By Scott Barbarino***On Saturday, November 1, at Don’t Tell Mama, I was honored to be a judge for THE FIRST ANNUAL R.E.P. (Remembering Rosemary Piccoli) AWARD SHOW in loving memory of cabaret performer Roe Elaine Piccoli. The other judges for the event were Carolyn Montgomery (American Songbook Association) and Lisa Viggiano (Multiple Award-Winning Performer).
All ten performers were winners in my book, but of course only one could win the Grand Prize of $5,000. And that winner was Trudy Carmichael, who also won the $500 Judges Favorite Prize (see her video above). The third prize offered, the $500 Audience Favorite prize, was bestowed on Nicole Spano; watch her video here. The funds for these monetary awards were provided by Roe’s husband, Carl Sari.
The show was co-hosted by Lisa Hickey (Roe’s sister), and directed by Tanya Moberly with Music Direction by Ian Herman and a special performance by Sidney Myer. The evening was chock full of special material and was full of joy. Learn more about Roe and watch a video of her here.
Here are the performers, their individual intros and the songs that were presented by each.
TRUDY CARMICHAEL (WITH ONE LOOK, I SHALL BE RELEASED)
A self-described legend, she has been dazzling audiences with her off-the-cuff comedy, powerhouse vocals, and enough sparkle to light up Times Square from Las Vegas showrooms to New York cabarets. Tonight, she brings every ounce of her glitz and glamour to the REP Award stage.
NICOLE SPANO (MARATHON MEDLEY: Don’t Stop Me Now, Good As Hell, Living on A Prayer, Free Falling, Born to Run, THE HOUSE WHERE
She was a finalist in Mama’s Next Big Act and her debut cabaret show, Family Ties, was nominated for a MAC Award. She’s thrilled to be singing at the start line of the New York City Marathon tomorrow, where she’ll also be running in her 20th marathon!
FRANK McDONOUGH (END OF THE WORLD, YOU MAKE ME FEEL SO YOUNG)
He is a 2022 Singnasium Trailblazer Award Winner and a 2023 MAC Award Nominee for Male Vocalist for his LEGENDS OF LAS VEGAS SHOW. He returns to Don’t Tell Mama on December 13th in FRANK SINGS FRANK.
MARY LAHTI (ILL WIND, CANDY)
She is a lover of cats, dark chocolate, coffee, disco and all things sparkly. She is a two-time MAC Award winner and believes you’re never fully dressed without a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Please also welcome to the piano, her spice of life husband, Jim.
GIAN RAFFAELE DICOSTANZO (OLD FRIENDS, FOR GOOD)
He is an actor and multi-hyphenate performer best known for his turn as Frankie Valli in the hit musical Jersey Boys. He has been twice-nominated for a MAC Award for his work as a technician right here at Don’t Tell Mama and returns here on November 10th in his Cabaret Debut CONNECTING THE DOTS. Joining him on piano is Dylan Schaffer.
WENDY LUCK (STAR TREK/OUT OF NOWHERE, SO MANY STARS)
She is a vocalist, flutist, and composer and has performed in venues ranging from the Rainbow Room and Carnegie Hall to the Blue Note and Birdland. Her 7 CDs include a Brazilian jazz album recorded in Rio and a meditative solo flute album recorded inside the Great Pyramid. She is both delighted and honored at having been chosen to be a part of this exciting evening here at Don’t Tell Mama.
ETHAN MATHIAS (FINISHING THE HAT, ALONG THE WAY)
He is a senior in high school, who is also a student in the pre-college classical voice program at Manhattan School of Music. His cabaret debut, Outside the Lines, premiered this past spring at Don’t Tell Mama and will return on November 23rd at 7 pm.
GRACE E. MCLAUGHLIN (PART OF YOUR WORLD, IF I HAD YOU)
She is a NYC based singer most recently seen on Carnival Cruise Lines as the lead vocalist for their Playlist Productions.
JUSTIN DYLAN NASTRO (LET’S GO FLY A KITE, SMILE)
He is the 2024 MAC Award winner for Male Vocalist and proudly sits on the board at The Players, a social club for artists and also Singnasium, an organization that helps vocal artists thrive.
PHANTOM (WALKING IN MEMPHIS, DESPERADO)
He maintains the deepest love for cabaret. Hailing from New York City, with a repertoire ranging from the Great American Songbook to modern and contemporary popular music.
