After a very dark 21 years, the renown Venetian Room (where Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” ) is once again up and running as San Francisco’s premiere entertainment venue. For fifth-generation San Francisco native, Marilyn Levinson, Founding Executive Producer of Bay Area Cabaret, it’s a dream come true to be able to launch the seventh season of Bay Area Cabaret here.
Last night the glam room was packed to the gilded edges for the gala reopening starring music man, Marvin Hamlisch, accompanied by the belle of the London theater scene, Maria Friedman and Broadway’s “les Miz” star J. Mark McVey.
Hamlisch, after gazing around the historic room said, “I’m the perfect fit for the Venetian, since I wrote Memories…from the corners of my mind. And this place is filled with incredible memories.” He then played a medley of songs from past stars that have performed here as well a trio of Academy Award Losers, (Nobody Does It Better-was his beloved James Bond loser) and a fantastic set of “songs I wish I had written”.
In the middle of the show, Hamlisch got up from the piano, looked around the room and said, “I don’t understand. I’m having a wonderful time, aren’t you?”
The audience cheered and clapped wildly.
“So, I just have one question. What did you people all do when this place was closed for so many years?”
Silence.
Thankfully, those dark days are a thing of the past. The Bay Area Cabaret Venetian Season continues with a plethora of exciting vocalists. Next up is the legendary Chita Rivera on November 5th, followed by hipsters Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp from Rent, November 21.
For the complete line-up of talent visit the website.
Tickets for individual concerts start at $45 general/$40 subscribers and are available at www.bayareacabaret.org or by phone at City Box Office (415) 392-4400. Subscriptions, discounts for groups of 8 or more are available directly from Bay Area Cabaret at (415) 927-4636. For Bay Area Cabaret 2010 / 2011 season subscriptions, call (415) 927-4636 or visit www.bayareacabaret.org.
If you really want to impress your honey, why not round out your evening by taking advantage of Fairmont’s Special Offer for Bay Area Cabaret Patrons:
On the evenings of all Bay Area Cabaret performances this season, the Fairmont is offering patrons a three-course dinner for $40 plus tax and tip and free parking for all who dine in the Laurel Court. A special “Take the elevator home” room rate of $179 (Includes parking, excludes tax & ends 12/30/10) is available in this beautifully renovated 4-star hotel. For dining or room reservations, call 415.772.5000. Call soon to take advantage of these terrific offers, which are subject to availability.