Some great things are already happening at the very beginning of 2012. Peter Mac now has his very own showroom inside the French Market Place on Santa Monica Boulevard in the heart of WeHo called the French Quarter Restaurant
Showroom. The room seats 65 and has the warm atmosphere of a small Vegas-like show palace but with a definitely distinctive Hollywood air, as portraits of the greatest Hollywood stars surround you. Opening night was Friday, January 27; the show was simply amazing, and the room was SRO. It was very exciting with Mac in top form, giving it his all, as the crowd hung on every word/note. I am so pleased that this terrific tribute artist is finally starting to get the attention he so richly deserves. Winning two Eddon Awards for
Best Cabaret Artist-Male and
Star Making Performer, Mac should be ranked among the best in his field, which includes the likes of Charles Pierce, Jim Bailey, Jimmy James and Steven Brinberg. He has a great singing instrument, is very funny and charismatic - and what amazing acting chops! Just when your sides are splitting as Judy Garland tells a riproaringly riotous anecdote about Noel Coward, you suddenly find yourself moved to tears, when Garland talks about the price a celebrity pays, her insecurities, but always triumphing over them and coming back a winner. This a great opening show with the promise of a sensational year ahead for Mac and his new venue.
Highlights of the evening include all the Garland favorites: "When You're Smiling", "Zing Went the Strings", "The Man That Got Away", "You Made Me Love You", "For Me and My Gal", "The Trolley Song", "Swanee" and of course "Over the Rainbow" and "I Will Come Back". Atypical Garland include: Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and from
Dreamgirls "I Am Changing"...and from
Ballroom "50% of Him", a song that Garland should have sung, but one unfortunately that got away due to her much too early demise. In fact, next month
Songs That Got Away will be on tap as Mac's monthly featured show. The incomparable Bryan Miller serves as musical director at the piano and as occasional narrator.
Plays Fridays and Saturdays weekly, and every 3-4 weeks there'll be a brand new show.
Remember: the
French Quarter Restaurant Showroom inside the French Market Place @ 7985 Santa Monica Boulevard. Make reservations early, as most shows are selling out fast. Great show and have dinner first! The French Quarter is known for their truly superb cuisine. For more information, visit:
www.FriendofJudy.com
