Sam's, the famed Broadway theatre district restaurant-bar, begins offering cabaret shows on Nov. 3, when a new stage area officially lights up as part of recent renovations at the 45th Street boite.

Ken Lundie and Dale Badway officially begin their run of Dream Street Cabaret 10:30 PM and 12:15 AM Nov. 3, although they have played tryout performances there since the bar's reopening earlier this fall.

Shows play Wednesdays through Saturdays in the main dining room. Sam's is open for late dining, drink and entertainment (jazz combos into the wee hours sometimes) to 4 AM. There is no cover charge for the performances.

The 70-year-old establishment, which lures showfolk and tourists before and after the theatre, recently unveiled its enlarged dining room. The cabaret stage there is elevated, has a beveled glass picture window backdrop and a new sound and lighting system. The bar opened in 1926 under a different name and has had various identities over the years (including Charlie's in the 1970's). From the beginning and over the decades, the Sapienza family has been part of the operation.

Dream Street Cabaret is a revue of show tunes and Tin Pan Alley songs. Lundie is a musical director, actor and singer. He was musical director for the legendary Moose Murders. Badway's regional and stock credits include Meet Me in St. Louis, Bye Bye Birdie, Drood, Sweet Charity and more.

Sam's is at 263 W. 45th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. The menu there has expanded. For reservations, call (212) 719-5416.

-- By Kenneth Jones