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The Darktown Strutters' Ball
A Great New Musical Revue from
The American Composer Series
at Don't Tell Mama on Restaurant Row
That jewel for lovers of great American songs from the "Tin Pan Alley" era, The American Composer Series, returns with its 15th production, The Darktown Strutters' Ball, a celebration of the music of three great African American composers.
Musical director Earl Wentz, crafted this fast-paced, funny, and sentimental hour-long revue of music by these composers, who, despite their contributions of dozens of popular and jazz standards, have been too-often overlooked in the Great American Songbook.
The composers are Shelton Brooks, Maceo Pinkard, and Spencer Williams. And if you love popular American music, you already are familiar with their work. They are responsible for such standards as "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Them There Eyes," "Basin Street Blues," and "Some of These Days." The show's title is taken from Shelton Brooks's 1917 hit that begins with the famous lyric, "I'll be down to get you in a taxi, honey..." and that has been recorded by artists as diverse as Alberta Hunter, Fats Domino, Pete Fountain, Chet Atkins, and The Beach Boys. You'll hear all of those and 20 more performed by Sheryl Fields, Nicole Pacent, Ravin Patterson, and William Watkins. Both Pacent and Patterson make their cabaret debuts with this production, while Fields and Watkins are cabaret- and American Composer Series- veterans. Series creator Earl Wentz will accompany on the piano at each performance.
Earl Wentz's credits include guest appearances with the Nashville, Charleston, Glenn Miller, and Jan Garber Orchestras and at such varied venues as the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, the Greenbrier, and the UN. He has been featured as a performer/director/arranger/composer from coast to coast. Wentz is music and artistic director for the ongoing American Composer Series, which he created in 2000.
Catch this show while the fun lasts at Don't Tell Mama on New York City's Restaurant Row at 343 W. 46th Street. We haven't tried their new menu yet but either check it out or enjoy a great meal before or after the show at one of the many great spots along the street.
Show Dates and Times: The American Composer Series plays limited runs. We highly recommend making reservations early.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 8:30 p.m.
Friday, July 24, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 8:30 p.m.
Reservations: Call Don't Tell Mama any day after 4:00 p.m. at (212) 757-0788. Or reserve online right away by clicking on www.donttellmamanyc.com.
There is a $15 cover charge and a 2-drink minimum.
Please note: Don't Tell Mama accepts cash only in its show rooms (no credit cards).
| Getting There:
Don't Tell Mama is on Restaurant Row (46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues) in midtown Manhattan.
By Subway: (Options abound!)
8th Avenue Subway - "A", "C", or "E" train to 42nd Street/Port Authority. Exit and walk 4 blocks north on 8th Avenue. Turn left on 46th Street and walk about a half a block.
7th Avenue Subway - "1", "2", or "3" train to 42nd Street/Times Square. Exit and walk one block west to 8th Avenue. Turn left on 46th Street and walk about half a block.
Broadway Subway - "N", "Q", "R", "W" train to 42nd Street/Times Square. Exit and walk one block west to 8th Avenue. Turn left on 46th Street and walk about half a block.
42nd Street/Flushing Subway - "7" train to 42nd Street/Times Square. Exit and walk one block west to 8th Avenue. Turn left on 46th Street and walk about half a block.42nd Street Shuttle Subway - "S" train from Grand Central Station to 42nd Street/Times Square. Exit and walk one block west to 8th Avenue. Turn left on 46th Street and walk about half a block.
By Taxi:
Restaurant Row is cruised regularly by yellow taxi cabs that can be hailed from the curb. The competition can be fierce depending on time of day and weather! | |
