We could all use some good cheer, and our Holiday Party is the perfect occasion. We’re spreading more cheer today with our ticket giveaway to a new off-Broadway show! Start your holiday shopping on November 15^th at a fabulous holiday fashion and jewelry trunk show. Speaking of fashion our roving photographer has captured a wonderful retrospective at the Jewish Museum, Gaby Aghion and the House of Chloe, honoring a visionary, forward-thinking Jewish woman. And this season has no shortage of wonderful cabaret shows and other great events to lift our spirits. And let’s salute all of our veterans today who protect our freedoms and our democracy!

Come Lift Your Spirits

Now more than ever, connecting with friends is so important. Anne Akers and I invite you to join us for The Three Tomatoes Sip, Shop and Mingle party. It’s a great reason to put on your party clothes and join us for good wishes, laughter, and cheers. We will have fab hors d’oeuvres, wine, a special holiday cocktail, fun raffles including an island getaway.  Oh, and did I mention shopping? GET TICKETS.

Win Tickets to Make Me Gorgeous

Starring Wade Mccollum, this new show tells the fabulous and incredible true story of Kenneth Marlowe, an oft-overlooked trailblazer in LGBTQ history. Described as one of mid-Century America’s gayest and most openly homosexual personalities, Marlowe took on many roles in life—private hairdresser to the stars; a madam, author, female impersonator; a private in the U.S. Army, a call boy, a Christian missionary, a mortuary cosmetologist, a newspaper columnist —and in his final decade Kenneth Marlowe transitioned to become Kate Marlow. GET THE DETAILS.

Nov. 25. A Celebration of Robin Williams Performed

“He’s the closest thing to Robin Williams.” — Newsday

Actor/Comedian/Writer Roger Kabler is channeling the Spirit of Robin on stage + in his FILM “Being Robin.”  This is said to be “the only show like it on the planet.” No one else has devoted their life and work to this degree to keep Robin alive somehow. People often tell Roger they feel Robin in the room , including Robin’s late friend CINDY WILLIAMS who hugged Roger after seeing his performance and commented that it was ‘ a joyous event and I feel Robin experiencing the laughter’.  GET TICKETS.

Dec. 4 Russ Lorenson at The Triad Theatre 

AMERICAN SONGBOOK ASSOCIATION & CABARET SCENES announces Billy Stritch, Mary Foster Conklin, Lennie Watts, and Jennifer Roberts to celebrate the release of Russ Lorenson’s new album. Internationally renowned entertainer Russ Lorenson, called “a showman of taste and discretion” by Downbeat, hosts the release of his recording, with all proceeds to benefit the American Songbook Association/Cabaret Scenes Magazine. GET TICKETS HERE.

While initially recorded with the intention of a 2009 release, circumstances kept that dream on the shelf. Lorenson was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, and though he is in complete remission from the disease, the side effects of the illness and treatment left him no longer able to sing. He is healthy and well today, however, and will regale the audience with his characteristic wit, show video highlights of his performances at Metropolitan Room, and will welcome his special guests who will perform the repertoire from Standard Time. The evening will also include a remembrance of beloved composer and cabaret artist Ray Jessel, to whom the album is dedicated.

Every track on this album draws inspiration from composers who themselves have been torchbearers of the classic standards—artists like Michael Feinstein, Harry Connick, Jr., John Pizzarelli, and more. Their modern compositions, echoing with undertones of jazz classics, stand as testament to the living, breathing, evolving nature of the Songbook. 15 years later, these rediscovered gems validate Lorenson’s belief: many of these songs have indeed evolved into the new generation’s standards.

Two Great Designers: One Awesome Trunk Show

Fashion designer Gabrielle Carlson will host a holiday trunk show for jewelry designer Laura Kass. And PS, they are both exhibitors at our December 5^th Holiday Event too! Gabrielle Carlson Studio, 1034A Lexington Avenue @73/74th Street.

Mood of the moment: Gaby Aghion and the house of Chloe,

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens visited and captured this incredible exhibit that is on view now at the Jewish Museum. For any fan of fashion, feminism or fun, this retrospective exhibit falls at just when we need it. Elle magazine says “The timing has never been more apropos for an exhibition honoring a visionary, forward-thinking Jewish woman.”

Aghion was from Alexandria, Egypt but settled and worked in Paris starting her business of “luxury prêt-à-porter clothing in 1952. Her creative directors over the years have included the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Gabriela Hearst.

The show at the Jewish Museum is an intimate look at the broad evolution of a classic feminine label, beloved by women for decades. One can get close to the clothing and appreciate the creative but practical ways Chloe’s garments have adorned women for the greater part of the last century. The colorful silks will hang on display to inspire you through February 18, 2024. GET THE DETAILS.

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of poetry/photo book, “The Long Pause and the Short Breath.” Follow her on https://www.instagram.com/nfrconsult/