Tony Award-nominee SAM HARRIS joins WHITE

Upright News: 

This Mon, June 10 at 8:30pm, we are pleased to welcome Tony Award-nominee & Broadway belter SAM HARRIS (The Life, Liza at The Palace, Grease) who will join Emmy & Tony Award-winner LILLIAS WHITE onstage for her second night debuting A WOMAN ON LOVE at the Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood! 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 

Emmy Award-winner KEITH DAVID joins WHITE

Upright News: 

We are proud to announce that Emmy Award-winner & Broadway heavyweight KEITH DAVID will join Emmy & Tony Award-winner LILLIAS WHITE onstage – Tonight, June 3rd – for the debut of “A WOMAN ON LOVE” at the Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. 

Currently starring alongside Ms. White in the Mark Taper Forum’s production of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”, Mr. David is best known for his work in over 150 feature films including Cloud Atlas, Disney’s The Princess and The Frog, Oliver Stone’s Platoon, There’s Something About Mary, Armageddon, Pitch Black, Requiem for a Dream, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Barbershop, Crash and many more! 

Mr. David brings his irresistible wit, charm and star-power to the stage as our very special guest! We are thrilled. 

Lillias White’s A Woman On Love debuts Tonight, June 3rd at 8:30pm at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood! 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 

Upright Offer: MANDY PATINKIN (GIVEAWAY)

Upright Cabaret News!

Upright Cabaret has partnered with The Ford Amphitheatre for a very special live theater experience!

WIN TICKETS

MANDY PATINKIN WITH THE PASADENA POPS

FORD AMPHITHEATRE

Join our newsletter (look to the right) for a chance to win A PAIR OF TICKETS to see Tony Award-winner Mandy Patinkin in concert on Sun, June 9th! (Winners announced Fri, June 7th)

Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping,” raves The New Yorker. “He is a musical force of nature! 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Reviewed: BROADWAY WORLD on SHOSHANA BEAN

REVIEWED:

Broadway World’s Michael Quintos reviews Recording Artist and Broadway star SHOSHANA BEAN‘s performance on Memorial Day at The Americana at Brand in Glendale! 

Performing in weekly residence, Ms. Bean and her band perform audience favorites including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Tina Turner and more, as well as, new original songs from her recently released sophomore album, O’ FARRELL STREET, which debuted at #3 on the iTunes R&B charts. 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REVIEW! 

Upright Offer: ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY TICKETS

Upright Cabaret News! Upright Cabaret has partnered with LA Phil for another very special concert opportunity! 

WIN TICKETS TO SEE ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY’s “THE STREISAND SONGBOOK”

Join our newsletter (see below) for a chance to win A PAIR OF TICKETS! Winners announced Feb 6th! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS – Your friends at…

We here at – Chris Isaacson Presents & Upright Cabaret - are very THANKFUL to the incredible musicians, dancers, singers, venues and especially the patrons who continue to support our concerts & events across Southern California.

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season, and a happy & prosperous New Year!

xo – Team CIP

Photo Coverage: A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS 2012

BROADWAY WORLD‘s Photo Coverage from Upright Cabaret’s 7th annual A Broadway Christmas featuring a cavalcade of stars singing the best of Broadway and the carols of Christmastime!

Headlined by Tony Award and Emmy Award-winner Lillias White, singer James Torme, American Idol’s David Hernandez and many more…

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS!

(Photo: Tony DiMaio / James Torme, Lillias White & David Hernandez at A Broadway Christmas)

Review: BROADWAY WORLD on UC’s A Broadway Christmas

BROADWAY WORLD Entertainment Writer DON GRIGWARE attended Upright Cabaret’s 7th annual  A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS in Hollywood at Catalina Jazz  Club. He shared this review…

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REVIEW!

(Photo: Tony DiMaio / Lillias White & David Hernandez at A Broadway Christmas)

Review: EDGE LOS ANGELES on UC’s A Broadway Christmas

EDGE LOS ANGELES Entertainment writer and renowned Los Angeles Theater Critic LES SPINDLE attended Upright Cabaret’s 7th annual A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS in Hollywood at Catalina Jazz Club. He shared this review…

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REVIEW!

(Photo: Tony DiMaio / L.A. Follies at A Broadway Christmas)

KERRIGAN-LOWDERMILK: West Coast Debut

On Sun, January 20th at 8:00pm, Chris Isaacson & Upright Cabaret present songwriting duo KERRIGAN-LOWDERMILK making their WEST COAST DEBUT with Upright Cabaret at Catalina Bar & Grill in the heart of Hollywood, CA. 

With performances by SARAH HYLAND (Modern Family), MELISSA BENOIST (Glee), MORGAN KARR (Spring Awakening), COLLEEN BALLINGER (Miranda Sings), BARRETT FOA (NCIS-LA), MAX EHRICH (Young and The Restless), DEZMOND MEEKS (America’s Got Talent), MEGHANN FAHY (One Life To Live), LAURA DICKINSON (Disney’s Phineas & Ferb), MATT SAX (Clay), TELLY LEUNG (Glee), JESSE RUBEN, ZACH ALTMAN, NATHAN TYSEN and more. 

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO 

Upright Offer: IDINA MENZEL TICKETS

Upright Cabaret News! Upright Cabaret has partnered with LA PHIL for this very special holiday opportunity.

WIN TICKETS TO A SPARKING NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH IDINA MENZEL!

Join our newsletter (see below) for a chance to win A PAIR OF TICKETS to the 10:30pm concert! Winners announced Dec 20.

A Sparkling New Year’s Eve with Idina Menzel

Walk Disney Concert Hall

DEC 31, 7pm & 10:30pm 

Spend your New Year’s Eve downtown at L.A’s most lustrous venue, with Broadway superstar Idina Menzel and complimentary New Year’s Eve festivities. Acclaimed for her roles in Wicked, Rent and Glee, the phenomenal Tony Award-winner brings a brand new show for a spectacular celebration that you won’t want to miss.

Toast with us – free glass of champagne for all ticketholders! 

Two Shows,  One Party!

Concerts: 7pm & 10:30pm

Party: 8:30-10-:15pm in Walt Disney Concert Hall’s BP Hall

One Glass not enough? Pre-order champagne bottle service.

For details, visit LAPhil.com/NYE 

DECK THE HALL

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Select Concerts in December

Featuring an eclectic mix of concerts to suit everyone’s tastes, there’s no better place than the warm, wonderful acoustics of Walt Disney Concert Hall to celebrate the holidays. From gorgeous singing to joyful swinging, you’re sure to find something fun and exciting to share with your loved ones.

Click here for more info.

Emmy & Tony Award-winner LILLIAS WHITE stars in A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS

Playbill.com officially announced that Emmy & Tony Award-winner LILLIAS WHITE (Fela!, The LIfe, Dreamgirls) stars in Upright Cabaret’s 7th annual A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS performing December 11-17 in Palm Springs, La Mirada and Hollywood.

Ms. White will lead an All-Star cast including James Torme (son of Mel), American Idol’s David Hernandez and more.

Click here for tickets and info…

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Lillias White has been recognized on Broadway with the People’s Choice Award, The Outer Critics Award® for Best Actress in a Musical, Drama Desk Award® and Tony Award® - Broadway’s Prestigious Quadruple Crown - for her role as Sonja in the musical The Life. In 2010, she was recognized again with a Tony Award-nomination for her work in Fela! directed by Bill T. Jones and produced by Will & Jada Pickett Smith. She won The Obie Award® for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Hennie in Romance in Hard Times. In addition, she won The Drama Logue Award® for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in the national tour of Dreamgirls. Other theater credits include the Broadway productions of Cats, Chicago, How to Succeed in Business, Once on This Island, Rock n’ Roll: The First 5,000 Years (Aretha Franklin), Barnum, Carrie and Dreamgirls, as well as, off-Broadway productions of Crowns, The Vagina Monologues, Waiting for Godot, The Princess & The Black-Eyed Pea, and Dinah Was. National and International tours include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Tintypes and The Wiz.

Lillias won an Emmy Award® for her role as Sesame Street’s Lillian Edwards. Film credits include featured roles in the films like Pieces of April, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Gloria, North and Disney’s Hercules. Television credits include Outreach, Law & Order, NYPD Blue, The Jury, the HBO pilot Pryor Offenses (The Richard Pryor Story) opposite Eddie Griffith and the PBS produced productions of South Pacific playing Bloody Mary and In Performance at The White House as a guest soloist.

White’s voice can be heard on an extensive list of recordings including the Original Broadway Cast albums of The Life, Fela! and How To Succeed to name a few. She recorded Dreamgirls: The 25th Anniversary Concert, Actor’s Fund “Hair” Concert, is featured with Tony Bennett on Cy Coleman’s Album and her own live album – From Brooklyn to Broadway. With regular performances in Night Clubs  and Concert Halls, Ms. White has recently appeared at The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, Upright Cabaret, Aaron Davis Hall and Catalina Jazz Club.

Ms. White most recently performed as Big Maybelle in the World Premiere musical Big Maybelle: Soul of the Blues. 

Upright Cabaret – L.A. PRIDE 2012 (Official Selection)

On Saturday, June 9th – LA’s famed UPRIGHT CABARET is set to sizzle at Los Angeles Pride 2012 for a third time — you know, the charm.  Party with pride on the Main Stage as Upright does it right — hot sun — hotter bodies — and the hottest voices from Broadway to Television.

This all-out extravaganza is sure to set the floor on fire, opening with the most captivating of cabarets! Our star-studded lineup includes Olivier Award winner LESLI MARGHERITA (Zorro), ROGELIO DOUGLAS, JR. (Broadway: In The Heights, The Little Mermaid), ARIELLE JACOBS (Broadway: In The Heights), CARLA RENATA (CW’s Hart of Dixie, Broadway: Avenue Q, The Life), JAKE SIMPSON (Star Search Grand Champion, Oprah Favorite) and a sexy special guest host you won’t want to miss! Wear your colors proudly and sing along to the songs that celebrate life and love!

The only act to be invited back as Pride’s Official Selection — the only act to host a live band, complete with a horn section, led by masterful Musical Director DAVY NATHAN (Toni Braxton, Patti Labelle), this showcase is sure to be the only act to charm your socks off — and hopefully more!

Come dance the day away with the oh-so-fabulous Upright Cabaret!

CLICK  MORE INFO & FESTIVAL TICKETS

Photo Coverage: Pop Star TAYLOR DAYNE Shares All in ‘TELL IT TO MY HEART’

On Sat, April 14, 2012 – Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Foundation and Chris Isaacson presented the debut performance of ”Tell It to My Heart: Up Close and Personal with TAYLOR DAYNE“ marking the star’s return to the stage. 

A three-time Grammy Award-nominee, Taylor Dayne embarked on an emotional journey with the nearly sold-out audience. Sharing the stories behind her legendary songs, reliving the struggles of her demanding life and talking candidly about her rapid ascent to stardom; all the while belting out her greatest hits. Taylor was backed by Karissa Noel and Jake Simpson (Star Search). 

With 17 Top-10 hits including “Tell It to My Heart,” ”I’ll Be Your Shelter” and “Love Will Lead You Back,” Dayne has sold over 75 million albums and singles worldwide, sold-out two world tours and has appeared in numerous film, television and stage roles including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Tony Award-winning musical Aida. Most recently, she was a finalist on Food Network’s Celebrity Cook-off.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS…

Photo Coverage: AN EVENING WITH YVETTE CASON

April began with a bang as Upright Cabaret and Chris Isaacson presented An Evening with Yvette Cason starring YVETTE CASON at the Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 West Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028. 

Yvette treated the standing-room-only audience to the songs and stories from her stellar career – from appearing in Play On!, Sisterella and Dreamgirls, performing at the Kennedy Center and the White House, to working with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Babyface and Whitney Houston. 

Cason’s song list included hits like “My Funny Valentine”, “I Am Changing” from Dreamgirls, “Stormy Monday”, Beyonce’s “Love On Top”, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and more, ending with a special version of Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend” which included surprise performances by Tony Award-nominee Valarie Pettiford, Carla Renata, Nita Whitaker, Jake Simpson, Karissa Noel, Harrison White and Tony Award-winner Linda Hopkins. Music Directed by Earl R. Johnson, Jr. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS…

LA TALK RADIO interviews YVETTE CASON!

On Tues, March 27, 2012, Singer/Actress YVETTE CASON sat down with LA TALK RADIO’s Sheena Metal to discuss her beginnings in Dreamgirls on Broadway, touring with Whitney Houston and what audiences can expect in her upcoming show, An Evening with Yvette Cason.

Host Sheena Metal also highlights songs from Yvette’s career including “I Got The Money” from Sisterella, “It Don’t Mean a Thang” from Play On! on Broadway and a brand new song with Saxophonist Steve Torak!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW 

See Yvette Cason perform LIVE! Join us on Sunday, April 1st at the Catalina Jazz Club for An Evening with Yvette Cason! Click here for more information!  

UC Quartet with Brenna Whitaker & Paul Anka (Private Event)

On Friday, March 2, 2012, Chris Isaacson presents a PRIVATE CONCERT EVENT featuring The Upright Cabaret Quartet with Hollywood “It” Girl Brenna Whitaker and the legendary Paul Anka in Beverly Hills, CA.  

Chris Isaacson Presents produces Private Events for any occasion featuring the best vocalists and musicians in Los Angeles.

Upright Alum LESLIE ODOM, JR stars in George Lucas Film

Upright Cabaret alum LESLIE ODOM, JR. (Broadway: Rent, Leap of Faith) stars in the new George Lucas film RED TAILS which opens nationwide this weekend! Leslie portrays fighter pilot Declan “Winky” Hall who fought in World War II. 

GO HERE - WATCH “RED TAILS” TRAILER

Odom has been a part of our Upright Cabaret family since we began in 2005! He has performed on our stages with artists like 3x Grammy-nominee Taylor Dayne, Shoshana Bean, Jake Simpson, Adam Lambert, Elizabeth Brackenbury, Tony Award-nominee Chad Kimball and many more! 

GO HERE - WATCH LESLIE AT UPRIGHT CABARET

LA TALK RADIO interviews JAKE SIMPSON!

On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 – Star Search Champion & current “THE TROUBADOURS” cast member JAKE SIMPSON sat down with LA TALK RADIO’s Sheena Metal to discuss Star Search, singers that “riff”, his life in Crocker and why he loves the Music of Carole King! 

Host Sheena Metal also highlights songs from Jake’s career like “Isn’t She Lovely”, this original “50/50 Love” and a LIVE cover of “Desperado.” 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW with JAKE SIMPSON

 Jake Simpson on tour! In January and February 2012 Jake Simpson will sing the Music of Carole King, Bob Dylan and James Taylor in Upright Cabaret’s The Troubadours! More info by clicking here! 

Photo Coverage: UC’s A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS

BroadwayWorld.com posts LIVE photos from Upright Cabaret’s A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS which was performed LIVE at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA.

The evening starred Tony Award-nominee Sam Harris (The Life, The Producers), Lesli Margherita (Zorro), Jake Simpson (Star Search Grand Champion), Kelli Provart (Aida), Carla Renata (The Life, Avenue Q), Arielle Jacobs (In The Heights), Will Collyer (Big), Kevin McMahon (Wicked), Kyle Dean Massey (Wicked, Xanadu, Next to Normal), Mariand Torres (Wicked) and Jim Holdridge (Life Could Be A Dream) with Brandon Alameda,  Cristina Ballestero, Matthew Ballestero, Will Collyer, Erin Dowling, Sheila Karls, Micah McCain, William Martinez, Karissa Noel, Caitlin O’Brient, Danielle Sadd and Kevin Wood with Music Direction by Brent Crayon. 

American Idol stars Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young (pictured on left) hosted both shows! 

CLICK TO VIEW THE PHOTOS!

BACKSTAGE reviews A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS

BACKSTAGE Entertainment writer and renowned Los Angeles Theater Critic LES SPINDLE attended Upright Cabaret’s A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. Mr. Spindle had this to say about the evening…

CLICK TO READ THE REVIEW in BACKSTAGE!

WICKED star KYLE DEAN MASSEY joins A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS cast

KYLE DEAN MASSEY, who currently stars as FIYERO in WICKED at The Pantages Theater here in Los Angeles, will make a special appearance to perform in UC’s 6th annual A Broadway Christmas Revue on Tues, Dec 20th (10pm Show Only).

Massey, best known for his work on Broadway in Xanadu, Next to Normal and Alter Boyz recently took over the role of Fiyero in the 1st National tour of Wicked. Aside from being a professional singer, Kyle Dean juggles, whistles, does headstands and speaks fluent “Piglatin.”

Kyle Dean will join a stellar cast lead by Tony Award-nominated Broadway star Sam Harris (The Life, The Producers), Lesli Margherita (Zorro), Jake Simpson (Star Search Grand Champion), Kelli Provart (Aida), Carla Renata (The Life, Avenue Q), Arielle Jacobs (In The Heights), Will Collyer (Big) and Jim Holdridge (Life Could Be A Dream) with Christina Ballestero, Matthew Ballestero, Elizabeth Brackenbury, Erin Dowling, Sheila Karls, William Martinez, Karissa Noel, Caitlin O’Brient, Danielle Sadd and more!

American Idol stars Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray, Hair, 9 to 5) and Ace Young (Hair, Grease) will host both shows!

 CLICK FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO

Tickets: $25, VIP Tickets Available

Showtimes: 8pm & 10pm

***Due to his performance schedule in WICKED. Kyle will ONLY be performing in our 10pm Show. 

BWW Photo Coverage: UC’s HEART AND SOUL with Bean, MacCalla & Mercado

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              On Nov 4 & 6, 2011, Upright Cabaret kicked off the 3rd season of their incredibly popular American Icon Series with “Heart and Soul” at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, CA and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, CA.

The concert celebrates the Music of Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick and Whitney Houston starring Shoshana Bean (Wicked, Hairspray), Sylvia MacCalla (Rent, Hairspray) and American Idol finalist Syesha Mercado (Dreamgirls – National Tour) with Music Director Davy Nathan (Patti LaBelle, Toni Braxton, Fox’s The X Factor) and the Upright Cabaret band.

Next up?! Heart and Soul will perform on Nov 11 at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs, CA and Nov 14 at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA.

PHOTO COVERAGE: HEART AND SOUL, click here! 

INTERVIEW with American Idol SYESHA MERCADO

American Idol finalist and pop-princess SYESHA MERCADO sat down with WHERELA.com to discuss her experiences with Simon Cowell, touring the country in the musical Dreamgirls and her upcoming Los Angeles performances singing the Music of Diana Ross in Upright Cabaret’s American Icon Series which kicks off this week! 

INTERVIEW WITH SYESHA MERCADO, click here! 

X Factor & Upright alum STACY FRANCIS vs. PEREZ HILTON

On Fri, October 28, 2011 - Infamous web-blogger Perez Hilton started a stir when he criticized current The X-Factor contestant and Upright Cabaret alum STACY FRANCIS’ professional background.

His proof? An Upright Cabaret poster from a 2008 Palm Springs, CA performance which featured Stacy Francis, Adam Lambert, Diamonds Are Forever star Jennifer Leigh Warren and many more talented artists.

Upright Cabaret creator/producer Chris Isaacson tried to clear up the whole debacle via his Twitter page! Check out all of the coverage below:  

PEREZ’ original Blog about FRANCIS: Click here!

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER Investigates: Click here!

BWW PHOTO COVERAGE from THAT night: Click here!

No matter the controversy, Stacy Francis is a wonderfully gifted artist who we are proud to have shared the stage with at Upright Cabaret.

We wish her much success not only on The X Factor stage but on the World’s stage!

SHE GETS OUR VOTE! 

AMERICAN ICON SERIES – 3rd Season Announcement!

L.A.’s famed Upright Cabaret returns showcasing the “next generation” of world-class performers with the NEW series entitled the “American Icon Series!” 

Now in its third smash year, these unforgettable evenings feature stars from American Idol to Broadway singing the #1 hits of our American Music Icons including Diana Ross, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Carole King and more! 

Your favorite songs will rouse your senses against a backdrop of dazzling multi-media and an ambience of great fun! 

Upright Cabaret boasts one of the most extensive and diverse rosters of talent in the country with alumni including Frenchie Davis (“The Voice”), Adam Lambert (“American Idol”), Lea Michele (“Glee”), Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Tony Award® winner Lea Salonga, Grammy® winners Paula Cole and Taylor Dayne plus cast members from over 75 Broadway productions including Wicked, Rent, Jersey Boys and Spamalot! 

Watch the official “American Icon Series” promo video by clicking here!

2011-2012 SEASON INCLUDES:

CLICK FOR INFO AND TICKETS 

Photo Coverage: NEW YORK’S FINEST at the FORD

BroadwayWorld.com posts the official Photo Coverage of “New York’s Finest (The Leading Men of Broadway)” starring NBC’s The Voice’s star Frenchie Davis, Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis, Tony Award-nominee Brandon Victor Dixon, David Burnham and American Idol’s Ace Young (pictured).

The concert debuted at the Ford Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on Friday, Sept 16, 2011 under the direction of Tony Award-nominee Sam Harris! Produced by Chris Isaacson Presents.

CLICK TO CHECK OUT THE PICTURES…

BROADWAY WORLD reviews NEW YORK’S FINEST

BroadwayWorld.com posts the first official review of “New York’s Finest (The Leading Men of Broadway)” which debuted at the Ford Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on Friday, Sept 16, 2011 under the direction of Tony Award-nominee Sam Harris! Produced by Chris Isaacson Presents. 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REVIEW

CAST ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW YORK’S FINEST

CAST ANNOUNCED: BroadwayWorld.com officially announces the cast of “New York’s Finest (The Leading Men of Broadway)” which will debut at the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, Sept 16, 2011 at 8:30pm under the direction of Tony Award-nominee Sam Harris!

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Box Office: or click above!   

Photo Coverage: SNL star ANA GASTEYER makes West Coast Debut!

PHOTO COVERAGE: BroadwayWorld.com posts photo coverage of Saturday Night Live star and Broadway diva ANA GASTEYER in “ELEGENT SONGS FROM A HANDSOME WOMAN” which made its West Coast Debut at  Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. Produced by Chris Isaacson Presents and Upright Cabaret.

Showcasing Gasteyer’s incredible comedic and vocals talents, the three outrageous evenings brought out the “who’s who” of Hollywood including SNL alumni Will Ferrell, Molly Shannon and Chris Parnell, The Office’s Craig Robinson and Kate Flannery, American Idol alumi Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, Broadway diva’s Yvette Cason, Carla Renata and more!

CLICK FOR THE FULL ARTICLE & TO VIEW THE PICS

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANA GASTEYER

CRITICS RAVE! “Diamonds Are Forever” is a Hit!

 “Warren singing Bassey is divine bliss!”

- Broadway World

 “Warren scores with Bassey’s biggest hits…”

- Theatre Mania

 “Warren and Shirley Bassey are a match made in entertainment heaven”

- Stage Scene LA

Playing to a packed house on Thursday Night, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER starring JENNIFER LEIGH WARREN debuted at the Renberg Theatre in all of its glory; receiving three standing ovations with thunderous applause, the vibrant energy was so thick you could cut it with a knife!

THE CRITICS RAVE ABOUT DIAMONDS

BROADWAY WORLD

- Reviewed by Don Grigware. To read, click here!

THEATRE MANIA

- Reviewed by Jonas Schwartz. To read, click here!

STAGE SCENE LA

- Reviewed by Steven Stanley. To read, click here!

CLICK FOR MORE INFO & TICKETS

Call the Box Office now for Tix! 323.860.7300 or online above!

Our FIRST COMMERICAL Debut!

March 2011 – Producer Chris Isaacson launched the first Television & Online commercial for his popular series“Upright Cabaret’s AMERICAN ICON SERIES” which performs at both La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

To view American Icon Series commerical at La Mirada Theatre, click here… 

The American Icon Series first debuted to sold out audiences at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Now on tour in Southern California, the series features Broadway stars, T.V. stars and up-and-coming local artists performing their own selections while highlighting the music of each shows American Music Icon’s. 

To view American Icon Series commercial at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, click here...

 CLICK FOR MORE INFO & TICKETS…

Broadway World’s “MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI” Reviews

On Sat, January 15, 2011, Chris Isaacson presented Upright Cabaret’s American Icon Series’ second concert entitled “MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI” at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, CA.

BroadwayWorld.com was on hand to witness our stellar show which starred FRENCHIE DAVIS, VON SMITH & TY TAYLOR with Todd Schroeder on the keys… 

Check out BWW VIDEO COVERAGE

Check out BWW PHOTO COVERAGE

Photo Coverage: Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration with DWTS’ Mark Ballas

On Thursday, November 18, 2010 – The Americana at Brand hosted the third annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration produced by Chris Isaacson Presents (in association with Upright Cabaret).

With an audience of over 20,000 people, the Tree Lighting Celebration starred ABC’s Dancing With The Stars sensation Mark Ballas, two-time Grammy Award-winner Peabo Bryson, the cast of “Cinderella: A Christmas Story” from the El Portal Theatre’s forth-coming production which included Jerry Mathers, the beloved “Beaver” from the timeless sitcom Leave it to Beaver, Harry Potter’s Freddie Stroma, Broadway sensation Jennifer Leigh Warren, newcomer Veronica Dunne and featured the 100-piece La Canada High School Marching Band, Faithful Central Gospel Choir and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Standing at over 100-ft tall, The Americana at Brand Christmas Tree has over 10,000 glistening lights and is decorated with over 15,000 sparkling ornaments.

CLICK TO VIEW THE LIVE PHOTOS

Photo Coverage: UC’s “IT GETS BETTER” Concert!

On Thurs, Nov 11, 2010 – Chris Isaacson in assoc. with Upright Cabaret presented “IT GETS BETTER: THE CONCERT” featuring an All-Star cast of singers and musicians who gathered to raise funds and awareness for The Trevor Project, the nation’s largest GLBT Suicide Hotline.  

This special One Night Only concert featured Taylor Dayne (3x Grammy-nominated pop star), Walter Afanasieff (Legendary Grammy Award-winning record producer and songwriter), Frenchie Davis (Grammy Nominee, American Idol semi-finalist), Maxee Maxwell (member of Grammy Nominated R&B group Brownstone), Yvette Cason (Dreamgirls, Play On!), Jake Simpson (2x Star Search Grand Champion, Oprah favorite), Nita Whitaker, Jennifer Leigh Warren, Harlem Lee (winner of NBC’s Fame) and many more!

CLICK TO VIEW THE LIVE PICS

Video Hightlight: “Man In The Mirror” at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

Oct 23, 2010 – Chris Isaacson presents Upright Cabaret’s “MOTOR CITY” starring Jake Simpson (2x Star Search Grand Champion, Oprah favorite), Nita Whitaker (Star Search Grand Champion) and Matt Cusson (John Lennon Songwriting Competition-winner) perform MICHAEL JACKSON’s “MAN IN THE MIRROR” with incredible three-part harmony with Music Director Gerald Sternbach. 

CLICK TO VIEW “MAN IN THE MIRROR” LIVE 

News: Acclaimed Dir. Jay-Alexander Set To Direct

Nov 2, 2010 – BroadwayWorld.com and TheatreMania.com announced  that Upright Cabaret Producer Chris Isaacson and his star Jennifer Leigh Warren have attached acclaimed Director Richard Jay-Alexander (Barbra Streisand’s world tour, Bette Midler “Kiss My Brass”, Bernadette Peters, Les Miserables at the Hollywood Bowl) to direct their new project entitled “Little Woman/Big Voice: the songs of Dame Shirley Bassey” which will debut in Spring 2011.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY – THEATRE MANIA

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY – BROADWAY WORLD

News: AMERICAN ICON SERIES on tour 2010/2011 Season

L.A.’s famed Upright Cabaret brings their brand of “new generation cabaret” to the Thousand Oaks Civic Art Center’s Scherr Forum Theatre in Thousand Oaks, CA with the NEW series entitled the “American Icon Series!”

The American Icon Series first debuted to sold out audiences at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, CA. Now on tour, the series features Broadway stars, T.V. stars and up-and-coming local artists performing their own selections while highlighting the music of each shows American Icon’s. 

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2010-2011 Upright Cabaret’s AMERICAN ICON SERIES concerts as a subscription – a 20% savings over single ticket pricing.  To subscribe to this series, please call subscriber services at Tuesday thru Sunday, noon to 5:00pm.

2010-2011 UPRIGHT CABARET’S AMERICAN ICON SERIES:

Motor City – October 23, 2010

Mighty Mississippi – January 15, 2011

Country Roads – April 9, 2011

City of Angels – July 9, 2011  

PHOTOS: TAYLOR DAYNE at Summer Concert Series

PUBLISHED IN BROADWAY WORLD

On Wednesday, Aug 18, 2010, 3x Grammy nominee Taylor Dayne with special guest American Idol semi-finalist Frenchie Davis and Star Search Grand Champion Jake Simpson performed as part of the annual Summer Concert Series at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA which was produced by Chris Isaacson…

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Check us out on EXTRA!!!

Check us out on EXTRA! This is from our Summer Concert Series on Wed, Aug 18, with 3x Grammy Nominee TAYLOR DAYNE at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA. Produced by Chris Isaacson.  

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PHOTOS: Tyrell & Warren kick off Summer Concerts!

BROADWAY WORLD – On Wednesday, Aug 4, 2010, Grammy winner & Emmy nominee Steve Tyrell and Jennifer Leigh Warren kicked off the annual Summer Concert Series at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA.

World renowned artist Steve Tyrell who shot to fame singing “The Way You Look Tonight“ in the hit movie ‘Father of the Bride’ and who has since become a Jazz recording sensation, performed many his…

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Upright on MTV!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH UPRIGHT CABARET ON MTV!

Upright in Advocate

April 17, 2009

Upright Cabaret Gets Wicked

Event date: June 11, 2009 – August 23, 2009

West Hollywood’s Upright Cabaret is set to host a trio of shows called Upright Cabaret’s Wicked Summer Nights: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road at the Ford Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. The performances will star a different figure from the Broadway musical phenomenon Wicked, and will be performed once a month. All three shows will be directed by Upright Cabaret Artistic Director Billy Porter and presented by Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel.

The first show of the theatrical showcase will take place in June as part of the “Pride Night Out” kick-off event for Los Angeles Gay Pride 2009. The theatrical concert will star Shoshana Bean and will feature hits from her debut album, “Superhero.” Joining her will be Tony-nominated dancer Desmond Richardson, and Music Direction by James Sampliner.

Eden Espinosa will be returning to her hometown in July to perform in ME, a collection of songs that are close to her heart and have inspired the Broadway powerhouse. Joining her will be singer-songwriter Audra Mae and Music Direction by James Sampliner.

Closing the showcase will be Stephen Schwartz in August. The acclaimed lyricist and composer will present a sneak peak of his new opera, Séance on a Wet Afternoon, followed by a compilation of some of his most famous Broadway hits.

Upright Cabaret was born and bred in West Hollywood, and has been bringing the city old style cabaret mixed together with young Broadway and Hollywood in a live setting since 2005.

What people are saying about Upright…

“Constant innovation”

Variety

“A great, fun evening of infectious energy… quite charming cabaret updated for the younger crowd.”

Cabaret Scenes Magazine

“One of the best ways to get down after sundown.”

Angeleno Magazine

“It was such a fun night. We’ll definitely do it again soon!”

Perez Hilton

“A playground for the famous folk who happen to be musically inclined that wows audiences with its unique fanciful take on cabaret clubs typically found in Manhattan. Television stars check.. Broadway players, check… priceless fun, always.

BroadwayWorld.com

“Upright Cabaret brings sexy back to Palm Springs.”

The Desert Sun

“The hottest ticket in town!”

KMIR / NBC

“Class Acts… an unforgettable evening of entertainment!”

Backstage

“These pure, pleasant, and talented gents have singlehandedly brought cabaret back to Los Angeles.”

IN Los Angeles Magazine

Lives of the Party – Lea Michele – Backstage Review

August 18, 2008 – Upright Cabaret, which presents its stellar showcases in  L.A.,  Palm Springs , and other Southland hot spots, staged its latest effort at Mark’s Restaurant in  West Hollywood the weekend of Aug. 15-17, and it was a humdinger. It had been announced several weeks ago that vivacious Lea Michele (on right), star of Spring Awakening on Broadway, would make her West Coast cabaret debut during this Upright engagement as a spectacular solo effort. A New Yorker, she’s been in town to play Eponine in the Hollywood Bowl’s recent blockbuster presentation of Les Miserables.

Then, within the past couple of weeks, Upright announced that it had signed John Lloyd Young  (left above, with Michele), who fans will instantly remember as the Tony-winning Frankie Valli of Jersey Boys as a special guest during Michele’s weekend at Mark’s. On the Friday opening that I attended, this teaming resulted in an SRO crowd, and the performances of these two supremely talented actor-singers was even more sensational than one might expect. It was one unforgettable evening of entertainment.

The lovely and vocally gifted Michele started the show appropriately, with a smashing rendition of “Life of the Party” from Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party. She segued into a quite different and more traditional show-tune that also had a 1920s flair, “Not for the Life of Me” from Thoroughly  Modern Millie. She kept a diverse mix of pop-flavored musical theatre songs coming, with selections from Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll & Hyde, and Merrily We Roll Along.

When the dashing and gracious Young joined her, they sang a smashing duet from Les Miz. Young wowed the crowd on his own in such showstoppers as the Four Seasons’ “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” and “Multitudes of Amy,” a cut song from Company, which he confided was his favorite Sondheim song. The evening ended on a sweet note with Michele’s heartrending rendition of “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd.  The show was smashingly directed by the renowned Richard Jay-Alexander, who also directed Michele and Young at the Hollywood Bowl Les Miz. Salutes are likewise due to musical director Ben Toth and the sensational new house band, the Bratt Pack.

Producers Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel set the bar so high with this magnificent evening, it’s tough to imagine what they will do to top it. But somehow they always manage to have great surprises up their sleeves.

Photos by Tony DiMaio

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Playbill Photocall – Lea Michele West Coast Debut!

Click HERE for Playbill.com story! 

BroadwayWorld.com – Lea Michele’s Photo Coverage!

Click HERE for BroadwayWorld.com story!

Tony’s in Tinseltown – Backstage Review

Cabaret Scenes Magazine

Frontiers Magazine – 25 Great Things

Desert Sun – Aigrot making debut

Desert Entertainer – Voice of Piaf

Desert Entertainer – New Generation Cabaret

Desert Sun – The Entertainers

Desert Entertainer – Viceroy Debut

The Desert Sun – Brings Sexy Back

IN Los Angeles Magazine – Social Whirl

BroadwayWorld.com – Upright Shows Love

IN Los Angeles Magazine – Social Whirl

Angeleno Magazine – Get Down After Sundown

Variety – Supper’s Resurfaced

Frontiers – Cabaret Kids Save the World

IN Los Angeles Magazine – Starring In

Backstage – Class Acts

2 Star Studded Years – BroadwayWorld.com