Through the Lens of Natasha

Natasha Castillo – Staff Photographer
“Through the Lens of Natasha”
 
Natasha Castillo is a 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 MAC Award-nominated best Emcee, Cabaret performer,  Photographer/videographer, supporter, and lover of cabaret and music! She is also the current Treasurer of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets.  With four full shows under her belt with “the in-demand and decidedly dynamic duo” director Lennie Watts and Musical Director Steven Ray Watkins, the spotlight now more and more Feels Like Home sweet home (excerpt from Cabaret Scenes review by Rob Lester)” decided to share and promote music with her new creative project as co-creator and host of the 2018 and 2019, 2020 and 2022 MAC award nominated best recurring monthly series,  “Spotlight On YOU Open Mic”.
 
Natasha loves live music and performers. She is thrilled to be a staff photographer for NiteLife Exchange! Documenting performances in videos/photos is one of her JOYS so don’t be shy about sharing a moment “through the lens of Natasha”!

 

Through The Lens of Natasha Photo Galleries

Rian Keating Encored a Captivating “Woman Songs” at Don’t Tell Mama

 

My latest post features MAC Award-winning Rian Keating as he reprised Woman Songs on Saturday, March 2 at Don’t Tell Mama. This show is directed by Tanya Moberly with musical direction by Darryl Curry. The show is filled with songs of women who influenced Rian and wonderful stories about them. Rian is a fabulous storyteller. Everyone in the audience was captivated by the stories! I thoroughly enjoyed it! All proceeds of the show are donated to the Golden Door Scholarship Fund.

If you missed the show, you have one more chance to catch it on:

Sunday, March 17 at 3:30 PM at Don’t Tell Mama

For tickets and more information, go to www.donttellmamanyc.com 

Nicole Spano Presented Her Wonderful “Family Ties”at Don’t Tell Mama

My latest post features another wonderful cabaret debut artist Nicole Spano, as she shared her Family Ties on Thursday, February 22 at Don’t Tell Mama. This very entertaining, heart-warming show was directed by a winning team: multi-award-winning Lennie Watts, with musical direction by multi-award-winning Tracy Stark.

In this show, Nicole told witty, moving stories about her family and friends as she sang her heart out with her beautiful voice! There are surprises that I won’t give away. You have to be there to experience it! If you missed the show, you have one more chance to catch it on:

Friday, March 15 at 7 PM at Don’t Tell Mama!  

For tickets and more information, go to www.donttellmamanyc.com 

Lynda Rododitz Makes Art “Again” at Don’t Tell Mama

My latest post features photos of  MAC Award-winning Lynda Rodolitz as she “Made” Art one once again on Sunday, February 18th at Don’t Tell Mama. This light-hearted, heart-warming show was directed by multi-award-winning Lennie Watts, with musical direction by multi-award-winning Steven Ray Watkins, joined by multi-MAC award-winning Wendy Russell (one fourth of Those Girls), multi-award-winning Matt Scharfglass on bass, and Don Kelly on drums.

The show features a wonderful array of songs spanning decades of music and wonderful stories, with moments that make you laugh and become introspective too!  Guaranteed to brighten up any day!!

Lucille Carr-Kaffashan spotlights “Diamonds and Rust, Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1970’s”

My latest post features photos of Bistro and MAC Hanson Award-winning Lucille Carr-Kaffashan as she pays tribute to “Diamonds and Rust, Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1970’s” on Saturday, February 17th at Don’t Tell Mama.   This beautiful tribute was directed by David Hilder, with musical direction by Jeff Cubeta, and joined by multi-award-winning Matt Scharfglass on bass.

The show features wonderful arrangements of songs from the female singer-songwriters from the 70’s and moving stories delivered impeccably.  A beautiful afternoon of music!!

If you missed the show, you have one more chance to catch her as she pays tribute to female singer-songwriters of the 21st century on Saturday, March 16 at 4 pm at Don’t Tell Mama! For tickets and more information, go to www.donttellmamanyc.com

Jenn Bornstein Shares “A Diary of a Pizza Bagel’s Daughter”

My latest post features photos from the opening night of  A Diary of a Pizza Bagel’s Daughter featuring Jenn Bornstein on Sunday, January 28th at Don’t Tell Mama.  This debut show was directed by multi-award-winning Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Aidan Davis, joined by multi-award-winning Matt Scharfglass on bass and Lindsay Burstedt on guitar.

A Diary of a Pizza Bagel’s Daughter was a wonderfully moving musical tribute to Bornstein’s late father, Bart who passed during Covid. I thoroughly enjoyed the show! If you missed the show, you have two more opportunities to catch it: on Friday, February 23 and Saturday, February 24 at Don’t Tell Mama! For tickets and more information, go to www.donttellmamanyc.com

 

Singnasium’s 2023 “Trailblazing” Fire and Ice Gala Fundraiser Lit Up the Evening!

My latest photo journal features photos from the 2023 Singnasium fundraiser, the Fire and Ice Gala, which took place on Tuesday, December 12th at the Laurie Beechman Theatre! Led by  multi-award-winning Lennie Watts as Artistic Director and CEO and Kim Grogg as President, Singnasium is a non-profit organization whose purpose is “to provide a safe, non-judgmental place for artists and singers of all levels to fully explore their creative selves.” I am one of the many who have benefited and love Singnasium! If you are looking for a place to sing and be creative, check it out!

The evening was packed with fabulous entertainers, music, raffle prizes and Trailblazer Awards in cabaret, and topped off with a costume contest with cash prizes—of which I unexpectedly won third place!

 

Camille Diamond is “Over the Moon… on Pluto Transit” at Don’t Tell Mama

My latest post features photos from the opening night of Over the Moon…on Pluto Transit at Don’t Tell Mama, featuring Camille Diamond on Sunday, November 5th.  This debut show was directed by multi-award-winning director Lennie Watts with musical direction by multi-award-winning musical director Steven Ray Watkins, joined by multi-award-winning Matt Scharfglass on bass, and Don Kelly on drums.  A fabulous evening of music and stories that took the audience “over the moon”!   If you missed the show, you have 2 more opportunities to catch it on November 12 and November 19 at Don’t Tell Mama! For tickets and more information, go to www.donttellmamanyc.com

Justin Dylan Nastro shares “The Magic of Me”@ Don’t Tell Mama

My latest post features photos from the opening night of The Magic of Me at Don’t Tell Mama, featuring Justin Dylan Nastro on Saturday, November 4th!  The show was directed by multi-award-winning director Lennie Watts with musical direction by multi-award-winning musical director Steven Ray Watkins!  It was a lovely evening of sweet stories and wonderful music!  If you missed the show, you have 3 more opportunities to catch it on November 10th, November 12th and November 18th@ Don’t Tell Mama! 

Goldie Dver in “Bridges” @Don’t Tell Mama

My latest post features photos from “Bridges” @ Don’t Tell Mama featuring Goldie Dver, celebrating her birthday directed by James Beaman with musical direction by Michael Roberts at Don’t Tell Mama on Sunday, 10/8.  A wonderful evening of beautiful music! 

Lila Day in “More of the Same” @Pangea

My latest post features photos from “More of the Same” @Pangea featuring 2022 MAC Award Debut Nominee Lila Day, directed by Kristine Zbornik with musical direction by Daryl Kojak at Pangea on Saturday, 9/23rd.  A wonderful afternoon of music from all genres! There’s something for everyone!   If you missed it, you can catch it again Thursday, September 28th!~  I recommend it! 

Bruce Clough “From Out of the Blues” @Don’t Tell Mama, Sunday, May 28th

My latest post features photos from “From Out of the Blues” @Don’t Tell Mama featuring Bruce Clough, directed by multi-award-winning director Lennie Watts with musical direction by multi-award-winning musical director Tracy Stark at Don’t Tell Mama on Sunday, 5/28th.  A wonderful afternoon of music that from the New Orleans region that will have you rocking from your seat with great stories!  He may bring it back!  If you haven’t seen it, stay on the look out!~  I recommend it! 

John Burns “Sock it to Me” 60’s style @ Don’t Tell Mama

My latest post features photos from “Sock it to Me” featuring John Burns, directed by Farah Alvin with musical direction by award-winning Michael Holland at Don’t Tell Mama on 3/6.  A super fun evening of music from the 60’s with fantastic arrangements by Michael Holland!  If you haven’t seen it, you have one more chance to see it on March 24th at Don’t Tell Mama~  I highly recommend it! 

Jacqueline Draper has “Something to Dance About”@ The Laurie Beechman Theatre

 

My latest post features photos from Jacqueline Draper in “Something to Dance About” @ The Laurie Beechman Theatre on Sunday, March 5th, directed by Kimberly Vaughn, with musical direction by Gregory Toroian. Jacqueline Draper dazzled with her sparkling dress on stage and told stories she had “to dance” about! To find out more, catch her again on Friday, March 17th! 

An Evening of Wonderful Entertainment as Those Girls Sing THE BROADWAY@ Don’t Tell Mama

 

My latest post features photos from multi-award winning, Those Girls in “Those Girls Sing THE BROADWAY”, directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction by Steven Ray Watkins at Don’t Tell Mama on 2/9.  A wonderful musical evening of great Broadway tunes and fun stories!   If you haven’t seen it, you have one more chance to see it on March 9th~  I highly recommend it! 

An Evening of Warmth with Lisa Viggiano as she Sings the Jane Oliver Songbook

My latest post features photos from Lisa Viggiano’s wonderful Jane Oliver tribute show directed by Mark Nadler with musical direction by Yasuhiko Fukuoka at Don’t Tell Mama on 11/27.  Heartwarming stories!  I highly recommend it! You have two more opportunities to see this show on December 19th and January 19th! 

Exclusive Photos from Day 3 of the Cabaret Convention

My latest post features exclusive photos from Through the Years: Celebrating Timeless American Standards, onstage and backstage at the 33rd Annual New York Cabaret Convention, produced by The Mabel Mercer Foundation capping off the three-day musical event; hosted by KT Sullivan. Celia Berk, Carole J. Bufford, Tim Connell, Shana Farr, Meg Flather, Kim Grogg*, Hannah Jane, Ben Jones*, David LaMarr, Karen Mason, Marieann Meringolo, MOIPEI, Jillian Mustillo*, Sidney Myer, Mark Nadler, Philip Officer, Emma Pittman*, Anais Reno, Rob Russell*, Spider Saloff, Kim David Smith, Sandy Stewart, Haley Swindal*, Lennie Watts, Amra-Faye Wright. 

Exclusive Photos from Day 2 of the Cabaret Convention

My latest post features exclusive photos from onstage and backstage at the 33rd annual New York Cabaret Convention, produced by The Mabel Mercer Foundation.  Another wonderful evening; Unforgettable: A Tribute to Nat King Cole, hosted by Natalie Douglas. With Aaron Lee Battle, Scott Coulter, Aisha de Haas, Darius de Haas, Bryan Eng*, Eric Yves Garcia, Clint Holmes, Elias Javier*, Amanda King, Nicolas King, Marilyn Maye, Katelyn Myers*, Ken Page*, Julia Parasram*, Valarie Pettiford*, T. Oliver Reid, Gabrielle Stravelli, Billy Stritch, Stacy Sullivan. 

Exclusive Photos from Day 1 of the Cabaret Convention

My latest post features exclusive photos from frontstage and backstage of the 33rd annual New York Cabaret Convention, produced by The Mabel Mercer Foundation.  A wonderful show featuring Look to the Rainbow/The Songs of Yip Harburg, hosted by Andrea Marcovicci. With Karen Akers, Ari Axelrod, Danny Bacher, Elena Bennett, Anna Bergman, Leanne Borghesi, Michael-Demby Cain, Clearly Now (Sean Harkness, Lina Koutrakos, Marcus Simeone), Tovah Feldshuh, Christian Holder, Paula Dione Ingram, Ann Kittredge, Maude Maggart, Madalynn Mathews, Marissa Mulder, Todd Murray, Marta Sanders, Josephine Sanges, Those Girls (Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Karen Mack, Wendy Russell), Andrew Walesch.  Look out for Day 2 Photos next!! 

 

Photo moments with “4 Women, 4 Stories Told Through the Music of Jewish Song Writers”

My latest post features photo moments from “4 Women, 4 Stories Told Through the Music of Jewish Song Writers” (Helane Blumfield, Debbie Zecher, Peggy Schwartz, and Lynda Rodolitz).   This heartwarming show, directed by cabaret wizard Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Steven Ray Watkins was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!  If these ladies decide to bring it back, I highly recommend it!

Rian Keating in “Rian Keating Sings Jacques Brel”@ Don’t Tell Mama

My latest post features photos I took this Saturday, October 22nd at Don’t Tell Mama; Rian Keating in “Rian Keating Sings Jacques Brel”, directed by Tanya Moberly with musical direction by Jeff Cubeta. The show is an hour full of Jacques Brel, so if you are a fan, you should look out for the next show on November 3rd at 7PM! 

Gerrilyn Sohn in “If Joe Allen’s Walls Could Sing & Other Hidden Gems”@ Don’t Tell Mama

My latest post features photos I took while I enjoyed a musical evening Thursday, August 4th at Don’t Tell Mama.  Gerrilyn Sohn in “If Joe Allen’s Walls Could Sing & Other Hidden Gems”, directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction by Steven Ray Watkins is full of great stories and songs!  If you missed the show, you have another opportunity to see it as Gerrilyn reprises the show on September 15, 7PM @ Don’t Tell Mama

Becca Kidwell “Together Inside” @ Don’t Tell Mama

 

My latest post features photos of “Together Inside” with Becca Kidwell, directed by Jeff Harnar, and musical direction by Matt Baker @ Don’t Tell Mama on June 9th! Becca shared stories of her pandemic experience in this sweet hour of music! 

 

Helane Blumfield in “Me and Bobby Peaco”@ Don’t Tell Mama

 

My latest photographs feature wonderful moments of friendship between Helane Blumfield and Bobby Peaco captured in a show!   Warm and fun!  If you missed it this go around, hopefully, they will bring it back! 

Sue Matsuki brought “38 SEASONS OF LOVE” to Feinstein’s 54 Below  

 

Here are some featured photos I took at Sue Matsuki’s “38 SEASONS OF LOVE” at Feinstein’s 54 Below!  The show was directed by David Sabella, with musical direction by Gregory Toroian, Skip Ward on bass, David Silliman on drums, Kati Neiheisel & Maria Corsaro on back-ups.  Sue was warm and inviting as she shared her “seasons of love”!  Definitely see it if she brings it back!! 

Justin Dylan Nastro Charmed the Audience at Chelsea  

 

Last night I made my way to Chelsea Table+Stage for the first time to see Justin Dylan Nastro in Up to My Old Tricks. It was a great evening, with Justin entertaining the audience with plenty of charm.  Be on the lookout for a return of the show; If he brings it back, it will be a really fun time!

Karen Mack & Elliot Roth @ Pangea

Here are some photos from my latest excursion to see the fabulous award-winning Karen Mack and Elliot Roth at their monthly gig at Pangea. If you are looking for a great show and relaxing musical evening, theire next two shows are on Friday, May 20 and June Monday, June 6 at 8:30 PM—and there’s NO COVER, NO MINIMUM!   

Captured Moments from MAC awards 2022! 

Congratulations to all MAC Award winners and nominees of 2022!  Great job putting together a  wonderful evening of entertainment MAC!   It was an honor for me to be nominated! Here are some photos of moments on the stage I’ve captured!!   

Jeff Flaster “Take(s) the Moment” at Don’t Tell Mama!

Here are some photos I took from Jeff Flaster’s Debut Show “Take the Moment” at Don’t Tell Mama on April 3rd.  Jeff is a wonderful storyteller!  Check it out if he brings it back!

Mary Lahti “Coulda Woulda Shoulda” @ Don’t Tell Mama! A Wonderful Show!

Photo’s I’ve taken from Mary Lahti’s new show “Coulda Woulda Shoulda” directed by the wizard of cabaret Lennie Watts, musical direction by Paul Greenwood at Don’t Tell Mama.   You have one more chance to see the show on April 6th @7:00 PM!  RSVP NOW!! A wonderful show you want to catch! 

“ESCAPE” with Lennie Watts@Don’t Tell Mama! MUST SEE!!

Photo’s I’ve taken from Lennie Watts’ truly fabulous show “ESCAPE” directed by the wonderful Kristine Zbornik, musical direction by the amazing Michael Holland at Don’t Tell Mama on Monday, March 21st.   The next show dates are April 11th and 18th!  RSVP NOW!! You don’t want to miss this!! 

 

David Sabella “Time Heals” CD Release @Feinstein’s/54 Below

Photo’s I’ve taken from David Sabella’s fantastic “Time Heals” CD Release at 54 Below on Wednesday, March 9th.

 

Kati Neiheisel in “Yesterday…Once More”

Photo’s I’ve taken from Kati Neiheisel’s wonderful show “Yesterday…Once More”, The songs of the Carpenters. Sunday, December 5th, 2021 with Musical Direction by Gregory Toroian and Direction by Lina Koutrakos at Pangea.

 

Graeme Lister in “Femme Fatales and Other Distractions”

My photos from Graeme Lister’s “Femme Fatales and Other Distractions” on Friday, December 3, 2021 with Musical Direction by David Pearl at Don’t Tell Mama.

 

Shannon Daley in “Anybody have a Map?”

My photos from Shannon Daley’s Debut show “Anybody have a Map?” on October 10, 2021 directed by Lennie Watts, with Musical Direction by Steven Ray Watkins at Don’t Tell Mama.

Gerrilyn Sohn in “Something Cool”

My photos from Gerrilyn Sohn’s encore performance of her Debut show “Something Cool” on February, 20, 2020! Directed by Gretchen Reinhagen, with Musical Direction by pianist, David Gaines at Don’t Tell Mama.

Liora Michelle in “The Greedy Soprano”

Here are some photos from Photo’s from Liora Michelle’s wonderful debut show on February 4th, Directed By Lennie Watts Musical Direction By Bill Zeffiro at Don’t Tell Mama.

Bob Diamond in “Game of Life”

Here are some photos from Bob Diamond’s heart warming new show “Game of Life”, Directed By Gretchen Reinhagen Musical Direction By Matthew Martin Ward from Sunday, January 19th at Don’t Tell Mama.

Maureen Taylor in “Cosmic Connections”

Here are some photos from Maureen Taylor’s delightful new show “Cosmic Connections”, featuring the Lyrics of Michael Colby from Saturday, December 21st, 2019 at Don’t Tell Mama.

 

LISA VIGGIANO FROM LADY DAY TO THE BOSS

Photos that I’ve taken from LISA VIGGIANO’s wonderful show FROM LADY DAY TO THE BOSS 50 YEARS OF TALENT DISCOVERED BY LEGENDARY COLUMBIA RECORD PRODUCER JOHN HENRY HAMMOND

Final Night of 2019 Cabaret Convention: Thanks for the Memory

Photos that I’ve taken from the final night of the 2019 Cabaret Convention Celebrating 30 years of Cabaret Conventions Hosted by: KT Sullivan Featuring: Aaron Lee Battle, Celia Berk, Margo Brown, Tim Connell, Spencer Day, Shana Farr, Eric Yves Garcia, Sean Harkness, Christian Holder, Lina Koutrakos, Allora Leonard, Beckie Menzie, Tom Michael, Susie Mosher, Todd Murray, Gretchen Reinhagen, Anais Reno, Josephone Sanges, Marcus Simeone, Avery Sommers, Sandy Stewart, Mark William and Amra-Faye Wright.

Day 3 of 2019 Cabaret Convention “Judy! A Garland of
Song”

Photos that I’ve taken from day 3 of the 2019 Cabaret Convention hosted by by Klea Blackhurst and John Fricke Featuring: Stephanie Blythe, Leanna Borghesi, Carole J Bufford, Nathan Chang, Natalie Douglas, Karen Mason, Sidney Myer, Anthony Nunziata, Will Nunziata, Christine Pedi, Hannah Jane Peterson, Ruby Rakos, Jennifer Sheehan and Billy Stritch.

 

Day 2 of 2019 Cabaret Convention “Frank Loesser: Heart and Soul”

Photos that I’ve taken from day 2 of the 2019 Cabaret Convention hosted by Jeff Harnar and Andrea Marcovicci Featuring: Karen Akers, Danny Bacher, Anna Bergman, Liz Callaway, Eric Comstock, Sally Darling, Joshua Lance Dixon, Barbara Fasano, Tovah Feldshuh, Marilyn Maye, Marissa Mulder, Mark Nadler, Karen Oberlin, Steve Ross, David Sabella, Marta Sanders, Tim Schall, Jane Scheckter, Lisa Viggiano and Lennie Watts.

 

 

Roberta Feldhusen in “Who’s That Woman?”

Photos that I’ve taken from Roberta Feldhusen’s debut show “Who’s that woman?” at Don’t Tell Mama, directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Tracy Stark

John Burns in”John Burn is a Sexy Beast”

Photos that I’ve taken from John Burn’s show “John Burns is a Sexy Beast” at The Duplex, directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Michael Holland.

Robin Kradles in “70 is the New 40”

Photos that I’ve taken from Robin’s show “70 is the New 40” on April 28th benefiting Singnasium!

New Photo Album

Sondheim Montage featuring KT
Sullivan & Jeff Harnar

My photos from the #SONDHEIMmontage show featuring KT SULLIVAN & JEFF HARNAR, JON WEBER (Music Director) directed by SONDRA LEE and the afterparty!

 

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”14″ gal_title=”Sondheim Montage featuring KT Sullivan & Jeff Harnar”]

2018 Cabaret Convention Day 4

My photos from the final evening of the Cabaret Convention. Friday, October 12: THE NIGHT THEY INVENTED CHAMPAGNE: THE LYRICS OF ALAN JAY LERNER, hosted by Jeff Harnar & Andrea Marcovicci. Featuring Karen Akers, Leanne Borghesi *, Barbara Brussell, Eric Comstock , Joshua Lance Dixon , Shana Farr, Barbara Fasano , Penny Fuller , Anita Gillette , Richard Holbrook , Stearns Matthews , Sally Mayes , Tammy McCann, Sidney Myer, Mark Nadler , Liz Robertson, Steve Ross, Marta Sanders-Cooper , Gabrielle Stravelli , Iris Williams. Presentation of The Donald F. Smith Award, underwritten by Adela & Larry Elow. Presentation of The Julie Wilson Award, underwritten by Linda & Peter Hanson.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”15″ gal_title=”Cabaret Fest Day 4″]

Cabaret Convention Day 3

My photos from Thursday, October 11, Day 3 of the Cabaret Convention and after party at Chez Josephine: THE BEST OF JERRY HERMAN, hosted by Klea Blackhurst. Featuring Brent Barrett, Anna Bergman, Celia Berk, Tim Connell*, Debbie Gravitte, Greg Gropper, Renee Katz*, Valerie Lemon, Kristoffer Lowe, Marieann Meringolo, Christine Pedi, Lee Roy Reams, Joan Ryan, Josephine Sanges, Amra-Faye Wright. Presentation of The Adela & Larry Elow American Songbook High School Competition Award.

2018 Cabaret Convention Day 2

My photos from Wednesday, October 10, day 2 of the Cabaret Convention: THE NIGHT AND THE MUSIC: CELEBRATING ROSEMARY CLOONEY, BARBARA COOK, AND JULIE WILSON, hosted by Deborah Grace Winer; music director John Oddo. Featuring Karrin Allyson*, Debby Boone*, Darius de Haas, Natalie Douglas, La Tanya Hall, Nicolas King, Rebecca Luker*, Marilyn Maye, Kenita Miller*, James Naughton*, Linda Purl, Emily Skinner*, Billy Stritch, Karen Ziemba.

2018 Cabaret Convention Day 1

Photo’s I’ve taken Tuesday, October 9 at the Cabaret Convention hosted by KT Sullivan. Featuring Corinna Sowers Adler, Danny Bacher, David David Baida*, Joie Bianco Vocalist, Carole J. Bufford, Bill Charlap, Dawn Derow*, Meg Flather*, Eric Yves Garcia, Gregory Generet, Paula Dione Ingram*, Marcus Lovett*, Nancy McGraw, Marissa Mulder, Todd Murray, Karen Oberlin, Sandy Stewart, Dorian Woodruff*, Carol Woods. Presentation of The Mabel Mercer Award to Carol Woods

 

Photo Archive

Random photos I’ve taken at shows! 

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