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The 35th Annual Cabaret Convention: “Put On a Happy Face”- A Celebration of Charles Strouse

Once again, cabaret denizens from around the country make a pilgrimage to Manhattan to celebrate the art of cabaret and support live music. They connect with old friends, compare opinions, and take the opportunity to talk to artists more heard than seen. From the valued familiar to newbies, the Convention offers a smorgasbord of entertainment.

Night One: “Put On a Happy Face”- A Celebration of Charles Strouse
Hosts Andrea Marcovicci and Jeff Harnar

Charles Strouse (1928-) composed music for 14 musicals (three Tony Awards) and five films, wrote two orchestral works and an opera. Having studied with Aaron Copland and Nadia Boulanger, the composer’s classical background might’ve led him into other arenas. Like many musicians just out of school, however, Strouse played at cocktail lounges and accompanied singers. In 1949, he met lyricist Lee Adams at a cocktail party. Kismet.

Bryce Edwards’ (banjo, vocal) “Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” opens festivities with jovial brio. Playful sax by Danny Bacher and Jon Weber’s inventive piano create a lighthearted mix. “Bla dat da dat” Edwards and Bacher scat, managing to simultaneously grin. The artist’s “Frivolity Hour” always raises spirits. Hosts Andrea Marcovicci and Jeff Harnar follow with an enthused “NYC” then introducing Charles Strouse – in the house. (Both lyrics Martin Charnin). The New York Times estimates 1997’s Annie is produced 800-1000 times a year. “You go into music because you love it. If it catches on, that’s a gift from God,” Strouse has said.

Stephen Schwartz assumes the piano bench thanking the honoree, “for lessons and laughter” garnered during their collaboration on 1986’s Rags, being revived at City Center’s Encores. “Children of the Wind,” normally performed by a soprano, is here made vivid by Ari Axelrod. Arms at his sides, hands curling just short of fist, the vocalist accosts truth with aching elegy (Jim Piela-clarinet, Joey Lamp-trumpet). Axelrod is the winner of the 2024 Julie Wilson Award enabled by Linda and Peter Hansen. The worthy artist is shocked. Most of us are not.

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