After bringing her highly acclaimed show, Siren Song, to Pangea last year, Deborah Stone will return to the venue on Monday, September 30th at 7pm, to present her brand new show, Here I Am! Deborah partners with Director Lina Koutrakos and Musical Director John Cook in this vibrant new show.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) Celebrate Deborah Stone (DS) with Six Questions!
NiteLife Exchange: You began studying ballet at age eight at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet School and got cast as a supernumerary in Met Opera productions. From that time forward into your late teens, how did get into singing? What were some of your early musical influences?
Deborah Stone: I always sang. My first performance was in 4th grade at PS 40 in a school play. I sang “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” acappella. I took folk guitar lessons at 13 and I guess learning songs went along with that. My early musical influences were Joan Baez, Peter Paul and Mary and Bob Dylan, of course. My mother played piano, chamber music, so our home was always filled with classical music. Also, being in ballet class exposed me to classical music, as we always had a live pianist accompanying us. Supering in the operas opened my musical world to include opera, as well. I have a wonderful memory; I was 10 years old, supering in the gorgeous Der Rosenkavalier, with Elizabeth Schwartzkopf as the Marschallin. I was waiting backstage in my little orphan costume, sitting on the steps in the blue light they would use, so as not to bleed onto the stage. The chamber orchestra was backstage playing the exquisite famous waltz and I had a moment – I got it – I got opera for the first time. I’ll never forget it.
NLE: How did you eventually get involved in Cabaret?
DS: Funny you should ask, as I address this in my new show! I had studied voice classically over the years, singing art songs and arias. One evening I sang a Great American Songbook song at the Lambs open mic (I’m a proud member of the Lambs, Inc. and on their Council). It was magical. All the training (my teacher was right after all!) just came through and the tension went away! The voice came out easily and fully. All the acting and dancing also contributed to this experience and it still does, which landed me in the world of Cabaret!
NLE: You’ve presented The Good, the Bad, and the Lovely and Siren Song. What separates your new show Here I Am! from your previous ones? What are the ways you go about sourcing material for your shows?
DS: The Good, the Bad and the Lovely” was my first show and I used it as an introduction to me and to what I could do. The material was extremely varied – “Autumn in NY,” “Never Never Land,” “In Buddy’s Eyes,” “They Can’t Take that Away from Me,” “To Keep My Love Alive,” “If He Walked into My Life,” “Something Cool,” “Lush life,” “Chief Cook and bottle Washer” – all these, plus an original song composed by my friend Rich Gayzur, which he played. At that point, I was just reaching out to my then director, Ann McCormack and MD Woody Regan, asking them for song ideas. I wanted to show how I could basically sing anything! I’ve done 3 other shows between that first one and my new one, some incorporating my guitar-playing as well. For Here I Am, I’ve reached out to my current director, Lina Loutrakos, and MD John M. Cook, as well as foraged through Youtube (whatever did we do without it! Although I do miss Colony Music!), gone to the Performing Arts Library for song ideas and for sheet music that was otherwise unavailable. Also, the talented, kind and wonderful Steve Ross has recommended some material for me. Here I Am! differs in that it’s more autobiographical and I have more to offer now; more years, more experiences, more takes on life.
NLE: You have been a great supporter of other cabaret artists over the years. What has that experience been like for you?
DS: As time and money permit, I go to cabaret shows, both to learn and to enjoy. I’ve learned a great deal; what to do, what not to do. We learn from each other and support each other when we can. I must admit, however, that being invited to perform in others’ shows is an honor. Most especially and currently, I’m taking part in Meg Flather’s Cabaret Sisterhood shows, where she has personally invited certain of us to perform her songs. We just did one show and look forward to three more over the next three months. What made it extra special was that I got to share the song with my dear new friend and jazz/cabaret powerhouse and expert and sweetheart of a person, Sue Matsuki and accompany us both on guitar!
NLE: Which is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your career?
DS: Considering my varied performing experiences, I’ve had several! Among them would have to be playing guitar and singing in NYC restaurants and at special events, dancing as a showgirl in Dallas and in NY and being a swing performer in the original L.A. cast of La Cage Aux Folles.
NLE: What do you like to do in your spare time?
DS: I must go to the gym and do my dance warmup, aerobic warmup and then hit the elliptical or the bike. Not only is this for physical well-being and maintenance, but it’s a meditation. I’ve been known to rehearse show patter on the bike. We love to go on day trips, sometimes up the Hudson and visit historical homes. We love to visit museums as well. My husband Eliot is an art historian and researcher and one heck of a tour guide, especially when we’re fortunate enough to go to Italy! My sister lives there, as does his son. And, I love to just walk and here in NYC, no matter where you are, you’re somewhere. Another favorite thing is to have friends over for dinner, drinks, etc.
Pangea – 178 2nd Avenue, NYC
Monday, September 30th at 7pm
For information, call (212)995-0900 – click here for tickets
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