Lennie Watts is a 10 time MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets), 5 time Backstage Bistro, and 3 time Nightlife Award winner. Recognized as an outstanding vocalist, director, producer, and booking manager, he has been active in the New York cabaret scene for over 20 years. In addition to directing in small cabaret venues, he has directed events at Symphony Space, Town Hall, and BB Kings. He has toured nationally and internationally with productions of “The Music Man” (Marcellus) and “The Wizard Of Oz” (Lion). Other roles: Man in Chair (The Drowsy Chaperone) Psuedelus (A Funny Thing…), Herod (Jesus Christ Superstar), Nicely Nicely Johnson (Guys and Dolls), Jinx (Forever Plaid. He has performed at Town Hall in several concerts, including “Broadway Unplugged” and “Broadway By The Year, 1949”, and can be heard on the cast recordings of both shows. As a theater director, he has directed productions of “Godspell”, “Dames at Sea”, “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, and “Phantom”. Watts is the creator of “cablab” and “Summer In The City”, both critically acclaimed professional cabaret performance workshops. David Finkle of “The Village Voice” calls him “A one man cabaret army!” He appeared on “The Rosie O’Donnell Show”, and released his debut CD “I want… You want…” in 2000. He is currently the President of MAC, and was recently named one of “The 50 Most Influential People in New York Cabaret” by Nightlife Exchange.
Your Host: Shawn Moninger
For his 41st birthday Shawn was offered a chance to appear in a stand-up comedy review in New York City. This was a life-long dream for Shawn as well as a terrifying prospect. He took one month to prepare seven minutes. He wenton to make thirty appearances in his first year and was nominated for a MAC award (Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs).
Presently, Shawn has a residency at The Metropolitan Room in New York city where he performs monthly. He is a candidate for a MAC award.
Music Direction: Kenneth Gartman
Kenneth Gartman (Host/Pianist) – Theatre: Inner Voices III: Arlington (Off-Broadway); Bryan Putnam’s The ToyMaker (Eugene O’Neill Theater Conference, 2012); Zapata! The Musical (NYMF2012) and subsequent cast recording; Once Removed, a new musical with music by Graham Russell of Air Supply; Show Choir! the Musical (NYMF2010); The ToyMaker (NYMF2009) and subsequent cast recording; Trouble in Shameland (FringeNYC) and subsequent cast recording. Cabaret/Concerts: Rev. Yolanda’s Old Time Gospel Hour, Joshing Around, Unity Benefit Concerts, Concerts for City Greens, Cabaret Cares, The Salon Open Mic(Host/Co-Host), A Ballsy Christmas Open Mic (Host). Singer/Performer: Kenneth Gartman…Not Like the Other Cavemen (cabaret debut), National Tour of The Music Man; Side by Side by Sondheim; Simply Sondheim LIVE! (BBC Broadcast); and A New York Songbook: Way Off Broadway. For more information, visit http://www.kennethgartman.com/
Open Mic Night takes place on the 3rd Saturday of every month.
Come and enjoy a fun evening of entertainment.