by: Paulanne Simmons
After the Oscars, but before the Tonys, comes another of theater’s much anticipated awards, BroadwayWorld.com’s Annual Cabaret Awards, now in its third year.
The ceremony, hosted by BroadwayWorld’s lead cabaret reviewer and columnist Stephen Hanks, was held on Feb. 23 at Joe’s Pub (425 Lafayette Street). It honored cabaret performers in 17 categories, including Best Debut Female (Chrysten Peddie) and Male (Joshua Dixon), Best Show, Celebrity Female (Julie Budd) and Male (Tommy Tune) and Cabaret Performer of the Year (Ann Hampton Callaway).
There were also a number of Editor’s Awards: Best CD Release (Barb Jungr for Hard Rain), Karen Oberlin and Sean Harkness – Best CD for their album “A Wish.”Excellence in Songwriting (Steve Schalchlin) and Dedication and Devotion to the Art of Cabaret (Jamie deRoy).
What makes this awards ceremony different from many others is that, as Mark Nadler remarked “If you show up they put you to work.” Thus Jeff Harnar, who won for Best Vocalist, Male (non-celebrity), gave a hilarious rendition of a medley of songs from Oklahoma, as if the musical had been written by Stephen Sondheim and not Rodgers and Hammerstein. And Nadler, who won for Best Show, Male, performed an energetic version of “Minnie the Moocher,” that included audience participation á la Cab Calloway.
Many of the winners who could not be present sent videos. Sharon McNight, who won Best Show, Female for Sophie Tucker Farewell Tour, demonstrated on screen how she transforms herself into “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas.” And Barb Jungr turned her acceptance into a spoof on the English aristocracy, complete with photos of a regal mansion.
By now, there is little doubt that cabaret is once again alive and well in New York City. It is a fine thing to honor those who have made it so.
For a complete listing of the winners: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-2014-NY-Cabaret-Awards-Ann-Hampton-Callaway-Voted-Performer-of-the-Year-Tune-Budd-McKay-Harnar-McKnight-Nadler-Monheit-Conklin-Win-Best-Vocalist-Awards-20150106
Photos: Russ Weatherford (who is always Making the Rounds)
CONGRATULATIONS!
