Orfeh to Host Feb. 23 Monday Nights, New Voices Concert

By Andrew Gans
10 Feb 2009

Orfeh
Orfeh

Orfeh, the singing actress who was Tony-nominated for her performance in Legally Blonde the Musical, will host the Feb. 23 Monday Nights, New Voices concert at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre.

The evening, which begins at 7 PM, will celebrate the work of composer Deborah Abramson. Vocalists will include Ashley Mortensen, Andy Planck, Tess Primack, Tony Ramos and Jessica Vosk.

Composer Abramson will also be on hand to accompany the performers and tell stories associated with each of the presented songs.

Barbara Anselmi will be the evening's musical director.

The New Voices series was founded by composer Scott Alan to "showcase some of today's brightest new talent in New York." Alan's debut recording, "Dreaming Wide Awake" — which features performances by Liz Callaway, Stephanie J. Block, Eden Espinosa, Cheyenne Jackson and Jonathan Groff, among others — is available by visiting www.scottalan.net. His new CD, "Keys: The Music of Scott Alan," is also now available.

Orfeh is a 2007 Tony Award nominee for her performance as Paulette in Legally Blonde. She has also appeared on Broadway in Saturday Night Fever, Fascinating Rhythm and Footloose and Off-Broadway in Love, Janis. Her television credits include "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Sex & the City" and "Chappelle's Show." Orfeh was also founder and lead singer of the group Or-N-More on EMI Records. Her new CD is titled "What Do You Want From Me" (Sh-K-Boom Records).

Barrington Stage Company presented a revue of Deborah Abramson's work, entitled Travels With My Discontent. She also composed music for Marco Polo with Peter Mills. A current project is The History of War with lyrics by Amanda Yesnowitz and book by Chip Zien.

The Duplex Cabaret Theatre is located in Manhattan at 61 Christopher Street. There is a $12 music charge and a two-drink minimum; for reservations call (212) 255-5438 or visit theduplex.com.