Celebrated concert and cabaret vocalist Colm Reilly has performed a number of highly praised shows during his performing career in New York, but the one that has achieved the most acclaim since he debuted it in 2002 is the charming Bein’ Green: A Collection of Irish Songs. The show (originally directed by James Luzar) was produced at Judy’s Chelsea and continued at the Hideaway Room @ Helen’s until 2006, the year Reilly won two MAC Awards (for “Best Male Vocalist” and “Best Piano Bar/Restaurant Singing Entertainer”). After the legendary cabaret star Julie Wilson heard this show at Helen’s, she told Playbill.com: “Colm’s enormously talented. I’ve never heard a better ‘Danny Boy’ in my life.”
Now, 15 years after the show’s debut, Reilly reprises Bein’ Green for the final installment of the BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Award-nominated series New York Cabaret’s Greatest Hits at the Metropolitan Room on May 22 at 7 pm. The series is produced and hosted by Stephen Hanks, with Associate Producer Fr. Jeffrey Hamblin, MD. (With this, the series will have presented 19 classic cabaret shows since launching in August 2015.)
With Bein’ Green, Reilly embraces his Gaelic heritage in a show that, as reviewer John Hoglund wrote back in 2002, “offers a lot of alehouse fun . . . during an show that is silly, poignant, and warm.” Colm, a classic Irish tenor, will connect with his audience through beautiful ballads and raucous beer hall songs.” Joining Reilly for Bein’ Green will be “The Life of Reilly Band,” featuring multiple award-winning Musical Director Sean Harkness on guitar (arrangements by Harkness, Reilly, and D. Jay Bradley), guest star singer Kathy Kaefer, and a special appearance by The Metropolitan Bar Wench. Reilly is dedicating the performance to the late D. Jay Bradley, who served as the show’s original Musical Director.
Other reviews:
“Colm Reilly’s Bein’ Green overflows with frolic and traditional Irish songs . . . His powerful tenor was made for this material and he brings a sense of pride and lots of fun to a totally endearing hour. Go!” -–Backstage, 2005
“When Colm Reilly is singing, his Irish eyes are smiling, and so are his audience’s.” –Playbill, 2006
“Reilly possesses a boyish charm and brings to cabaret one of the most appealing Irish tenors in town.” –Cabaret Scenes Magazine, 2007
Colm Reilly has performed in multiple venues throughout NYC, Dublin, Belfast, Galway, and Limerick. He most recently did a national tour of Ireland, serving as emcee and solo tenor for The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, culminating in a special performance at NYC’s Carnegie Hall.
Metropolitan Room is at 34 West 22nd Street, NYC. Cover charge: $20 plus a $25 food/drink minimum.
Reserve by phone 212-296-0440 or online http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=248187&cart
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