Two (count 'em) TWO Shows to See: "Marry Me, America" and "Book of Crazy"

Two new cabaret/revue shows are coming up; both feature the artistic prowess of friends, both have intriguing constructs, and both are shows I'm going to!

The first is a composer showcase of the work of Daniel Maté, a Canadian-born maestro. His show, "Marry Me, America," will feature singers Alexander Gemignani, Jason Tam, Donna Lynne Champlin, Alysha Umphress, Katie Thompson, Brandon J. Ellis, Heath Calvert, Brittney Borgstedt, Auri Marcus and Jordan Price (amongst others) and is music directed by Christopher D. Littlefield.

I've blogged previously about Daniel Maté's confrontationally funny writing style. I look forward to seeing another evening of his work, and hope there are new songs to be discovered in this showcase. I also love the title!

Show starts at 8pm on Friday, February 6th at the Laurie Beechman Theater, the West Bank Café at 407 West 42nd Street at Ninth Avenue. $10 charge, $15 food/drink minimum. Email marrymeamerica@gmail.com or call for reservations at (212) 695-6909.

AND!

The second show, "Book Of Crazy: Kevin And Johanna Present The DSM-IV In Song" is the brilliant brainchild of singers Kevin Scott Collins and Johanna Weller-Fahy. They have taken the DSM-IV (or the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illness") and have constructed a cabaret revue inspired by neuroses, mental problems, and other conflicts of the mind. However, this is not a revue of any song that has the word "crazy" in the title. For example, Johanna will be singing the hilarious comedy Gershwin song "Vodka," a clear example of alcoholism and loose morality under inebriation. The tag line "come see just how crazy musical theatre can be" is certainly one to pique my interest. Musical Direction is by Eric Sedgwick.

The show has multiple performances - February 9, 13th, and 16th, 2009 - all at 7:00PM at The Duplex cabaret space, 61 Christopher St. (7th Ave. South). General admission tickets are $15 with a 2-drink minimum.