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                       It is always the sign of a world-class biographer when their work isn't merely painstakingly researched, but when genuine affection for their subject pours forth in the narrative. Such masters of the genre include Charles Higham, Shaun Considine and James Gavin, and they are now wholeheartedly joined by the effervescent David Evanier. The gentleman had already scored notable triumphs with the books Roman Candle: The Life of Bobby Darin and Making the Wiseguys Weep: The Jimmy Roselli Story (which was named a Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times), but with his recently published All the Things You Are: The Life of Tony Bennett, he has come into his own as a literary lion. 

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Nick Dothée's songs are testimonies to the complexities of the self and his relentless efforts to untangle its knots. He is a searcher, an explorer in song who has the gift of a profoundly vibrant and well trained voice, capable of great expressiveness and power in all parts of his considerable range. His  Return From Portland show at the Canal Room (6/15/11) was a great success.

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                                                                                                                   On July 26th at The American Songbook Project's benefit at Sardi's, I received a valuable lesson in star power. Coincidentally, I'd recently written a review of Town Hall's Broadway Rising Stars concert where I singled out four promising young hopefuls whom I felt had star power. In that review, I wrote, "The best performers, nerves and all, do it with an easy command."

I now find the same sentiment applies to established professionals and hopefuls, alike; even amongst the pros, there's a special breed of entertainer. When that person gets on the stage, the room instantly comes alive and we immediately know: a star's in the house.

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The audiences that attend Town Hall's annual Broadway Rising Stars concert always cheer way too loudly. This is mainly because many of the performers' family members are in attendance; the parents understandably want to cheer lustily for their offspring who've made the bold - if fiscally suicidal - decision to become musical theatre actors, and who've been given the opportunity of showcasing their talents in a premier venue.