The best-kept secret in Staten Island –
also known as "Brooklyn southwest" according to Borough
President Marty Markowitz – is the new cabaret club inside the
Hilton Garden Inn.
Owner’s Richard and Lois Nicotra are able to present a bevy of
boldface names – including stars from Broadway, the movies and
television – because of their ace in the hole, talent wrangler
Erv Raible. A 30-year veteran of Manhattan’s cabaret club scene,
Raible has owned and booked the Duplex Cabaret and Piano Bar,
Brandy’s, Don’t Tell Mama Piano Bar and Cabaret and Eighty-Eight’s.
He describes the names he has booked for Lorenzo’s fall season
as "all old friends."
Whether it’s chanteuse KT Sullivan performing her "Ladies
of the Silver Screen" show (Sept. 9), or Cristina Fontanelli
performing "Neapolitan Love Songs" (Sept. 16), or Billy
Stritch doing a Mel Torme tribute (Sept. 23), or Dominic Chianese
of HBO’s "Sopranos" singing songs from his childhood
(Sept. 30), Raible said the consistent thread in his programming
is "quality."
"It’s gotta be well sung and intelligent," assured
Raible. "And yes, we’ve got a lot of Broadway belters."
Raible’s artists are set off to their best advantage in Lorenzo’s
elegant dining room, with a stage enhanced with state-of-the-art
lighting and sound.
On a recent Saturday night, the Nicotras circulated amongst the
tables, greeting the guests who dined or sipped cocktails while
Broadway veteran Sharon McNight made ’em laugh and cry with her
bawdy but poignant act. Whether the star of off-Broadway’s "Red
Hot Mama" was paying tribute to Mae West or Hank Williams,
Sr., she consistently wowed the crowd with her impressive pipes
(that certainly didn’t need the benefit of the newfangled sound
system).
Raible said Lorenzo’s audience will have a rare opportunity to
get a sneak peek of Chazz Palminteri’s new act, "My Life
in Song," on Oct. 14.
"He’s a good writer and director," said Raible of the
"A Bronx Tale" star and author. "This is a chance
to see up close someone you usually see on the movie screen."
Lorenzo’s Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret is located at the
Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. at Lois Lane in Staten Island.
Live cabaret is offered on Saturday nights ($35 cover charge
and $25 food/beverage minimum) and live jazz is offered in the
lobby lounge on Friday and Saturday nights (no cover charge).
Free roundtrip shuttle service from the Staten Island Ferry terminal
is available with advance reservation. For ferry reservations
and to purchase tickets, call (718) 477-2400. For more information,
visit the Web site www.sihilton.com.
