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Got talent? The Metropolitan Room is still accepting inquiries from singers as possible contenders in the third annual MetroStar competition. The announced deadline to be considered is June 30. Winners have a golden opportunity; an all-expenses paid run at the prestigious nightclub, including publicity, professional guidance and a CD recording of the show. All chosen participants have the chance to be seen and sing for New York audiences, who will cast their votes along with the permanent and guest judges.
Feedback from the panel of judges is part of the process. Singers can bring their own accompanists or, for no cost, use the one provided as the musical director of the series. The popular event attracts much attention and buzz, and will be held on Monday nights throughout the summer. Those who gather more votes proceed to the second and third rounds, with more chances to perform a number of songs, improve and get closer to one of the top three slots.
The contest is open to all serious performers, but not high-profile established singers such as those who have had a run at the club. Beginners and raw talent are encouraged and sought, including those just off the bus from Anywhere, USA, with a dream and some sheet music. Age is not an issue either. This is about ultimately finding someone who will be able to work in cabaret and hold an audience’s interest for a full show, where you also have to be real and know how to “act” the song. The goal is not simply to show that you have a voice that can hit the notes and hit the back wall, but it’s about breaking the fourth wall, connecting with the audience and personalizing a song.
The first year’s winner was Anne Steele, a longtime piano bar staff person in the city. Winning MetroStar also won her praise and she’s been selected for all three NYC cabaret awards: the Bistro Award, the Nightlife Award and the MAC Award, and has performed as part of those ceremonies to large crowds at The Town Hall, BB King and Gotham Comedy Club. Last year’s winner was Liz Lark Brown, whose upcoming show is much anticipated. Runners-up in the last two seasons have all had well-received runs in cabaret since their MetroStar nights of competing, Stearns Matthews (who is performing Wednesday at Laurie Beechman Theatre and was MAC-nominated), Carole J. Buford (who was chosen to be in Donald Smith‘s Cabaret Convention, National Arts Club show, as well as two appearances in Broadway by the Year concerts at The Town Hall), Nesha Ward (who is on tour in The Color Purple and is also MAC-nominated) and Danielle Grabianowski (who went on to win a Bistro Award and the MAC Debut Award).
For those who just appreciate talent, like an exciting competition, and might want to learn something about how reviewers and others in the cabaret world (including veteran singers) perceive the potential of performers, summer Mondays starting July 12, should be marked on calendars and reservations made (it can sell out). The judging panel this year will be expanded, with more giving points and pointers, with the audience vote factored in. Longtime cabaret reviewer Roy Sander (BackStage, BistroAwards.com) returns as a permanent judge each Monday, and I’m pleased to announce that one of our reviewers at www.NiteLifeExchange.com, Rob Lester (also of Cabaret Scenes Magazine and TalkinBroadway.com) has been chosen as another permanent judge for each Monday’s event. They’ll be joined by additional judges, most of whom will vary as “guest” commentator/voters each week.
Host and master of ceremonies for the Monday evenings will be The Metropolitan Room’s Tom Gamblin, a strong singer in his own right. He told NightLife Exchange, “It’s a great opportunity for exposure in the cabaret community. Even if you don’t win, just by entering you get a chance to sing at the Metropolitan Room -- and what’s better than that?!” He shares enthusiasm and respect for MetroStar’s mission and entertainment value for audiences, along with the club’s owners, Steve and Chris Mazzilli, booking manager Tanya Holt, and publicist Beck Lee, all of whom are raring to go for the new summer rounds of rounding up talent.
Full details of how to submit yourself are at www.MetropolitanRoom.com -- the club is at 34 West 22 Street. Remember: the deadline is June 30!
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