Illana Zauderer - Theater / Concerts

Recent News
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Leave it to Me!
G ets "A" Review!

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From Broadway's Biggest hits.com:
"LEAVE IT TO ME"
42nd Street Moon Cast
Music Box Recordings (MBR42002)

The new recording of "Leave It to Me," a Cole Porter gem from 1938, is a surprise hit from San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon Company. The show has never been recorded in its entirety and this recording is from a staged concert. This was the first show Porter penned after his horse-riding accident that left him in constant pain for the rest of his life. Considering the composer's pain, the songs have the sharp, clever lyrics Porter is so famous for and the song melodies, while reminiscent of other Porter tunes, are pleasant if not as distinguished as the composer's finest work. The show's most well-known tune is "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." It made Mary Martin a Broadway star in this show's original production. Here it is sung with the same sexy inflection by Murphy Hart. There are other recognizable hits, though, including "Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love" and "From Now On." The show's story is full of intricate details and matters little more than as a framework for the rich collection of songs. The 42nd Street Moon cast sounds great and the production shots show lavish costuming suggesting that the staged reading plays much like New York City's famous Encore! Series. The selected shows for both companies are unfamiliar or lesser known musicals that deserve renewed interest. "Leave It to Me" is a delightful surprise. I'm glad to hear it.

Grade: A-

Leave it to Me! Cast Recording
"In December, 2001, the 42nd Street Moon Theatre Company recorded the cast album of Leave it to Me! at the famed Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. I heard a little of it recently - the orchestrations are brilliant, and the musicians and voices sound awesome. Check out the track 'Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love' - Andrews Sisters, eat your heart out! Mixing and production are nearly complete, and the cd is set to be released on May 28, 2002."

Where can you get this cd? Click here or Call 42nd Street Moon at 415.255.8205. Soon to be available at Tower and Borders.

Recent Shows

Illana sings at Marin Country Club, June, 2002
Illana entertains the dinner guests at the Marin Country Club in Novato, California, on June 7th, 2002, with her solo cabaret act, Living in Color. Currently, clubhouse dining is available only to Country Club members. If you're a member, make your reservations now for dinner and the show. If you're not a member and would like more information about the Country Club, call 415.382.6700

42nd Street Moon - Leave it to Me!
"Playing 'Charlotte Goodhue' in Leave it to Me! was fantastic and fun. San Francisco audiences just love Cole Porter! The role gave me a chance to do a lot of dancing, which I had missed over the last couple of years. One of four singer-dancers in the show, I was thrilled when we heard in April that the show's choreography was nominated for a Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award. Way to go, Jayne Zaban! The CD of the show will be available in May, 2002. Check out that 'Most Gentlemen' number, sung by Leora Goodhue and her four daughters - it's an Andrews Sisters flashback!"

Piaf's - January 27 (photography by Vic Zauderer)

“What an incredible turnout for the show at Piaf’s on January 27th. The restaurant was jammed with reservations weeks in advance, and so I do hope that those of you who were on the waiting list will be able to make the next show in Marin! The intimate space was perfect for a bluesy night, and the sound system held in long enough for us to share some great music. I hope you all had as much fun as I did!”

Illana on Tour

The Bay Area Cabaret 2000 Competition began in June 2000, sponsored by Piaf’s Restaurant and Cabaret in San Francisco and Skyy Vodka. Over 120 applicants sang over the course of 24 weeks, judged by a panel of local performing artists, talent agents, and random audience members. Judges considered skill level, material selection, audience rapport, stage presence, and appearance as they narrowed the contestants down to semi-finalists and then finalists. At the finals, held in November at the New Conservatory Theatre Center, 2 finalists in each of 6 categories (Broadway Male, Broadway Female, Jazz, Foreign Language, Original Music, Comedy) competed for the top award -- bookings for the winner at cabarets in New York City, New Orleans, Chicago, Atlanta, and Phoenix, all expenses paid.