Mark Janas – Founder, Artistic Director & Host
MARK JANAS began his piano studies at age of three, composed a sonatina at 5, and by high school was conducting the Hammond Area Youth Orchestra. At Indiana University he studied with pianist Karen Shaw, composer Bernhard Heiden, and conductors Jan Harrington & Tibor Kozma, among others. While a senior at Indiana, he was chosen by Leonard Bernstein to conduct at Bernstein festivals in Israel and Austria. He was twice Bernstein’s assistant, for concerts with the New York Philharmonic and Boston Symphony orchestras. After receiving a Bachelor of Music Degree from Indiana University and a brief stint as associate conductor of Texas Opera Theatre, he acquired a Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting at Rice University, while simultaneously founding and conducting a professional group, Orchestra Texas.
In 1982, he was a conducting fellow at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, studying with Bernstein, Tilson Thomas, Hogwood, and Blomstedt. In 1984, he jumped the fence to musical theater, composing a score for an historical drama The Lone Star, later recorded in London with members of the LSO, and later conducted the Houston Symphony in a performance of a Suite from the work. Mark was the Musical Director for the world’s largest production of Hello, Dolly! – creating all-new arrangements for its star, Marilyn Maye. He performed all over the United States as associate conductor for two national tours of Les Misérables, as well as being Musical Director for the Yale Repertory Theatre, Hippodrome State Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre and New Dramatists, to name a few. He has released 2 CD’s with Multiple Award Winner Julie Reyburn and his client list includes such stars as Len Cariou, Liz Robertson & Kathleen Turner.
Mark is a Two-Time Bistro Award Winner – one for Outstanding Achievement as Musical Director and one for creating Salon, a unique, weekly open mic event. He is an Eight-Time MAC Award Winner – six for being Salon’s Founder & Artistic Director, one for Best Host and one for Best Song.
Tanya Moberly – Executive Producer
Six-Time MAC Award Winning Producer of The Salon
TANYA MOBERLY is the 2016 MAC Award Winner for Best Female Vocalist for her SONGS I FEEL LIKE SINGING – FOUR DIFFERENT SHOWS WITH FOUR DIFFERENT MUSICIANS series. She is a 2014 Bistro Award Winner for Outstanding Theme Show for her I LOVE NEW YORK SONGWRITERS show. She was a 2018 MAC Award Nominee for Major Female Artist for her SIX DIFFERENT SHOWS*SIX DIFFERENT MUSICIANS*SIX DIFFERENT FRIDAY NIGHTS series.
TANYA has been performing in cabaret since 1997 when she co-created the MAC Award nominated THE BLONDE LEADING THE BLONDE. Her first solo show, MOBERLY SINGS DI FRANCO, was deemed by Cabaret Hotline “The Best Musical Event of 2001”. Other solo cabaret shows include: TANYA SINGS JONATHA BROOKE, THEATRE SONGS, TANYA LORRAINE MOBERLY SINGS BARBRA JOAN STREISAND, MOBERLY SINGS NILSSON WITH WEBER, TANYA SINGS THE BLUES WITH IAN, TANYA SINGS AMY, ANI, RICKIE, JONI WITH RITT, MOBERLY SINGS LOGGINS WITH WATKINS & I LOVE NEW YORK SONGWRITERS PART II.
Her current project is MOBERLY AT MAMA’S MONTHLY – SIX DIFFERENT SHOWS WITH SIX DIFFERENT MUSICAL DIRECTORS.
Theatre credits include: April in COMPANY, Rizzo in GREASE, Columbia in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Ruby in DAMES AT SEA, Lola in DAMN YANKEES, Dorothy in NITECLUB CONFIDENTIAL, Petra in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Drood in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD and Hannah & Diana in CALIFORNIA SUITE. She has also toured the U.S. For Theatreworks/USA in GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS and JUNGLE BOOK.
Directing Credits include: Dan Ruth (A LIFE BEHIND BARS – 2018 Bistro Award Winner for Solo Play & 2018 MAC Award for Spoken Word), Amy Beth Williams (CRAZY TO LOVE YOU / CARRIED AWAY – 2018 Bistro Award Winner for Theme Show / A THOUSAND BEAUTIFUL THINGS / GREAT LADIES, GREAT SONGS), Marnie Klar (MARNIE KLAR SINGS / ACCIDENTAL HAPPINESS / HOME / TUNED IN / BEDTIME STORIES / MARNIE KLAR SINGS BOBBIE GENTRY), David Ballard (HAVING IT ALL / TRUE NORTH), Lisa Viggiano (LISA VIGGIANO SINGS BRUCE ON CHRISTOPHER & RESTAURANT ROW), Kathleen France (LA BELLA VITA), Kendra Cunningham (THIS COULD BE YOU) & Jennifer Bangs (SHE BANGS SHE BANGS – MARRIAGE, ADULTERY, TEXAS & JESUS). Tanya is a 2019 Bistro Award Winner for Outstanding Director.
SALON SPONSORS:
Dr. Garrett Bennett, MD
Dr. Bennett works exclusively on the nose including rhinoplasty, deviated septum surgery and sinus surgery. He is a member of the American Rhinological Society, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Medical Society of the State Of New York, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the New York County Medical Society. He is one of the few double board-certified facial plastic surgeons, with certifications in facial plastic surgery by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Dr. Bennett has been voted Top Surgeon by Consumers
In addition to publications in numerous medical journals and presentations at national and regional conferences, Dr. Bennett is an avid supporter of the theater. He is married to Broadway actress Raissa Katona Bennett. Dr. Bennett performs surgery at the Lenox Hill Hospital, and Gramercy Surgery Center.
Dr. Bennett is a graduate of the prestigious Otolaryngology Surgery Program at the New York University School of Medicine in New York City. Through his work and studies at the New York University Hospital; Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital; and Lenox Hill Hospital, Dr. Bennett received intensive training in facial plastic and nasal surgery procedures, including rhinoplasty (nasal reshaping surgery), deviated nasal septum repair, functional nasal surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal polyp surgery, treatment of acute and chronic sinusitis surgery, and others. He completed additional rhinoplasty training at the Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, where he held a fellowship position in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) He completed an internship at the General Surgery Department of the New York University School of Medicine in New YoCity. He received his medical doctorate from the Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, New York.
Garrett Bennet, MD has been awarded as one of the top Plastic Surgery practices in New York, 2015.
Father Jeffrey Hamblin, MD 
SALON ADVISORY BOARD:
Raissa Katona Bennett – Advisory Board Member
On Broadway, Raissa performed the role of “Christine Daae” in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and appeared in CHESS, as a benefit for the Actor’s Fund. Her First National Tour credits include: “Jellylorum/Griddlebone” and “Jennyanydots” in CATS, “Mother” in the National Theatre of the Deaf’s version of A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES, and “Lizzie Phagan” in PARADE, where she worked with the original creative team of director Harold Prince, choreographer Patricia Birch, author Alfred Uhry, and composer Jason Robert Brown.
In NYC, Raissa has headlined at: Feinstein’s, Metropolitan Room, Iridium and The Laurie Beechman Theatre. She has guest starred at: The Supper Club, Rainbow Room, 88?s, Don’t Tell Mama, Chita’s, The Algonquin, and Radio City Music Hall. She has soloed with many symphony orchestras and was guest soloist at the estate of the legendary Cal Ripken, Jr. She was featured at the Lincoln Center Barnes and Noble in their Any Wednesday series, performing selections from her first CD, What I Was Dreaming Of.
Her newest CD, Another Kind of Light, is being released by LML Music, during a week long engagement at Feinsteins, August 21st thru the 25th. On this new CD, three songs were written expressly for Raissa – 2 by Michael John LaChiusa: “Torch Song for Raissa” and “Bye, Bye, Ingenue”, and 1 by David Caldwell: “i carry your heart”. Two other songs receive their first commercial recording here: Ron Abel and Chuck Steffan’s “Waiting for a Westbound Train,” and “How Could I Not?” is from the David Spencer/Alan Menken musical, THE APPRENTICESHIP OF DUDDY KRAVITZ.
Raissa was nominated for a 2009 MAC Award for Outstanding Female Vocalist and received the 2010 Bistro Award and 2011 MAC Award for Outstanding Achievement as the creator, producer and host of THE CONCERTS FOR CITY GREENS, which is dedicated to the greening of cities, while introducing new audiences to the artists of the cabaret and theater communities. She writes a blog, “Raissa Recommends”, that highlights performances in the NYC cabaret and theater world, promotes animal rescue and a kinder, more verdant world. She is also a Reiki Master, and Platform Assistant/Chaplain, at Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, in Norwalk, CT.
Sierra Rein – Advisory Board Member / Mamette
Sierra was christened the first “Blogette” by Sue Matsuki in 2010 and is a Board Member of The Salon. She debuted her solo New York show, “Running in Place,” in 2018 with fellow Advisory Board Member Bill Zeffiro as her Music Director. Her vocal group, Marquee Five (www.marqueefive.com) won a MAC Award for Vocal Duo/Group and released their debut CD, “8-Track Throwback,” in 2011. Sierra was last seen waving tentacles, wands, and swords as various cartoon characters for Disney Cruise Line, knitting on a train for Ogunquit Playhouse’s “White Christmas,” and was seen in both color and black and white at Goodspeed Musicals’ production of “City of Angels” as Angel City 4 Alto-Donna/Oolie understudy. Last year, she made her musical film noir parody short debut in “Better Dead Than Red.” She yearly sings with the Manhattan Holiday Carolers and regularly appears at open mics, for composer showcases, and can be seen in many online videos with her puppet, Kay “ThePal” Pringle.
Other favorite credits: Chiffon in “Little Shop of Horrors” (Utah Shakespearean Festival), Sister Sophia in “Sound of Music” and Nimue in “Camelot” (Fullerton CLO), Nadia in Ovation-winning “bare” (Hudson Theater), Second Soprano in “Master Class” (Odyssey Theater), roles in “The Pajama Game” and “The Boys from Syracuse” (Reprise!), and Ellen Beach Yaw in cult favorite “A Mulholland Christmas Carol” (Theater of N.O.T.E.). www.SierraRein.com
Julie Reyburn – Advisory Board Member
Julie was awarded the 2011 MAC Award for Major Artist by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs. She is a 4 time MAC, 2 time Bistro award winner who has appeared in many of the top clubs in Manhattan. Her ability to connect to a lyric with unique interpretations has established her as one of New York¡¯s celebrated female vocalist. She is the first ever Nightlife Award recipient for Outstanding Female Vocalist (2003) and again in 2005 and 2009 as a finalist.In 2007 Julie was presented with the coveted Julie Wilson Award from the Mabel Mercer Foundation ¡°in joyful gratitude for the vocal majesty and lyrical interpretation she continually manifests in her classic presentations of the Great Popular Songbook.
Julie has been featured in the Broadway by the Year series at the famed New York Town Hall. Highlighted in both the “Broadway Musicals of 1940 and 1965,” Julie costarred with some of Broadway’s best. She has been featured in numerous Cabaret Conventions sponsored by The Mabel Mercer Foundation. Most recently at Lincoln Center¡¯s Rose Theatre as well as in Chicago’s famed Park West.
As a member of Actor’s Equity, Julie has performed Off-Broadway in new musicals, “I Prefer to Dream” at the Triad, “Character Breakdown” at Abington Theatre, “War Brides” at The York Theatre, “The Atrain Plays” at Neighborhood Playhouse, “Falsettos” for Storefront Theatre Company and in the award winning musical Africa & Plumbridge at the NY International Fringe Festival.
Recordings include: The Broadway Musicals of 1940 (Bayview Records), Heaven Knows – Cast Recording, War Brides ¨C Cast Recording and her debut solo CD, Fate is Kind and Bistro Award winning recording, Live at Feinstein¡¯s(No Cover Records) and 8 Track Throwback (Cavern Records) with Marquee Five.
Roy Sander – Advisory Board Member
Roy Sander has been covering cabaret and theatre for nearly twenty-five years. His reviews and commentary have appeared in seven print publications—most prominently Back Stage—and onCitysearch on the Internet and the MAC web site. In addition, he appeared monthly on “New York Theatre Review” on PBS-TV, and weekly on WLIM-FM radio. He is a member of the Bistro Awards committee, a judge for the Nightlife Awards, and Chairman of the Advisory Board of MAC, and he was twice a guest instructor at the London School of Musical Theatre.
He currently writes reviews for www.BistroAwards.com.
William Zeffiro – Advisory Board Member
Bill wrote book, music and lyrics for The Road To Ruin (The 1928 Exploitation Musical) which makes its world premier at the New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF) in September 2008. The cast album, available on Original Cast Records (starring George S, Irving, and Ann Morrison) was named one of the Top 10 Show Albums of 2005 by talking.broadway.com. It was a National Alliance For Musical Theatre semi-finalist in 2006 and further developed in cooperation with The Academy for New Musical Theatre in Los Angeles, East of Doheny, and The Fifth Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Recently Bill produced and performed on the debut recording Randy Newman’s song, “Stupid Little Songs” with Brooke Sunny Moriber. Other recent projects: Producer/Music Supervisor of the Original Cast Recording of “JACK An Opera About The Life Of John F. Kennedy” by Will Holt and Tom Sawyer and producing Kitty Carlisle Hart’s final recordings in 2006.
Other writing projects include scripts for USA Television Network’s UP ALL NIGHT and his play ‘The Backseat Of The Lincoln’, a comedy about obsession with the Kennedy assassination. He is regarded as an expert on the music of Kay Swift, and co-produced the legendary Merkin Hall concert in 1986 featuring Ms. Swift, Steve Ross, Julie Wilson and Balcom and Morris. As a vocal coach/ singing teacher his clients have appeared in (to name a few) Billy Elliot, Rent, Mary Poppins, Wicked, Avenue Q and Jersey Boys. . Last year City Lights Youth Theatre honored him at Tavern On The Green for his work as an Artist/Teacher along with Lynne Wilson and Kitty Carlisle Hart. www.billzeffiro.com
MAMETTES
Janice Hall – Mamette
Janice Hall has performed in opera houses all over the world, including the Vienna State Opera, the Salzburg Festival, London’s Covent Garden, and the Komische Oper Berlin. In the U.S., she has appeared with, among others, the Santa Fe Opera Festival, the Chicago Lyric Opera, and at the Kennedy Center with the Washington National Opera.
Janice lived for many years in Germany, and returned to New York in 2007. At that time, she began applying her performing gifts to cabaret, and immediately made a name for herself. She was a finalist in the 2010 Metrostar Talent Competition, sponsored by the Metropolitan Room. Her first solo cabaret show, Grand Illusions: The Music of Marlene Dietrich, won Janice a 2011 Bistro Award for Tribute Show, and the 2012 MAC Award for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Janice has appeared as Violetta in an Emmy-winning “Live from Lincoln Center” PBS broadcast of La Traviata, and, in 2012, made her off-Broadway debut in Monica Bauer’s play My Occasion of Sin, at Urban Stages Theater. She has also appeared in Street Scene, at the Kurt Weill Fest in Dessau, Germany, the operatic version of Angels in America, with the BBC Symphony in London, and the LA Philharmonic, and is featured on the world premiere recording of Before Night Falls, which she performed with the Fort Worth Opera.
Janice has been a Salon regular since 2008, and credits Salon with helping her to hone the performance skills that serve her so well in her cabaret shows. She is also a licensed real estate salesperson, and is excited to begin an exciting new phase of her life and career! www.janicehallsinger.com
Marnie Klar – Mamette
Marnie Klar is originally from Virginia Beach, VA. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Miami, where she performed in “Into The Woods”, “And The World Goes ‘Round”, “Tartuffe”, “Piece of My Heart” and “Mame” (directed by the legendary Jerry Herman).
She has been featured as a runway model in New York City and Washington, D.C. for such designers as Max Mara, Fernando Sanchez & Tiffany’s and has appeared in such magazines as Seventeen, YM & Self.
Regional Theatre credits include “Three Tall Women”, “Wild Oats” & “A Lie of the Mind” (Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati) and “Once Upon A Mattress” & “The Wizard of Oz” (The Hurrah Players, in Norfolk, VA.).
New York Theatre credits include Love Song (Seeing Place Theater), Shakespeare’s Venus and Adonis (HERE Arts Center), Warning Adult Content (Shetler Studios, TDG), Jewel Thieves! (Time Square Arts Center), and Fleet Week: The Musical (Lucille Lortel Theatre- Fringe NYC ’05 Winner Outstanding Musical).
Marnie is a recurring performer with Vocal Ease, a nonprofit organization that provides live entertainment for NYC’s senior citizens and she recently performed In The Lounge at Dixon Place and at the Cornelia Street Café with Vaudevillage.
Shows at Don’t Tell Mama include: MARNIE KLAR SINGS… (2011) – “A Voice from the Heavens.” Sue Matsuki – Cabaret Hotline; ACCIDENTAL HAPPINESS (2013) – “Marnie Klar invigorates cabaret scene… Klar can rock…. a vocal force to be reckoned with…”- Mark Dundas Wood, simplyshowbiz.com / “An artistically commanding and emotionally potent triumph…Klar performs with fervent commitment, and her smile seems to embrace not only the entire room, but the whole universe.”- Roy Sander, Bistro Awards); HOME (2014) , TUNED IN (2015) & BEDTIME STORIES (2018 MAC Award Nominee). Her latest show MARNIE KLAR SINGS BOBBIE GENTRY opens in November 2018. www.marnieklar.com
Jaye Maynard – Mamette
JAYE MAYNARD -MA Vocal Performance at NYU. BFA Univ of Utah, Jaye is a bespoke transition specialist in NYC and beyond to support her musical life she loves helping people as a doula, a pro organizer, and real estate professional. Currently booking her tribute to Blossom Dearie: Bird Amongst the Blossom– a vintage styled jazz cabaret, she is also bird$ne$ting to record the songbook at Capitol Records Hollywood. She is champion for self producing artists with her own PlaidBird Productions. Visit: www.jayemaynard.com
Candice Oden – Mamette
Candice is so thrilled to be a member of The Seeing Place ensemble. National Tours: MUSIC OF THE NIGHT (Eva Peron), LULLABY OF BROADWAY (Eva Peron), THE QUEST (Everyone Else). Los Angeles Workshops: BLACK DENIM TROUSERS & MOTORCYCLE BOOTS (Janet), SAMMY: A MUSICAL (Lady Captain), SHEBA THE MUSICAL (Irit). New York Workshops/Readings: AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN (Pre-Broadway workshop) and THE BEAR (reading with The Seeing Place.) Regional Theatre: HOT MIKADO (Pitti-Sing), A WELK MUSICAL CHRISTMAS (Featured Vocalist), CINDERELLA (Fairy Godmother [Inland Theatre League Award, Best Actress]),THE GOODBYE GIRL (Melanie), THE WIZARD OF OZ and more. Improv: Little Britches (Co-Founder and performer), Brooklyn Improv Group, Accomplice The Show (Village & NY). Candice would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support. “No, no, no – you don’t understand.” Member: AEA, SAG-AFTRA / Twitter: @CandiceOden
Sarah Rice – Mamette
Broadway: (SWEENEY TODD) Johanna, original, Theatre World Award, Grammy for Best Show Recording.
Off-Broadway: Luisa (FANTASTICKS); Susan (THE WAVES); Elizabeth (SWAN SONG).
Opera/Operetta/Music Theatre/Theatre:
leading soprano and dramatic roles performed all over the world with a bunch of great people (Joan Sutherland, Richard Bonynge, Leona Mitchell, Marni Nixon, Angela Lansbury, Harold Prince and Stephen Sondheim among others) and companies including the famed Gran Teatro la Fenice in Venice, Italy, Santa Fe Opera, Central City Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Dallas Opera in the leading soprano roles of DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT; RIGOLETTO; LE NOZZE DI FIGARO; THE BARBER OF SEVILLE; PIRATES; STUDENT PRINCE; NAUGHTY MARIETTA; MERRY WIDOW; DIE FLEDERMAUS; BITTERSWEET; THE MEDIUM; SHOWBOAT; PHANTOM; DESERT SONG; CANDIDE; MUSIC MAN; and HAMLET; to name a few.
2010 Bistro Award and 2011 MAC AWARD winner, Female Vocalist, for her critically acclaimed solo cabaret debut, SARAH RICE sings SCREEN GEMS, Songs of Old Hollywood and voted favorite female cabaret debut performer by Cabaret Hotline Online readers in 2009.
Sarah first played the Theremin at Tom O’Horgan’s house about 10 years ago, on an original RCA model from the 1920s. She has been enthralled with the instrument and its otherworldly sound ever since. www.SarahRice.com
Adam Shapiro – Mamette
Adam has performed three acclaimed NY solo cabarets, It Starts When We’re Kids, No Chestnuts, and Guide to the Perfect Breakup (2013 MAC Award). He has appeared Off Broadway in Gimpel Tam (Gimpel), and Jewsical- The Chosen Musical. National/Intl Tours: ZORRO-The Musical, Henry and Mudge, Pinocchio. Regional: Ragtime (Broadwayworld Award 2013), Joseph…Dreamcoat, Little Shop of Horrors, Annie Get Your Gun. Film/TV: “The Normal Heart” (HBO), “30 Rock” (NBC), “My Dirty Little Secret” (ID), Comedy Central. www.adamshapiro.xbuild.com
Ann Talman – Mamette
Actress, singer, writer, storyteller, documentary film-maker. Just returned in 2019 after a hiatus to develop her solo play Woody’s Order! which premiered at Pittsburgh Playhouse 2017 and the short documentary Woody’s Order! which premiered at Tribeca 2017 and has won awards all over the world, qualifying for Oscar 2018. www.woodysorder.com
Broadway and West End: The Little Foxes (w/Elizabeth Taylor), The House of Blue Leaves, Some Americans Abroad, The Women (also stood by for Cynthia Nixon). Off Broadway and Regional: Pittsburgh City Theatre, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Vineyard Theatre, Soho Rep, Primary Stages, Second Stage, The Flea, The New Group, Long Wharf, Goodspeed Opera House, Huntington Theatre Boston, The Geffen, Center Stage, Williamstown, The O’Neill, St. Louis Rep, Workshop Theater, TheatreWorks Hartford.
Cast Albums: Yours Anne, and Hannah 1939 w/ Julie Wilson as Hannah. Ann played Young Hannah.
Television: Seinfeld, Law & Order (2 x) Law & Order SVU, Rebecca Chase on General Hospital for a year (currently in Witness Protection!) Murphy Brown, Ellen.
Film: Serendipity, Limitless, Archeology of a Woman (w Sally Kirkland & Victoria Clark) Wall Street, Bob Roberts.
Radio/Web: NPR/PRX Tales From The South, Naked Angels Naked Radio. ABLE-A Series.
Performer with Vocal Ease, a nonprofit that provides musical entertainment for senior citizens in the New York tri-city area. Proud Founding member of Naked Angels, The New Group, Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA and member of The Workshop Theater and Ensemble Studio Theatre/NY where she served on its Board for 12 years.
www.anntalman.com
Maureen Taylor – Mamette
Maureen just returned from Fireside Dinner Theatre’s “Driving Miss Daisy”. Highlights – Opera: Chicago, Philadelphia, Palm Beach, Italy with Renata Tebaldi. Theatre/Concerts National & Abroad: Madame Giry in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA –Mother Abbess in SOUND OF MUSIC, award winning CD “Incantation” with Tim Wheater, London Palladium, Bridewell, Hever Castle, Theatre Royal Brighton. www.visionsforclarity.com
