By Andrew Gans
04 Mar 2003
The 2003 Back Stage Magazine Bistro Award winners were recently announced.
A one-time honor, those who win Bistro Awards in a category are no longer eligible for awards in that particular category in subsequent years. About the awards, Sherry Eaker, editor-in-chief of Back Stage, writes, “The object is not to choose the ‘best’ anything-of-the-year, but to recognize and congratulate the accomplishments of those who have done something special during the year — in this case, during 2002.”
The complete list of 2003 winners follows:
Major Engagement: Christine Ebersole at Café Carlyle; Steven Lutvak at Joe's Pub.
Major Jazz Engagement: Jane Monheit at the Oak Room at The Algonquin.
Vocalist: Marcus Simeone at the Duplex and Don't Tell Mama.
International Artist: Barb Jungr at The Flea Theater.
Debut: Justin Daniel at Don't Tell Mama; Chad Kimball at Ars Nova Theater; Felicia Finley at Ars Nova Theater.
Return to Cabaret: Ellen Greene at The Bottom Line.
Outstanding Performer in a Revue: Eric Comstock, Bill Henderson, Dena DeRose for "Made for the Movies: A Hollywood Songbook" at the Oak Room at The Algonquin.
Musical Comedy Performer: John Flynn in "Dances with Pitchforks" at Don't Tell Mama, Joe's Pub, and Rose's Turn; Elaine Brier in "Jirque du Soleil" at Don't Tell Mama.
Musical Duo: Michael Holland and Karen Mack for "Ice Gasholes... the next decade" at Don't Tell Mama.
Theme Show: "Songs in the Style of Weill" written and performed by Lorinda Lisitza at Don't Tell Mama.
Singer/Songwriter/Instrumentalist: Ed Alstrom for "Acid Cabaret" at Don't Tell Mama and Danny's Skylight Room.
Consistent Excellence in Songwriting: John Bucchino.
Special Material: "The Song Is Mine" with lyric by John DePalma and music by James Followell.
Musical Director: D. Jay Bradley.
Director: Lina Koutrakos.
Recording: Darius de Haas for "Day Dream"; Jerry Scott for "…with a little help from my friends."
Continued Piano Bar Excellence: Jerry Scott at Danny's Skylight Room.
Piano Bar Entertainment: Leslie Anderson at Judy's Chelsea and Rose's Turn.
Special Award: To Matt Dennis, posthumously, in recognition of his contribution to the Great American Songbook; to Judy's Chelsea, for continuous excellence and nurturing of cabaret; to Joy Behar, in recognition of "Joy's Comedy Corner" on ABC's "The View" and its contributions made to the comedy industry; to Mark Nadler, in recognition of his continuing to raise the standards of cabaret performance.
The Ira Eaker Special Achievement Award: Peter Cincotti.
Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award: Barbara Carroll.
