Pilgrim Theatre Research and Performance Collaborative will celebrate Cabaret Month from March 28 - April 1 with "Songs From the Brink: A Cabaret," bringing Boston cabaret artist Belle Linda Halpern (below) to the Boston Center for the Arts.  Ron Roy will be at the piano; Jeffrey Korn is Halpern's Special Guest.

"Songs from the Brink" is a colorful two-act celebration of the siren songs that have tempted audiences toward the brink of a new life. From the gritty Yiddish theatres of 2nd Avenue to the honky-tonks of Harlem and the smoky clubs of Paris — Halpern’s cabaret gives life to the voices that have lured generation after generation. 

The first act crosses decades and continents with musical gems like “There's A Boat Dat’s Leavin’,” “Die Grine Kuzine,” “Swanee” and “Rumania.”  Audiences can expect visits from Sophie tucker and Al Jolson. The second act  travels the inroads of the spirit with songs of courage such as: “Je Ne Regrette Rien,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and “Take the Moment.”

The Boston Herald describes Halpern as  “Boston’s best singing actress.”   The Boston Phoenix has dubbed her as “…an extraordinary, sensual singer.”  And The Boston Globe calls her work “stunning both as music and theater.” 

With an incredible dynamic range, she sensuously croons ballads, powerfully belts out the blues, and, with lightning speed, whips out a patter song.  Belle Linda creates one-act plays of love won and love lost.  Her repertoire ranges from the smoldering songs of Kurt Weill to the breezy ballads of Richard Rodgers and the sardonic wit Stephen Sondheim. 

She has performed in New York City at Town Hall, the Ballroom, Greene Street, and Eighty-Eights.  In Boston, she has been a regular at Copley Plaza, Club Cabaret, Ryles and Upstairs at the Pudding.  In Europe, she has appeared at Les Bouchons in Paris and Munich’s Kleines Rondell.  And every summer, she tours the castles of Northern Italy and the chateaux of Southern France, bringing the universal power of these songs to enthusiastic audiences.

A New Yorker by birth, Belle Linda attended Harvard/Radcliffe and subsequently made a name for herself singing in Boston and beyond.  The singer says her greatest influence is the late renowned cabaret artist Martha Schlamme. 

“Martha had such a generosity of spirit,” says Belle Linda, “she made me believe in the possibility of telling your story in a way that touches other people’s stories—and creating community in one evening.” 

Previously, Halpern co-created "Moon Over Dark Street," a Brecht/Weill Cabaret with Pilgrim Theatre – which landed in New York at the legendary cabaret club Don’t Tell Mama. Last season she appeared as decadent Josephine in the premiere of Pilgrim’s "N (Bonaparte)." Leading musical roles include Sally in "Cabaret," Kate in "Kiss Me Kate" and the title role in Elizabeth Swados’ rock opera, "Esther."  A strong dramatic actress, Belle Linda has also performed at the American Repertory Theater.

Jeffrey Korn appeared in the Off-Broadway hit "Forever Plaid," and in the Off-Broadway Jewish musical comedy "That’s Life!"  He also performs with and directs his acapella doo-wop quartet, Where's the Band? Acapella, which completed a tour of Russia and Europe. He has been a repeat guest performer on "Late Night with David Letterman," and has shared the stage with Faith Hill, Ben Vereen, Gregory Hines, Glen Close, Bob Newhart and the Indigo Girls.  Other credits include: Boston's long-running hit "Forbidden Broadway," "Candide" at the Huntington Theatre Company, and the world premiere of the Phillip Glass opera "The Juniper Tree" at the American Repertory Theatre.

Pianist and Musical Director Ron Roy was most recently arranger and musical director for the Off-Broadway production "Disappearing Act" at the 47th Street Theatre.  Other credits include "Forbidden Hollywood" at Steve McGraw’s.  He was pianist and assistant conductor for the Gershwin musical "Crazy For You" (National Tour and Berlin, Germany), and pianist and musical director for Boston’s long running hits "Forever Plaid" and "Forbidden Broadway." 

On Friday March 30 "Songs from the Brink" will present a special Benefit Performance for Pilgrim Theatre including an opportunity to spend time with the artists at a dessert buffet after the show.

For information, call 617-933-8600 or visit  www.BostonTheatreScene.com.

-- OnStage Boston

3/16/07

 

HOME • NEWS • LINKS • ARCHIVE • CONTACT