Queens of Cabaret to Hold Court at Great American Music Hall

Two cabaret talents light up the Great American Music Hall next Saturday: Andrea Marcovicci and Shawn Ryan.

Andrea Marcovicci got her start as an actress, first gaining notice on the long cancelled daytime soap opera "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing." She went on to appear in movies and on Broadway, and had a recurring role on the prime time series "Hill Street Blues."

But singing is what was in her heart. Eventually she put acting on the back burner and became a chanteuse, appearing on cabaret stages around the world. For more than two decades, she was the star attraction at the Oak Room inside the legendary Algonquin Hotel in New York City. Her shows were usually sold out.

Often clad in simple yet elegant gowns, Marcovicci enchanted audiences with her emotional renditions of the greatest love ballads and torch songs from previous generations. Now known as the Queen of Cabaret, Marcovicci will grace the stage of the venerable Great American Music Hall on Saturday April 9. She'll be joined by Season 1 "America's Got Talent" contestant Shawn Ryan, who Marcovicci calls "The Other Queen of Cabaret."

Marcovicci said in our interview that she was heartbroken to see the Oak Room close in 2012.

"Twenty-five years is an unheard of run," she said. "They turned it into a breakfast nook, which is a sacrilege. No one goes in there now. Corporate America loses sight of greatness again and again."

Marcovicci added that she was involved in a petition drive to save The Oak Room. "We had thousands of signatures," she said. "We were proactive, but we didn't win against corporate America."

It was through the cabaret world that Marcovicci and Ryan met.

"I started to go to his shows and he's been a big supporter of mine," Marcovicci said. "I told him he was the other Queen of Cabaret. That cemented our friendship."

The openly gay Ryan is also an actor and filmmaker. Marcovicci recently played a role in his film "Charlie," which is now available for download through Breaking Glass Pictures.

In the film, Ryan plays a young man who goes mute when he decides to leave his abusive past behind. Marcovicci is cast against type as Charlie's evil mom.

Dynamic Duo

Ryan said that part of his inspiration for the film came from an acting class he took. "If there was something you haven't played but want to, write it!" he was told.

Ryan also spoke of his musical inspirations.

"I grew up with a lot of movie musicals," he said. "That music always had strong lyrics. And if someone was home, we always had a record playing."

Ryan cited Glenn Miller, The Beach Boys, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday as among his musical idols.

Marcovicci is someone whom Ryan admires, though he notes that they are different types of performers.

"Her show is classical; it's a real education, and entertaining," he said. "My show is more improvisational."

Marcovicci hopes her performances will help keep the Great American Songbook alive.

"It's so important to educate young people about the music of the past so it doesn't get lost," she said. "It's nice for them to listen to songs they've not heard, songs that rhyme perfectly."

Both performers are delighted to be returning to the Great American Music Hall.

"I love that venue," said Ryan. "My first comedy show for Logo was shot there."

When Marcovicci takes to the Music Hall stage, she'll be celebrating the 30th anniversary of her first San Francisco performance.

"I sang in the beloved Plush Room for 20 years," she recalled. She also performed at the Music Hall in 1989 in Girls Night Out, a show which was comprised of songs written by women.

"San Francisco has always been my home away from home," she said. "I have wonderful memories of the city. I jumped at the chance to come back."

So what can the audience expect from the Queens of Cabaret?

"I'm going to torch a bit and bring everyone down," Marcovicci said with a laugh. "I think it'll be a wonderful evening of fun."

"I'm bringing a full band: piano, bass and guitar," said Ryan. "There will be fun original comedy material and a lot of country. Sometimes I take new material and throw in a jazz bass. You'll hear us really nailing songs and you'll really hear the lyrics."

"Shawn Ryan and Andrea Marcovicci: The Queens of Cabaret," Saturday, April 9 at 8pm, doors open at 7. Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell Street. $25-35. $49.95 includes dinner. www.slimspresents.com www.marcovicci.com www.shawn-ryan.com