rapture -- Music of the Era of Downton Abbey, Gosford Park and more... to 54 Below in a special one night only performance.

Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince chose Sarah to become part of musical theatre history when she was cast as the original Johanna in SWEENEY TODD on Broadway, for which she won a Theatre World Award and recorded on RCA. This recording won a Grammy for best show album and SWEENEY swept the Tony awards, including best show. Her recording of "Green Finch and Linnet Bird", was recently chosen by Stephen Sondheim to be on a CD of his favorite renditions of his own works, "Stephen Sondheim: The Story So Far..." on the Masterworks Broadway/Legacy label. She has since gone on to perform leading soprano and dramatic roles all over the world.

An evening to delight the senses, join Sarah as she takes you back in time to an era of glamorous elegance and exquisite beauty, depicted in the film and television classics Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, and more! A match made in musical heaven, celebrating the songs of Ivor Novello, Noel Coward and British Music Hall and more, she is accompanied by Bill Zeffiro, Piano, Maria Banks, Harp, and Jonathan Russell, Violin. And maybe she will even play a tune on the theremin!  Think evening brandy & tiaras. Dress for dinner! White tie and tails optional. www.SarahRice.com

"Another highlight, Sarah Rice, the original Johanna from "Sweeney Todd," singing in her spine-tingling soprano, "I Could be Happy with One Little, Little Boy" moved off the stage and elegantly through the crowd, searching each male face. I felt like Odysseus tied to the mast when this siren caught me in her gaze and sang directly to me." By Tom Dworetzky / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 2013

"Gloriously sung, or held back, the showcase presents different sides of the radiant Rice voice." -- Rob Lester, Cabaret Scenes

"it is evident that her voice remains a ravishing instrument" -- Roy Sander, Bistro Awards

"And this Tuesday night she wasn't just funny. She played the theremin (would you believe!),  — and she just brought the house down." By Tom Dworetzky / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 2013

54 Below

254 W 54th St, Cellar

New York, NY 10019

Maitre D' & Reservations: (646) 476-3551

To purchase tickets visit TicketWeb.com or call (866) 468-7619

http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3355314

For more information and questions

please call the club directly at:

(646) 476-3551

UNBELIEVABLY POOR SERVICE

A package was coming to me via Unbelievably Poor Service.  Better known as UPS.   Good grief. The package contained frozen food and marked as "perishable" I am sure!  Dry ice in it and sent 3day to arrive 2/8 "by the end of the day".

It was about 5 p.m. and had been checking the tracking.  It started out in Kansas on 2/5 at 9:40 p.m. when it was scanned and departed on 2/6 at 12:02 a.m.  Okay that's less than 3 hours.  It arrives in Secaucus, NJ on 2/7 at 10:40 a.m. ...about 22 hours later.  The departure scan has it as 1:21 a.m.  on 2/8.  That's about 15 hours later and it arrives in Maspeth (approximately 15 minutes from my home) at 2:15 a.m. about an hour later.  Hey, that pretty good.  BUT WAIT!  It is now Out for Delivery at 5:01 a.m. and only 3 hours later.

It is approximately 5 p.m. when I call UPS to find out as to what constitutes "end of the day".  I am told by 7 p.m. or sometimes later if they haven't gotten all of the packages out.   At 7 p.m. I go online to read, "Emergency conditions beyond UPS control".

I call.  I ask the woman as to why, after noticing that it's labeled as being perishable and most likely has something indicating that there is dry ice, that they don't give it a priority before the snow storm got worse!  She is telling me that the package does not indicate it being perishable, etc.  I know it is since the food is supposed to arrive frozen.

She is first saying that although the tracking is reading "Out for delivery" that it did not go on the truck.  I question her as to why it would say it if it didn't go out.  She puts me on hold.  Get's back and says that she made a mistake and that it did go on the truck.

When will it get delivered?  Hey, Friday is the delivery day.  No delivery on Saturday or Sunday!  By Monday, it will be not only thawed but not at a refrigerated temperature.  Do they not look at the perishable indication and not care?

This is both a loss to the producer in the amount paid for shipping as well as the loss in food.  We are not talking cheap food, either.

I mean....the package is 15 minutes away from my house and they couldn't get it to me?  I have yet to not have a problem with this Unbelievably Poor Service! 

Update. The package arrived on Monday late afternoon.  Needless to say all was thrown out.  But to the receiver it is deceiving as everything was cold, but that is most likely due to the weather.   It looked as if there was meat blood all over.   Proved that at least one product totally defrosted.

F#@KING UP EVERYTHING

New York: - Bowing to public pressure over the use of the word “f#@king” in its title, the producer of the hit rock musical comedy F#@KING UP EVERYTHING, which last week announced plans for its off-Broadway debut in March at the Elektra Theatre, announced today that the name of the show has been changed. It will now be known as F#%KING UP EVERYTHING.

Producer Jeremy Handelman said “We've agonized over this issue since the show first took the stage over three years ago to great acclaim at the NY Musical Theatre Festival. But I believe in change, and this opens up a whole new window of opportunity for the marketing of our show.” Asked whether other titles were considered, Handelman replied, “Absolutely! For instance, we tried switching the order of the “#” and the “@” symbols in focus group testing but that just confused people. One title that did test well was MY FAIR LADY but our intern informed us that unfortunately that title had already been used.”

Economics played a role in the game-changing name change. “Statistical research proves that shows with “%” in their title sell 47% more tickets than shows with “@” in their title,” said Handelman. But it's not just a crass commercial decision. David Eric Davis, who wrote the music and lyrics added, "It brings an entirely new dimension to the world of our show that [co-book writer] Sam Forman and I are excited to develop further."

Director Jen Wineman admitted that the original title was one reason she was drawn to the show: “This completely changes my concept for the production. My agent is looking into whether it constitutes a breach of contract.”

Asked for a reaction, Stephen Sondheim exclaimed, "Why didn't I think of that!" A different view came from rock legend Iggy Pop who said, "What's the big f#@king deal, or should I say big f#%king deal, it's still the same f#@king show." Handelman declined to comment in response to Mr. Pop's statement.

F#%KING UP EVERYTHING begins its off-Broadway debut at the Elektra Theatre (669 8th Ave; between 42^nd  & 43^rd  streets) on March 15 and will open on March 24, with tickets currently on sale through May 18, 2013. Tickets are $25-$79 (preview tickets are $25-$30) and can be purchased by calling 866-811-4111 or visiting www.fuckingupeverything.com. Music and lyrics by David Eric Davis, book by Sam Forman and David Eric Davis, directed and choreographed by Jen Wineman with orchestrations and music direction by Matt Hinkley.

Creative team includes: Deb O (Set Designer), Melissa Trn (Costume Designer), Joel E. Silver (Lighting Designer), Daryl Eisenberg, CSA (Casting Director), Jeremy Handelman (Producer), Joseph Lavezzo (Associate Producer), CAP21 (Associate Producer) Lisa Dozier King (General Manager).

SARAH RICE TO APPEAR

SARAH RICE

Glamorous Nights & Careless Rapture

Music of the Era of Downton Abbey, Gosford Park and more...

Featuring the songs of Ivor Novello, Noel Coward and British Music Hall.

March 3 @ 7PM

Sunday

Sarah Rice, Vocals & Theremin

William Zeffiro, Piano & Vocals

Maria Banks, Harp

Jonathan Russell, Violin

One of the most dazzling and beloved singers on the worldwide cabaret and concert scene today, multiple award winner Sarah Rice brings Glamorous Nights and Careless Rapture -- Music of the Era of Downton Abbey, Gosford Park and more... to 54 Below in a special one night only performance.

Stephen Sondheim and Harold Prince chose Sarah to become part of musical theatre history when she was cast as the original Johanna in SWEENEY TODD on Broadway, for which she won a Theatre World Award and recorded on RCA. This recording won a Grammy for best show album and SWEENEY swept the Tony awards, including best show. Her recording of "Green Finch and Linnet Bird", was recently chosen by Stephen Sondheim to be on a CD of his favorite renditions of his own works, "Stephen Sondheim: The Story So Far..." on the Masterworks Broadway/Legacy label. She has since gone on to perform leading soprano and dramatic roles all over the world.

An evening to delight the senses, join Sarah as she takes you back in time to an era of glamorous elegance and exquisite beauty, depicted in the film and television classics Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, and more! A match made in musical heaven, celebrating the songs of Ivor Novello, Noel Coward and British Music Hall and more, she is accompanied by Bill Zeffiro, Piano, Maria Banks, Harp, and Jonathan Russell, Violin. And maybe she will even play a tune on the theremin!  Think evening brandy & tiaras. Dress for dinner! White tie and tails optional. www.SarahRice.com

"Another highlight, Sarah Rice, the original Johanna from "Sweeney Todd," singing in her spine-tingling soprano, "I Could be Happy with One Little, Little Boy" moved off the stage and elegantly through the crowd, searching each male face. I felt like Odysseus tied to the mast when this siren caught me in her gaze and sang directly to me." By Tom Dworetzky / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 2013

"Gloriously sung, or held back, the showcase presents different sides of the radiant Rice voice." -- Rob Lester, Cabaret Scenes

"it is evident that her voice remains a ravishing instrument" -- Roy Sander, Bistro Awards

"And this Tuesday night she wasn't just funny. She played the theremin (would you believe!),  — and she just brought the house down." By Tom Dworetzky / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 2013

54 Below

254 W 54th St, Cellar

New York, NY 10019

Maitre D' & Reservations: (646) 476-3551

To purchase tickets visit TicketWeb.com or call (866) 468-7619

http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3355314

For more information and questions

please call the club directly at:

(646) 476-3551

SUPERBOWL UNPLUGGED

Here are the top ten reasons as to why the lights went out during the Superbowl game.

#10.  How many New Orleans does it take to change a light bulb?

#9.  Apple wanted test the light magnitude of their iphone.

#8. Drunken fan thought it was the light switch for the bathroom.

#7. Sibling rivalry. Coach Jim said to Coach John, “What’s the matter can’t your team find the end zone?  Oops, too much surge.”

#6. Sibling rivalry. Coach John told Coach Jim, “Perhaps I’ll pull out the plug from your team’s anus”.

#5.  Poor timing. Someone wanted to make sure that Beyonce wasn’t lip sincing.

#4. Never swear at the marketing firm when they call you to change your utility company.

#3. The Arabs were REALLY upset about that Coca Cola commercial.

#2. G-d does NOT give a crap about the NFL.

And the number one reason….

Quote the 49ers “Nevermore”. 

INTERMEZZO SCARES ME

Listening to a commercial on a product called Intermezzo that aids in giving you a full night sleep.  About a third of the commercial focuses on the product while the rest on the effects.  I looked it up afterwards.

Important information about Intermezzo

"Intermezzo may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Intermezzo and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat".  So far, all of these symptoms would certainly prevent me from sleeping! 

"Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity".  Let’s start with the eating part.  I might just remember after suddenly gaining 25 pounds and noticing all of the food missing from the refrigerator.  Phone calls? Wow…this is certainly a much better excuse than "I was drunk”.


"If this happens to you, stop taking Intermezzo and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder"  My doctor?  How about all of my now former friends and pissed off relatives! 


"Intermezzo may impair your thinking or reactions".  I think that aging might have already done that.


"You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication." Sleepy…was I actually getting some sleep with all of these reactions?


"Wait at least 4 hours or until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert".  It’s that airplane thing…the problem is that I don’t remember where I put it.


"Do not take this medicine if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed."  Why bother, this one’s a much better excuse.


"To make sure you can safely take Intermezzo, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions: kidney disease; liver disease; lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); myasthenia gravis;" Goodness, here’s another one that I have to look up! "a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or a history of drug or alcohol addiction."  If I didn’t have suicidal thoughts before taking this stuff and experiencing these side effects, I certainly do now!

MANILOW PRODUCES A MANI-FEST

It might have been a disappointment for Barry Manilow fans with the delay of his Tuesday opening, but it was worth the wait to see Manilow On Broadway.  I saw the performance on Thursday evening, giving him enough time for his voice to shape up even more.  Despite his throat sometimes sounding a bit horse, he held and hit the notes.

Glow sticks given to the audience, no ban on photo taking and a mass of standing ovations after most of his numbers, the night was a Mani-fest.  The atmosphere felt more like an outdoor concert without “an opening act”.  He was determined to sing all of his songs referring to himself as the “Justin Bieber of the 70’s”.

There were stories to tell complete with a background screen.   One had him on a past television program playing the piano and singing as he joined in at the baby grand to complete the song.   Yes, at times he would either play the piano at one side of the stage or the keyboard on the other.  

Growing up in Brooklyn was a hot topic as he lived in Williamsburg and at that time going to “the worst high school in the city”. He said that he had three choices: sports (which he was no good at), music, or joining a gang. "Can you imagine… me… in a gang?" he asked the audience with a smiling incredulity. Music was always a passion with having a grandfather to be supportive since he was a toddler.  We got to hear his first “recording” as well as seeing a movie depicting him and his grandfather strolling. 

When he got an apartment in Manhattan, it was small.   That didn’t stop him from buying his dream baby grand piano that he slept under as the pull out bed stretched somewhat beneath it. 

“Fanilows” were there to cheer the 69-year-old on.   I could imagine back in my parent’s time sitting at a Frank Sinatra concert.  Cheering, screaming, even crying.   Barry gave them the opportunity to sing along and it appeared that this audience knew every word. 

Total high energy of Low wafted throughout the St. James Theatre on West 44^th Street.  Me?  I was seated in the fourth row, aisle seat on the left.   Couldn’t get better than that and surrounded by what appeared to be Barry’s fan club for the VIP seats, worth every cent to them.  One avid fan, Susan Liben, seated next to me, appeared in shock being so close to the stage and trying to refrain from singing out loud.

I have never been a fan or not a fan of Manilow.   As a lover of music and singer, having learned the piano, I enjoyed practicing with Manilow music.   Along with enough Manilow hits, I had no problem recognizing the songs (accept for two) or knowing the lyrics.   He’s not dancing but does some movements to the screams of fans.    

What songs did he sing?  Here is my rendition of Barry Manilow having a conversation with himself:  "Could It Be Magic? Looks Like We Made It, A Weekend In New England.  Now, Are You Ready To Take A Chance?  Okay, I Write The Songs.  Flashback. It’s A Miracle that I Made It Through the Rain to the Copacabana where I have a Memory of doing the New York City Rhythm of Bandstand Boogie, Somewhere In The Night until Daybreak.  A toast!  To, Mandy, my dentist, I Can’t Smile Without You.  Well, I’ve come a long way since the Brooklyn Blues. Even Now I say, 'Grandpa, This One’s For You'. "