By Marilyn Lester***The “First Virtual Cabaret Convention,” following 30 years of live presentation by the Mabel Mercer Foundation, and themed “Yesterday and Today,” was at once poignant, wistful, happy-making and hopeful. A good sign was the upbeat voice-over to start things off, delivered by the one and only Sidney Myer, who never fails to infuse a feeling of well-being into any situation, by voice, personal presence or in song. (He later sang, with Tracy Stark at the piano, “I Am Your Man,” a declaration of loyalty and steadfastness as only Sidney can do!). Enthusiasm was infused in KT Sullivan‘s welcome. Kudos to her as the Artistic Director of the Mabel Mercer Foundation, and to her able support staff and crew for executing a brilliant evening of virtuality.
Remembrance of Conventions past was high on the list of presentations, sprinkled throughout virtual performances. Andrea Marcovicci spoke of the first Cabaret Convention at The Town Hall, remembering that the then head of the Foundation (and its creator), Donald Smith, was “so proud.” Jeff Harnar remembered the first as well, with an amusing note of coming and going and attending other events in between. In those days, the Convention was known to last for up to six hours! In that regard, he told of Margaret Whiting going 
on around midnight and uttering her now memorable line, “does anyone have a fig newton?” Karen Mason missed those early days when cabaret was alive with shows that sometimes were scheduled in the wee hours when people attended late night events. Karen Akers remembered Donald Smith fondly, as did Daryl Sherman, and Steve Ross, who told of Smith’s disclosure to him that he “had this idea.” Klea Blackhurst, infused humor into her remembrance with a turn on her trumpet.
A high point of the evening was the return of pianist-singer Larry Woodard to the Convention fold. Beside his performance turn, Woodard spoke of being a new performer on the New York scene back in the 1970s when Mabel Mercer was appearing at one of her last gigs, Cleo’s. Woodard had never heard of Mercer and reports when he finished his set, opening for her, he was astounded to see Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and a host of 
other A-list celebrities piling into the room to see the great Mabel. Fittingly, Woodard ended the Convention with a beautiful rendition of Irving Berlin’s classic “Always.” He was joined by Sullivan for the second verse, with a lovely duet on the out-chorus and credit roll.
Following Woodard’s remembrance of experiencing Mabel for the first time, it was time for the presentation of the annual Mabel Mercer Award. The presentation was made by last year’s winner, the incomparable Sandy Stewart, reading the award tribute written by John Fricke. The recipient was Stephanie Blythe, who, after delivering her thanks, with ukulele in hand, sang a meaningful, “If I Could Be With You.”
Comedy prevailed in the still untamed and untamable Mark Nadler (thank goodness), who opened his hilarious rendition of John Wallowitch’s “Bruce” with a comic monologue. There were very poignant moments, by contrast. Shana Farr, who spoke passionately of being denied her love of singing to a live audience, delivered a touching a cappella “Impossible Dream.” David LaMarr presented an impassioned “Tomorrow,” while Amra-Faye Wright, with Mark Hummel at the piano, speaking to the divisiveness that surrounds us now politically, turned to Jerry Herman and a dramatic rendition of “I Don’t Want to Know.” Amid the seamless and flawless transitions from one segment to the next, also appearing were Eric Yves Garcia, Marissa Mulder, Aisha de Haas, Karen Oberlin, Natalie Douglas and Ann Hampton Callaway.
The first night of the first virtual Cabaret Convention may have originated by video from many different locations, but one thing is for sure–––all hearts were united in one place, in one cause and with one sense of family and camaraderie.
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