Alisa Schiff: Mama Said … the songs of Cass Elliot

2006 MAC Award winner Alisa Schiff brings her critically acclaimed show to the Metropolitan Room. The show also features Liz Lark Brown and Jerry Smith, and is directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Steven Ray Watkins.

Mama Said … the songs of Cass Elliot takes a musical journey through the career and catalogue of this icon of 60’s pop culture. From her rise to fame with The Mamas & The Papas to her solo recording and concert appearances, Cass Elliot left an indelible mark on the music industry before her untimely death at the age of 32.

Elliot, known for her sense of humor and optimism, was considered by some to be the most charismatic member of The Mamas & The Papas; her warm, distinctive voice was a large factor in their success. She is best remembered for her vocals on the group’s Billboard hits “California Dreamin” and “Monday Monday.”

Schiff leads the audience on a tuneful trip down memory lane, imparting some little known facts and dispelling a few popular myths along the way. The show features chart-topping hits like “Make Your Own Kind Of Music” and “Dream A Little Dream” along with some lesser known gems.

What the critics are saying:

“Schiff filled the room with beautiful sounds … That, along with sensitive phrasing on Elliot’s repertoire of folk-pop songs, made for an auspicious bow. All her readings worked on every level, and each song was a seamless, fully committed personal statement.”
— John Hoglund, Back Stage

“It’s nothing short of dazzling … will have you recalling The Mamas & The Papas at their most glorious.”
— David Hurst, Next Magazine

“Alisa’s instrument is rich, wide-ranging, and beautifully modulated … Cass would be pleased with the storytelling and the sensitive rendition of the songs.”
— Peter Leavy, Cabaret Scenes Magazine

“Schiff has personality and vocal prowess, both of which she puts to good use in an artfully designed program of song and patter … unique and uniquely satisfying.”
— Barbara and Scott Siegel, TheaterMania.com

“…perfect in every respect: great writing, great song choices, fantastic vocals, inspired arrangements … performance perfection! Simply said, it is one heck-of-a-show!”
— Stu Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline