12 Best of Cabaret 2006

(in alphabetical order)

A remarkably entertaining, light-hearted and thoroughly intelligent show filled with fun anecdotes and great arrangements with all the “heart and soul” of the legendary composer himself. Performed by two of cabaret's most acclaimed artists. This one's a winner across the boards.

2) Keith David: “The King and I: A Knight of True Romance.” A Tribute to Nat “King” Cole. - The Metropolitan Room

This 1992 Tony nominee (“Jelly's Last Jam”) put on one of the single best tributes to Nat “King” Cole, one of the most beloved singers of the last century. His show, recalling the old days, unique anecdotes, old night club styles and the big band sounds of an era along with gifted musical director Frank Owens, conducting the six-piece band, and sounding eerily like Nat Cole with his basso, deep, velvety baritone, David captivated every supple nuance of the definitive master of song.

3) Mary Bond Davis: “Phoenician” - The Metropolitan Room

Not since the likes of the great Pearl Bailey at her peak, has a sizzling, red-hot mama commanded the stage like this. No other diva on the boards can touch her brand of sass and brass. This scalding show, fusing the hot, the raunchy and the risque` with a lot of heart also had Bond-Davis, a show-stopper from Broadway's “Hairspray,” Marie Christine,” etc. belting out one extraordinary show-stopper after another in her huge, soaring voice that shook the rafters. Then, she melted the room with a heart-wrenching ballad. This high-energy show is well suited for a theatrical turn.

4) Dimitri: The Duplex/Don't Tell Mama

Continuing to show the diversity found in cabaret, this handsome, multi-lingual dynamo pop-style singer has emerged as a contender for the big time in the raging pop/Latino world. Whether packing them into Don't Tell Mama or The Duplex, Dimitri leaves the crowd on its feet through half the show amid cheers for more. He's a sexy, compelling talent, sort of cabaret's answer to Ricky Martin, set to move on to bigger stages. And what a set of pipes! For now, cabaret is lucky to have him.

5) Jenna Esposito: “I Hate Men: Songs For the Scorned” - The Laurie Beechman Theater

Relatively new to the cabaret arena, but rapidly making waves with her diverse talents, Esposito's terrific homage to Rosemary Clooney last year and this latest eclectic foray displays a solid performer with a future. From a show-biz family, she's got her act together enough to deserve the attention she's bound to garner as her cabaret profile builds.

6) Leslie Kritzer: Patti LuPone at Les Mouches” - Joe's Pub

Playing to packed houses at Joe's Pub, this re-creation of the famed club act that the star of “Evita” did for months at the late 70's-early 80's watering hole Les Mouches, packs a powerful punch in spite of piercing decibel levels. Brilliantly led by David Lewis, LuPone's original musical director at the time, Ktitzer captures every throat-scorching, non-subtle, mannered nuance and vocal inflection that made LuPone the unconventional theater/concert star she is to this day. The show is uber-loud, in your face and full of thrilling moments that border on brilliance. What it lacks in heart, it makes up for in outstanding production quality and a super star turn by Kritzer.

7) Douglas Ladnier: Danny's Skylight Room

Returning to New York cabaret after a brief hiatus, Douglas Ladnier's commanding and resonant baritone is more compelling than ever. Few singers on the scene commit to a lyric and melody with such riveting elan`. Ladnier, who caught a lot of people's eyes when he appeared in “Jekyl & Hyde” on Broadway, is a star waiting to happen and, for the past decade, has been one of the best kept secrets in show business. His time has come. The guy can sing a vintage evergreen or an original, ethereal ballad like no other.

8) Rob Langeder: “Broadway Revival” - “ The Hideaway Room @ Helen's

Almost lost in an intimate room, this theater-rooted actor/singer, with a strong flare for drama, offered one of the year's most exciting and ambitious shows skillfully directed by fellow singer Miles Phillips. It was all there; from Leonard Bernstein to Stephen Sondheim, in an hour that was as intense as it was fun performed by a major talent who made cabaret richer by his presence and a mesmerizing tenor voice.

9) Amanda McBroom: The Metropolitan Room

The multi-award winning composer of “The Rose” returned to Manhattan cabaret in a show directed by Joel Silberman with the wonderful Michele Brourman at the piano that was her best club outing to date. Fusing old and brand new songs, McBroom's sensitive and bawdy interpretations of gorgeous ballads and silly ditties all sung in a sensitive, strong, voice that equals Betty Buckley in its brilliance and interpretive qualities, left the crowds yelling for more. A major highlight of last year in cabaret.

10) Colm Reilly: “Colm & Roy” - The Hideaway Room @ Helen's

Offering what was likely one of the most vocally demanding shows of the year, Reilly soared with his tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter Roy Orbison. Here, too, is a show that can find a home outside cabaret rooms and is another premiere example of the diversity found in today's intimate rooms. A lot of credit also to his exceptional band and back-up singers led by D.JayBradley.

11) Lillias White: “My Guy Cy: Lill Celebrates Cy Coleman”- Lincoln Center (American Songbook Series)

One of the most award-winning ladies in show business today, Lillias White shined in this bravura tribute to the late, beloved composer Cy Coleman (“ The Life” “Sweet Charity,” etc.) Yes, it was performed at Lincoln Center. But it was, in fact, one of the best cabaret shows of the year and should return if this busy lady can find time in her non-stop schedule.

12) Kristine Zborbnik: The Metropolitan Room

There are few people to emerge from the piano bar/cabaret scene with a bigger mouth – and a bigger heart – or more talent. This loony comic mad woman presented what many people are referring to as the best show in years. She is off the wall, over the top and totally outrageous and a comic genius who deserves major recognition.

Editor’s Note: Special Honorable Mention must be given to the Broadway Unplugged and Broadway By The Year series at Town Hall so ably presented by Siegel Entertainment and Jamie DeRoy's many enjoyable cabaret presentations which do not quite fit into this list but do present the best of cabaret throughout the season.