Theater News

We Love the Nightlife

Julie Halston, Charles Busch, Lucie Arnaz, Sandy Duncan, Bill Irwin, Phoebe Snow, John McDaniel, and Marilyn Maye celebrate the 2008 Nightlife Awards.

New York City

The 2008 Nightlife Awards, celebrating the best in New York cabaret, jazz, and comedy, were held on January 28 at The Town Hall. Two of the city’s most beloved entertainers, Julie Halston and Charles Busch, filled in as hosts at the last minute, subbing for an ailing Bruce Vilanch.

Here’s award winner Phoebe Snow, who opened the show with a dazzling “Anything I Do,” relaxing with one of the evening’s guest presenters, the hilarious Jim David.

John Pizzarelli and wife Jessica Molaskey took home another Nightlife Award and showed the crowd why they won with their electrifying performance.

Two of the evening’s other winners, Natalie Douglas and Barb Jungr, are among the cabaret world’s most distinctive vocalists.

The legendary Marilyn Maye, winner of Outstanding Cabaret Vocalist in a Major Engagement, got a backstage hug from famed music director John McDaniel.

Two of the theater world’s favorite leading ladies, Sandy Duncan and Lucie Arnaz, were also guest presenters for the evening.

Singers Hilary Kole, a regular at Birdland, and Lari White, whose new show Love Letters debuts on February 12 at the Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room, delighted the Town Hall audience.

Tony Award winner Bill Irwin, who’s co-hosting the Vineyard Theatre’s annual gala on February 4, was a special guest presenter for the evening.

At the after-party at Trattorio Dopo Teatro, award winner Christine Pedi caught up with pianist Tedd Firth (left) and singer-actor Randy Jones.

Finally, here’s the creator of the Nightlife Awards, TheaterMania contributor Scott Siegel and his lovely wife (and fellow contributor) Barbara.

For complete photo coverage of the 2008 Nightlife Awards, visit www.cabaretexchange.com.