The Gorilla Repertory Theatre Company held the first in a three-part series of benefits at the Solas Bar in New York City on Oct. 25. Titled "Talking Jazz," the evening featured jazz and spoken word performances and raised an estimated $500-$700 for the company.

Production sources say that representatives of Solas were very enthused by the success of the show and had said that "Talking Jazz" may be brought back on a regular basis depending on the success of the next two events in the current series.

Talking Jazz is a new theatrical event and the brainchild of Gorilla artistic director, (and show composer and director) Christopher Sanderson. The content of the show is described as "a musical theatre event that brings jazz together with poetry, literature and anything else that can be said aloud."

The cast of "Talking Jazz" also includes Amo Gulinello, Jy Murphy and Katherine Gooch.

"Talking Jazz" will run twice more, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 at Solas, 232 East 9th Street. Tickets are $10, plus a cash bar, and are available at (212) 330-8086. -- By Murdoch McBride