Sterling's Upstairs Announces August Performers

Sterling's Upstairs, located at the legendary Vitello' restaurant located in Studio City, has announced its "hot" August headliners - Mary Gutzi, Scott Dreier, Kyle Puccia and Friends, Ana Ortiz and Alistair Tober.  LA's newest and most critically supper-club, which celebrated the beginning of its second year of operation on June 9, 2007, is known for its dedication to presenting the best of Broadway Performers and Nightclub Artists.

An Evening with Mary Gutzi with Musical Direction by Jim May begins the month on Saturday, August 4. "Ms. Gutzi is not only a Broadway star, but one of the most distinguished stars of musical theatre throughout the country.  Her Broadway credits include Ragtime, and 2 1/2 years as "Fantine" in Les Miserables. She has also starred in various Broadway National Tours including Ragtime, Sunset Boulevard, Cats, Pump Boys & Dinettes and is currently co-starring in Les Miserables (through July 22) at the Music Circus presented by the California Musical Theatre in Sacramento, CA.   A true veteran of musical theatre, Ms. Gutzi has starred regionally in Lucky Stiff, The Pirates of Penzance, The Wizard of Oz, Annie Get Your Gun, Man of La Mancha, and Guys and Dolls - to name but a few. She has also appeared in arenas throughout the U.S. with recording and concert legend Cher," state press materials.

"On Saturday, August 11 and Saturday, August 18, brilliant musical theatre star Scott Dreier takes center stage at Sterling's with Musical Director Brett Simmons.  Mr. Simmons is known to television audiences for having served as Musical Director on the recent "Megan Mullally Show." Mr. Dreier has starred in such musicals as Forever Plaid, Into The Woods, Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly and Side by Side by Sondheim. He has been a guest vocalist for the Pasadena Pops and sang back up for Barbra Streisand at two of her concerts in Los Angeles. His appearance at Sterling's will be followed by once again playing "Seymour" in his eighth production of Little Shop of Horrors - at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista, CA. Mr. Dreier is also a popular recording artist whose critically acclaimed, self-titled CD (LML Music), is a true testament to a superb voice and impeccable taste."

"With 'Kyle Puccia and Friends,' Ana Ortiz and Alistair Tober make their debut at Sterling's on Saturday, August 25 to celebrate the CD release of 'Puccia's Bipolar,' part one. Amir Efrat serves as Musical Director. Mr. Puccia is not only a successful recording artist, prominent singing teacher, musical director, vocal arranger, and songwriter, but musical theatre star who appears in nightclubs and musical theatre productions such as Evita, Carousel and Into The Woods. As a songwriter, Mr. Puccia writes for himself, and also composes for LA's most successful dancers who have worked with such pop stars as Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, Madonna, and PINK. Though Puccia's engagement at Sterling's will feature compositions of his own from CD Bipolar, part 1, the show will also feature the debut of a specially written piece of material penned by Mr. Puccia and 2007 Emmy Nominee ("Scrubs") and Tony Award winner Jeff Marx (Avenue Q)."

"Ana Ortiz, known for her co-starring role as 'Hilda Suarez' (Betty's older sister) on the multi-award winning ABC TV hit series 'Ugly Betty'  joins Mr. Puccia as one of his two special guest stars and featured singers. Best friends, Ms. Ortiz and Mr. Puccia first met while co-starring in a European tour of Hair. She is delighted to return to her first love of singing in this very special engagement. Alistair Tober, another close friend of Puccia's, is currently starring in The Three Crooners alongside Barbara Morrison and host, Sam Arlen, son of composer, Harold Arlen. Mr. Tober's touring and regional theatre credits include Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rock of Ages, Grease, Singin' In The Rain, Smokey Joe's Café, Crazy For You, Children of Eden, Oliver, The Scarlet Pimpernel and many more.

For reservations and additional information, call Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's (818) 981-3077.  The club's web site is: www.myspace.com/sterlingsupstairs. 

Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's is produced by Michael Sterling of Michael Sterling & Associates, the Sherman Oaks-based entertainment public relations company.  Since 1980, Sterling has represented such stellar clients as Elizabeth Taylor, Lance Armstrong, Scott Hamilton, David Copperfield, Joan Collins, Alan Thicke, David Brenner, Andy Gibb, and Robert Goulet.  Aside from his celebrity clientele, Sterling has represented various national theatre and arena tours, Los Angeles theatre productions, Emmy Award-winning television specials, celebrity books and albums.  Sterling is also a critically-acclaimed director of musical theatre in Los Angeles, and has produced various theatrical events and productions throughout southern California.

In addition to Sterling's Upstairs, Vitello's also offers outdoor dining, a luncheon buffet, and a unique variety of carefully selected wines. Widescreen plasma televisions are located throughout the restaurant.  Live opera (a long-time feature at Vitello's) is still performed in the restaurant's downstairs Green Room four nights a week.  Jazz nights and Comedy nights are also offered weekly.

For over 30 years, Vitello'S has been known for its outstanding Italian cuisine, romantic atmosphere and superior service.  It is also known world-wide as one of the most legendary restaurants in the United States.    

Vitello's is located at 4349 Tujunga Ave. Studio City, CA 91604.  Valet Parking is available.  *Package Dinner and Performance prices may vary pending future performers at Sterling's Upstairs.  

Visit www.scottdreier.com for more on Dreier. For additional information on Kyle Puccia, please visit www.kylepuccia.com. For information on Ana Ortiz, go to www.abc.go.com/primetime/uglybetty/bios/ana_ortiz.html; and for Alistair Tober, please visit www.alistairtober.com.  

Photos - Mary Gutzi, Scott Dreier, Kyle Puccia, Ana Ortiz and Alistair Tober