Valarie Christopher

The atmosphere in The Boca Black Box was akin to The Sands Hotel in Las Vegas last night as movie/TV star Robert Davi (140 films and counting) swaggered onto the stage to sing and swing the songs of Frank Sinatra.  Check out photos from the event below!

Deborah Grace Winer was certainly on the right track last night as she hosted her latest creative musical adventure 'New York: Big City Songbook' at the new Birdland Theater. Deborah is well known to New Yorkers for the imaginative and quality presentations she produced for the Lyrics & Lyricists Series at the 92Y, which she led for 9 seasons. It's difficult to construct a show for New Yorkers about New York, we've seen it all…haven't we? but this smart show with vocalists Klea Blackhurst, La Tanya Hall and Nicolas King (real New Yorkers because as Deborah pointed out they come from everywhere) offered a kaleidoscopic vision of life in the city.

Birdland Theater, the new venue spawned from the legendary Birdland on 44th street had a 'soft' opening this summer, followed by a bunch of celebrity openings in September. It had another entertainment first last night because Jamie deRoy brought her friends and her renowned Jamie deRoy & friends Variety show to this great new performance space. The evening had all the glamour and excitement of a Broadway opening night, the kind of evening Ms. deRoy can usually be found at.

The Actors Fund bestowed its Medal of Honor upon four artists last night at its annual gala. BroadwayWorld was on hand at the big event, and you can check out photos below!

When the Grammy Nominations were announced, Clint Holmes, one of the most exciting and musically creative entertainers to ever appear on a stage said the following, This is an incredible feeling and a real achievement for everyone who made the album ( Rendezvous ) happen. As you know, this was a long process, and receiving a Grammy nomination is something we really did want, even if we felt we didn't want to jinx our chances by talking about it.

The winning bidder at The New York Pops Silent Auction, whose proceeds help finance The Pops/Ed Programs of The New York Pops, got something way above the original listed value. The auction item was for one pianist to play at your private party. However not only did the pianist show up at the appointed time, he was joined by some of the world's greatest pianists and entertainers for the special evening.

The Carlyle's legendary Bemelmans Bar has a substantial bench (piano) of talented singer/pianists who have performed for it's prominent clientele. Michael Marci, a Palm Beach Florida import is musically hitting it out of the park on Sundays with his creative piano and vocal stylings and has been attracting a sophisticated and celeb filled audience.  

The sign at The Colony Hotel for Steve Tyrell's engagement says "Back By Popular Demand" and no truer words are spoken about one of the most beloved performers of American Popular Music. 

Lucie and Desi both brought the Boca Raton audience to it's feet last night as Lucie Arnaz brought the music and story of her parents, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to the stage of producer Jan McCart's Live at Lynn series at Lynn University.  

Remember in the golden era of live night club shows when the star of the show had a great opening act?  A Boca Raton audience got a double dose of entertainment last night as legendary actor, comedian, (and if you didn't know it WW ll hero) Marty Allen brought his show to the Boca Black Box.  In true show biz tradition the audience was warmed up, or more accurately put thrilled and fired up by the exciting vocalist pianist, and songwriter, Karon Kate Backwell.  She possesses all the excitement and talents of a Wayne Newton, Jerry Lee Lewis and Celine Dion. The audience gave her a standing ovation and so did her husband of 31 years Marty Allen.  

Seven-time Grammy Award-winner Gladys Knight, known as the 'Empress of Soul' performed at the 23rd Annual LIFE 'Lady in Red' Gala and BroadwayWorld was there.

Christine Ebersole who is currently appearing at Cafe Carlyle dropped in to say "hello" to her friends Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch during their Sunday night residency in Bemelmans .  Of course it wasn't just a "hello".  The lucky folks at The Carlyle got to hear some great singing by Christine, with Billy Stritch at the piano adding some vocal harmonies.  You never know who's going to come in and say "hello" to the sophisticated duo, and now that Billy is also Tony Bennett's pianist/conductor.

Multiple Tony Award-winner Christine Ebersole made her highly anticipated return to Cafe Carlyle with an all-new show titled After The Ball, last night and Broadwayworld was there. The engagement runs through October 22.

Beloved director, producer, screenwriter and actor Martin Scorsese was honored by the Friars Club with their highest tribute last night, and BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the evening below! The Entertainment Icon Award was given to Scorsese, whose career spans more than 50 years, and who will be one of only a handful of recipients of the award in the Club's 100-year history.

Drury Lane Theatre opens its 2016-2017 season with the World Premiere musical comedy Hazel, A Musical Maid in America, based on the character from the Saturday Evening Post cartoon by Ted Key and the 1960s TV comedy series starring Shirley Booth. Hazel features a book by Lissa Levin, music by Ron Abel, and lyrics by Chuck Steffan. This new musical is directed and choreographed by Tony nominee and Emmy Award winner Joshua Bergasse with musical direction by Roberta Duchak. Hazel through May 29, 2016 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. BroadwayWorld was on hand for opening night - check out more photos below!

400 Lucky People Got To See Show Biz History Made Last Night at the Friars Sinatra Celebration and BroadwayWorld was there, check out the photos below.