On the Town with Buddy Beaverhausen: Songs of the 1950s, '60s & '70s @ the Metropolitan Room, NYC

L. to R: Andrew, Gretchen & Me

From the opening "Rock Around the Clock" medley, host Gretchen Reinhagen's A Celebration of the '50s, '60s and '70s at the Metropolitan Room was a polished doozy of a show from start to finish.

Sidney Myer, who runs the legendary Don't Tell Mama cabaret in midtown took to the stage early and performed with great gusto. He sang "A Pocketful of Miracles," theme song for the 1961 Frank Capra film starring Glenn Ford, Bette Davis and Hope Lange. In 1970, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles had a single release from their album of the same name.

Sidney followed that up with one of his favorites, Marlene Dietrich's 1957 "I May Never Go Home Any More," showcasing his camp sense of showmanship that is always refreshingly welcome as is his bravado, gentlemanly approach to his numbers.

Mark Cummings performed "O Solo Mio/It's Now or Never" and "How Deep Is Your Love" with admirable bravado.

Providing beautiful back-up vocals throughout the show, Karen Mack did a fabulous job on both "You and Me Against the World," a tribute to Helen Reddy, and Carol King's "One Fine Day."

Sidney Meyer & Me

Denise Spann-Morgan never fails to amaze and entertain with her charmingly raucous patter and belt-it-outta-the-ballpark voice. She covered "All in Love Is Fair" and "Boats Against the Current" with equally soulful aplomb. She can do no wrong in my book.

Gretchen returned with some amusing patter before doing her arrangement of "Afternoon Delight" before the show's musical director, Andrew David Sotomayor covered King's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and Elton John's "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word." Andrew is a combination of strong, sexy vocals, brilliant keyboard work and dark and handsome good looks.

After her tribute to '70s disco, the ensemble joined in to sing "Listen to the Music," a fitting finale indeed. If summer afternoon plans prevented you from being part of today's very enthusiastic audience, don't miss the next date for this series with its upcoming, equally spectacular line-up.

Tonight's stars