Ricky Ritzel has Hysterical Blondness

"The Show Must Go On" is a show business mantra I have espoused during my fifty odd (very odd) years in Cabaret. It has always been my advice to performers in times of bereavement, that life goes on, that work is the answer. But never have I heard an expression of emotion at the loss of a loved one handled better than by master performer Ricky Ritzel, in a poignant moment in his comic/singer/pianist act at Metropolitan Room last week.

I had greatly enjoyed his clever, audacious and raucously entertaining program earlier in this engagement. Just two weeks before this last performance, Ricky's adored twenty-four year-old son, Ryan, was tragically drowned in a swimming accident in a river in Hawaii. To the large audience of friends and fans who were there to support him, Ricky spoke of his loss in a loving and movingly appropriate manner that left us cheering him.

Everyone in Cabaret knows and admires Ricky Ritzel. In case any of my readers are new to the field, let me tell you that Ricky has been successfully convulsing Cabaret audiences with laughter since he arrived in New York in 1980. He recently stepped down after two terms as president of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC). He has partnered in New York and around the country with Spider Saloff, Aaron Morashita (The Loung-O-Leers), Leslie Anderson and numerous other Cabaret headliners, and impersonated Jimmy Durante here and in Las Vegas. When you hear of his next appearance, go see him and be sure to invite friends who appreciate a good time. He's a totally unique leading light of the Cabaret world.

PS. The Board of Directors of MAC has announced that this year's MAC Awards will be dedicated to Ryan Ritzel, in Memoriam. The Gala show and Awards presentations will be Tuesday, May 4th at B.B.King.