People sometimes ask me why I write about cabaret, and they remind me, half in jest, that this, after all, is a Broadway website. My answer to that is where else can you see a performer put on a carefully scripted show in an intimate atmosphere where "it's just you and me, baby"? The quote is from Broadway's Marcia Lewis, who is still wowing them nightly in Chicago at the Shubert. And, like Marcia, many Broadway actors have honed their own cabaret acts. It's theatre minus the fourth wall.

When we started our cabaret column last year, I had no idea what we were going to do with it, but as luck would have it, one of our chatteratie from All That Chat came forth and currently helms the column. Jonathan Frank, a huge Broadway buff, is also a seasoned cabaret performer. In his column he chats with many well known performers, plus you can listen to a cut from that performer's most recent CD release.

In addition, some of the All That Chat forum members meet each Thursday evening at Don't Tell Mama where Seth Rudetsky emcees his Chatterbox show. Seth has a Broadway or cabaret star featured each week; it's more of a comedy show, but sometimes the performers sing.

So, you see, there is very much a connection between theatre and cabaret. Recently, I told you about Sandy Durell moving her Sunday evening show from the Garrick Bistro up to the Triad on W. 72nd Street. Sandy invites many of her friends from Broadway and cabaret to perform a few numbers every other Sunday. Last Sunday she had some great performers and a great audience.

On Sunday, May 14th, Mother's Day, Sandi will be co-hosting a special benefit show with the fabulous Richard Skipper as Carol Channing. The proceeds will benefit the TOPA Foundation (Toward Older Persons Awareness) to help the elderly who are in hospital rehab. Featured guest artists include: Marta Sanders, Carolyn Montgomery, Sammy Goldstein, "Gerta Grunen, Dottie Burman, Diana Templeton" (otherwise known as the '3 Redheads'), Aaron Lee Battle, Linda Fields, Lennie Watts with Musical Directors: Seth Weinstein and Sammy Goldstein.

It's an all-star cast along with Auction Prizes and even a fashion exhibit by the fabulous 7th Avenue Designer, Raymona. And it's still only a $10.00 cover charge (which goes to TOPA) and a one drink minimum. All this talent in one place for an unbelievable price. What a bargain!

The last TOPA Benefit was sold out, so make reservations early. Call The Triad Theatre, 158 West 72nd St., NYC, at (212) 362-2590. For information call: (212) 724-3566.

Don't miss this one, or any of the fabulous Cabaret Sunday Evenings being hosted by Sandi Durell. Her guest list of performers are the best of Broadway and cabaret.

June 11th promises to be another winning evening with scheduled performers: James Alexander, Jeanne MacDonald, Kristopher McDowell, Karen Saunders, Kerri Aldrich & Jennifer Hopper, Kim DiMasi, Rita Ellis Hammer, Lennya Rideout with Musical Director: Ken Gould.

See you Sunday!

Wanna' talk to others about this column or anything else theatre related? Check out All That Chat