Past Events
New Faces Sing Broadway 1972
Tuesday March 22 at 8:00pm
Showcasing Chicago’s hottest rising talent performing the best of Broadway’s 1972 musical season via songs, games, sing-alongs and more!
Directed by Michael Weber & Christopher Pazdernik
Music Direction by Nick Sula
Elya Faye Bottiger, Liz Chidester, Kyrie Courter, Yando Lopez, Henry McGinniss, James Nedrud, Anthony Norman, Lauren Roesner, Mari Uchida, Travis Austin Wright
with host Heidi Kettenring
Featuring song highlights from:
Follies, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, Grease, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Jesus Christ Superstar, Inner City, 70, Girls, 70, The Grass Harp, The Selling of the President, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and more
at Uptown Underground
4707 N Broadway
Chicago, IL
tickets: porchlightmusictheatre.org
Showcasing Chicago’s hottest rising talent performing the best of Broadway’s 1972 musical season via songs, games, sing-alongs and more!
Directed by Michael Weber & Christopher Pazdernik
Music Direction by Nick Sula
Elya Faye Bottiger, Liz Chidester, Kyrie Courter, Yando Lopez, Henry McGinniss, James Nedrud, Anthony Norman, Lauren Roesner, Mari Uchida, Travis Austin Wright
with host Heidi Kettenring
Featuring song highlights from:
Follies, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, Grease, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Jesus Christ Superstar, Inner City, 70, Girls, 70, The Grass Harp, The Selling of the President, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and more
at Uptown Underground
4707 N Broadway
Chicago, IL
tickets: porchlightmusictheatre.org
Say You Love Me: Fleetwood Mac at 40 and beyond
Saturday March 26th at 8:00pm
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Fleetwood Mac’s self titled debut album! 40 years later there are many stories to tell and hits to be sung from one of the world’s most prolific and often written about bands. Say You Love Me, Rhiannon, Landslide, Second Hand News, You Make Loving Fun...songs from that self titled album, Rumours, Tusk and MORE will all get a cabaret makeover from Julia Merchant, Dan Riley, Melissa Young, Nick Sula and Scott Simon. Musical direction by Nick Sula.
Back with a one-night-only encore performance after multiple sold-out shows!
Davenport’s Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Tickets are $18.00 and a 2 Drink Minimum
www.davenportspianobar.com
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Fleetwood Mac’s self titled debut album! 40 years later there are many stories to tell and hits to be sung from one of the world’s most prolific and often written about bands. Say You Love Me, Rhiannon, Landslide, Second Hand News, You Make Loving Fun...songs from that self titled album, Rumours, Tusk and MORE will all get a cabaret makeover from Julia Merchant, Dan Riley, Melissa Young, Nick Sula and Scott Simon. Musical direction by Nick Sula.
Back with a one-night-only encore performance after multiple sold-out shows!
Davenport’s Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Tickets are $18.00 and a 2 Drink Minimum
www.davenportspianobar.com
Scott Gryder and Nick Sula at the Twisted Vine
Saturday April 16, 8-11pm
Scott Gryder and I return to The Twisted Vine to perform more monthly musical mayhem!
Twisted Vine
3530 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL
Offering wine, whiskey, cocktails, and little bites. No cover. Come for the drinks, stay for the music!
Call during business hours to reserve a table: 773-388-0952
www.twistedvinechicago.com
Scott Gryder and I return to The Twisted Vine to perform more monthly musical mayhem!
Twisted Vine
3530 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL
Offering wine, whiskey, cocktails, and little bites. No cover. Come for the drinks, stay for the music!
Call during business hours to reserve a table: 773-388-0952
www.twistedvinechicago.com
Porchlight Revisits: Applause
ONLY 3 PERFORMANCES!
March 1-3 at 7:15pm
Stage 773
1225 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL
tickets: porchlightmusictheatre.org
Book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Lyrics by Lee Adams
Music by Charles Strouse
Inspired by the film All About Eve
Directed by Christopher Pazdernik
Music Direction by Nick Sula
Featuring Heidi Kettenring as Margo Channing
This iconic story of Broadway legend Margo Channing and her overzealous "fan" who manages to worm her way into Margo's life in an attempt to become a Broadway star features the song hits "Backstage Babble," "But Alive," "The Best Night of My Life" and "Welcome to the Theatre." You'll want to "fasten your seatbelts" for an extraordinary night.
With Porchlight Music Theatre as your host and guide, you will get will get a rare opportunity to visit musicals that opened, and closed, but have since gone “Unsung.” No longer “lost” or “forgotten,” the finest music theatre artists in Chicago will dust off these neglected treasures and, with script in hand and minimal staging, escort you to a world of Broadway long past.
Before every Porchlight Revisits… production, the “Behind the Show Backstory” multi-media presentation, hosted by Artistic Director Michael Weber, sets the stage on the creation of the focus production, revels in all the juicy backstage stories and the reveals the state of the art on Broadway that season.
March 1-3 at 7:15pm
Stage 773
1225 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL
tickets: porchlightmusictheatre.org
Book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Lyrics by Lee Adams
Music by Charles Strouse
Inspired by the film All About Eve
Directed by Christopher Pazdernik
Music Direction by Nick Sula
Featuring Heidi Kettenring as Margo Channing
This iconic story of Broadway legend Margo Channing and her overzealous "fan" who manages to worm her way into Margo's life in an attempt to become a Broadway star features the song hits "Backstage Babble," "But Alive," "The Best Night of My Life" and "Welcome to the Theatre." You'll want to "fasten your seatbelts" for an extraordinary night.
With Porchlight Music Theatre as your host and guide, you will get will get a rare opportunity to visit musicals that opened, and closed, but have since gone “Unsung.” No longer “lost” or “forgotten,” the finest music theatre artists in Chicago will dust off these neglected treasures and, with script in hand and minimal staging, escort you to a world of Broadway long past.
Before every Porchlight Revisits… production, the “Behind the Show Backstory” multi-media presentation, hosted by Artistic Director Michael Weber, sets the stage on the creation of the focus production, revels in all the juicy backstage stories and the reveals the state of the art on Broadway that season.
Getting SMASHed! Encore Performance
Sunday January 17, 7:00pm
Back by popular demand!
Let us be your stars as we relive the magic of the hit musical TV series “SMASH” Live at Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret! Conceived by “SMASH” super fan, James Gavin, “Getting SMASHed” takes you on a journey through the sensational music from fictional musicals ‘Bombshell’ and ‘Hit List.’ Whether you’re Team Karen or Team Ivy, you’ll want to come out and see who’s going to play Marilyn at this one night only special evening of song!
Featuring: James Gavin, Kimberly Lawson, Kevin Webb, and Melissa Young, with Music Direction by Nick Sula.
$20 Cover w/Two Drink Minimum
Back by popular demand!
Let us be your stars as we relive the magic of the hit musical TV series “SMASH” Live at Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret! Conceived by “SMASH” super fan, James Gavin, “Getting SMASHed” takes you on a journey through the sensational music from fictional musicals ‘Bombshell’ and ‘Hit List.’ Whether you’re Team Karen or Team Ivy, you’ll want to come out and see who’s going to play Marilyn at this one night only special evening of song!
Featuring: James Gavin, Kimberly Lawson, Kevin Webb, and Melissa Young, with Music Direction by Nick Sula.
$20 Cover w/Two Drink Minimum
Melissa Young and Nick Sula: Holiday Hilarity!
Wednesday December 16, 8:00pm
Melissa and I are at it again, singing those wacky holiday hits such as Santa Claus Got Stuck in my Chimney, Santa Lost a Ho, Hard Rock and CoCo and Joe, along with some holiday classics, but this time for a great cause!
This year a portion of the proceeds will go to The Night Ministry, a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care, and human connection to members of our community struggling with poverty or homelessness.
Tickets are $18 with a 2-drink minimum. We will also be collecting much-needed items!
Davenport’s Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Tickets are $18.00 and a 2 Drink Minimum
www.davenportspianobar.com
Melissa and I are at it again, singing those wacky holiday hits such as Santa Claus Got Stuck in my Chimney, Santa Lost a Ho, Hard Rock and CoCo and Joe, along with some holiday classics, but this time for a great cause!
This year a portion of the proceeds will go to The Night Ministry, a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care, and human connection to members of our community struggling with poverty or homelessness.
Tickets are $18 with a 2-drink minimum. We will also be collecting much-needed items!
Davenport’s Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Tickets are $18.00 and a 2 Drink Minimum
www.davenportspianobar.com
Deborah Darr: Auditioning for Life
Thursday October 29 at 8:00pm
Come to Davenport's and hear an encore performance of the stories and songs of Deborah's decades in New York City and on Broadway!
Music Direction by Nick Sula. Directed by Louise Cloutier & Lina Koutrakis, with arrangements by Rick Jensen.
Davenport’s Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Tickets are $18.00 and a 2 Drink Minimum
www.davenportspianobar.com
Come to Davenport's and hear an encore performance of the stories and songs of Deborah's decades in New York City and on Broadway!
Music Direction by Nick Sula. Directed by Louise Cloutier & Lina Koutrakis, with arrangements by Rick Jensen.
Davenport’s Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Tickets are $18.00 and a 2 Drink Minimum
www.davenportspianobar.com
Chicago Cabaret Professionals 2015 Gala
“Celebrating a Century of Song"
With Frank, Billie and More Musical Masters!
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 7:00 p.m.
The Park West Theatre, 322 West Armitage, Chicago, IL 60614
Our 2015 Honorees: Acts Of Kindness Cabaret and Chicago entertainer Ron Hawking.
This year we are proud to honor musicians born a century ago: Billie Holiday, Billy Strayhorn, Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, and many more. This not to be missed event will also feature over 30 members of Chicago Cabaret Professionals, and in keeping with our theme, we will highlight some of the singers and songs that have been part of our musical lexicon for the last 100 years!
I will be at the piano accompanying several of the performers, including the honoree Acts Of Kindness Cabaret.
Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
“Cocktail” performance begins 6:15 p.m.
The Gala Performance starts at 7:00 p.m.
$60 for Reserved Table and Booth Seating, $30 for General Admission
Tickets and info at www.chicagocabaret.org
With Frank, Billie and More Musical Masters!
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 7:00 p.m.
The Park West Theatre, 322 West Armitage, Chicago, IL 60614
Our 2015 Honorees: Acts Of Kindness Cabaret and Chicago entertainer Ron Hawking.
This year we are proud to honor musicians born a century ago: Billie Holiday, Billy Strayhorn, Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, and many more. This not to be missed event will also feature over 30 members of Chicago Cabaret Professionals, and in keeping with our theme, we will highlight some of the singers and songs that have been part of our musical lexicon for the last 100 years!
I will be at the piano accompanying several of the performers, including the honoree Acts Of Kindness Cabaret.
Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
“Cocktail” performance begins 6:15 p.m.
The Gala Performance starts at 7:00 p.m.
$60 for Reserved Table and Booth Seating, $30 for General Admission
Tickets and info at www.chicagocabaret.org
Harry Takes a Holiday: Michael Kingston and friends
Monday, October 19 at 8:00pm
featuring Michael Kingston
with Bob Gerics, Sarah Hayes and Patrick Tierney
Music Direction by Nick Sula
On September 15th, 2014, Michael Kingston left his job of 13 years to go on his first National tour.
How was it? (Why not come and find out for yourself! )
There will be songs from Sondheim, Berlin, Strouse, Leigh, James Taylor and many more.
HARRY TAKES A HOLIDAY shares the highs, the lows, and lessons learned while being on the road and “living the dream”.
Davenport’s Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago
Tickets are $15.00 and a 2 Drink Minimum
www.davenportspianobar.com
featuring Michael Kingston
with Bob Gerics, Sarah Hayes and Patrick Tierney
Music Direction by Nick Sula
On September 15th, 2014, Michael Kingston left his job of 13 years to go on his first National tour.
How was it? (Why not come and find out for yourself! )
There will be songs from Sondheim, Berlin, Strouse, Leigh, James Taylor and many more.
HARRY TAKES A HOLIDAY shares the highs, the lows, and lessons learned while being on the road and “living the dream”.
Davenport’s Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago
Tickets are $15.00 and a 2 Drink Minimum
www.davenportspianobar.com
Nick Sula's Spotlight: Open Mic
at the Uptown Underground
Thank you Uptown Underground for being the musical home to Nick Sula's Spotlight Open Mic for 7 months! And thank you to all the talented singers that graced the stage to sing with me!
Our final night, September 29th, was a blast. Looking forward to accompanying you all again sometime soon!
Nick Sula is one of Chicago's finest pianists - nobody knows how to tickle the ivories better! And he's taking up residence in the mainstage at the Uptown Underground!
Tuesday nights, Nick will delight patrons at the piano from 8 - 11pm. And he loves to share the spotlight with you. Bring your sheet music and Nick will play as you sing your own rich song from the gorgeous Moonshine stage at the Uptown Underground. If you've got a song in your heart, this is the show for you!
$5 cover
Uptown Underground
4707 N Broadway
Chicago, IL
www.uptownunderground.net
Our final night, September 29th, was a blast. Looking forward to accompanying you all again sometime soon!
Nick Sula is one of Chicago's finest pianists - nobody knows how to tickle the ivories better! And he's taking up residence in the mainstage at the Uptown Underground!
Tuesday nights, Nick will delight patrons at the piano from 8 - 11pm. And he loves to share the spotlight with you. Bring your sheet music and Nick will play as you sing your own rich song from the gorgeous Moonshine stage at the Uptown Underground. If you've got a song in your heart, this is the show for you!
$5 cover
Uptown Underground
4707 N Broadway
Chicago, IL
www.uptownunderground.net
Words & Music: CCP Musical Mondays
Monday Jan 12 at 7:30
Chicago Cabaret Professionals presents an evening of song, featuring music where the composer and lyricist are the same person. Music by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Noel Coward, Jerry Herman, Tom Lehrer, John Bucchino, and more. Making up the majority of the cast are artists who both play and sing. This is the first time CCP has presented such a showcase!
Featuring Bob Moreen, Johnny Rodgers, Ester Hana, Elizabeth Doyle, Jeff Dean, Claudia Hommel, Elaine Dame, and me!
Conceived and directed by Daryl Nitz.
Part of the CCP Musical Mondays series at Victory Gardens Theater. Get tickets here!
Chicago Cabaret Professionals presents an evening of song, featuring music where the composer and lyricist are the same person. Music by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Noel Coward, Jerry Herman, Tom Lehrer, John Bucchino, and more. Making up the majority of the cast are artists who both play and sing. This is the first time CCP has presented such a showcase!
Featuring Bob Moreen, Johnny Rodgers, Ester Hana, Elizabeth Doyle, Jeff Dean, Claudia Hommel, Elaine Dame, and me!
Conceived and directed by Daryl Nitz.
Part of the CCP Musical Mondays series at Victory Gardens Theater. Get tickets here!
Melissa Young & Nick Sula in the Back Room
Friday December 19 at 7:00
Melissa Young and Nick Sula sing all the songs that you love from their shows and some holiday rarities with good times and awesome joy as part of the Cabaret Nights at The Back Room!
The Back Room
937 N Rush Street. $20 tickets, no drink minimum.
Hilariousness and sass are a sure bet at this wonderful venue now featuring Cabaret!
Melissa Young and Nick Sula sing all the songs that you love from their shows and some holiday rarities with good times and awesome joy as part of the Cabaret Nights at The Back Room!
The Back Room
937 N Rush Street. $20 tickets, no drink minimum.
Hilariousness and sass are a sure bet at this wonderful venue now featuring Cabaret!
Happy Holidays! A Cabaret by Dom Thomas
Wednesday Dec 17 at 8:00
Come hear a charming holiday story featuring music from Nat King Cole, BB King, Elvis Presley, The Temptations and Many More! This cabaret will travel through the past 25 years and remind us all why we love the holiday season!
I will be on the piano, and Dom Thomas will be giving you an up close and personal vision of the holiday season around his neck of the woods! This is a show that any and everyone will enjoy!
At Davenport's Wednesday night only. $10 cover, 2 drink minimum.
Come hear a charming holiday story featuring music from Nat King Cole, BB King, Elvis Presley, The Temptations and Many More! This cabaret will travel through the past 25 years and remind us all why we love the holiday season!
I will be on the piano, and Dom Thomas will be giving you an up close and personal vision of the holiday season around his neck of the woods! This is a show that any and everyone will enjoy!
At Davenport's Wednesday night only. $10 cover, 2 drink minimum.
Animated Women - Music of Disney
Mondays Dec 8 & 15 at 8:00
The music of Disney women, sung by five extraordinary singers: Kelley Buesse, Amy Orman, Amanda Walsh, Kimberly Lawson, and Stephanie Souza-Rasmann. And with that many fabulous voices, I couldn't resist arranging some killer group numbers! Don't miss this chance to hear your favorite Disney songs, along with some you may not have heard in years. At Davenport's, $15 cover.
The music of Disney women, sung by five extraordinary singers: Kelley Buesse, Amy Orman, Amanda Walsh, Kimberly Lawson, and Stephanie Souza-Rasmann. And with that many fabulous voices, I couldn't resist arranging some killer group numbers! Don't miss this chance to hear your favorite Disney songs, along with some you may not have heard in years. At Davenport's, $15 cover.
Plaid Tidings - A Holiday Edition of Forever Plaid
Fri/Sat Nov 21 & 22 at 7:30, Sun Nov 23 at 3:30
This holiday-themed sequel to Forever Plaid features a quartet of four terrific vocalists singing the harmonies made popular by 50s groups like the Four Aces or the Four Freshmen. These gents are excellent singers, I'm at the piano, and the show is family-friendly holiday fun.
Featuring Sam Button-Harrison, Nick Druzbanski, Andres Enriquez, and Ryan Westwood. Directed by Shellee Frazee, with Music Direction by Nick Sula.
We're at the Beverly Arts Center for two weekends: Nov 21-23 and Dec 5-7. Click here for more info or call 773-445-3838.
This holiday-themed sequel to Forever Plaid features a quartet of four terrific vocalists singing the harmonies made popular by 50s groups like the Four Aces or the Four Freshmen. These gents are excellent singers, I'm at the piano, and the show is family-friendly holiday fun.
Featuring Sam Button-Harrison, Nick Druzbanski, Andres Enriquez, and Ryan Westwood. Directed by Shellee Frazee, with Music Direction by Nick Sula.
We're at the Beverly Arts Center for two weekends: Nov 21-23 and Dec 5-7. Click here for more info or call 773-445-3838.
With a Twist! - Best of Twist!
Friday November 7 & Saturday November 8 at 8:00pm
I'm back at Davenport's with Kevin Bishop, Steve Kimbrough, and Paul Motondo, twisting your favorites from our first three shows in Best of Twist!
Reservations are strongly encouraged. $15 cover charge w/ 2 drink minimum
Musical Direction and Arrangements by Nick Sula; Staging by Brigitte Ditmars
Here's a clip of one of our faves:
I'm back at Davenport's with Kevin Bishop, Steve Kimbrough, and Paul Motondo, twisting your favorites from our first three shows in Best of Twist!
Reservations are strongly encouraged. $15 cover charge w/ 2 drink minimum
Musical Direction and Arrangements by Nick Sula; Staging by Brigitte Ditmars
Here's a clip of one of our faves:
Melissa Young: OUT AND PROUD! A Rainbow Celebration
Thursday October 9 & Saturday October 11 at 8:00pm
Melissa Young's tour of the gay rights movement through song and comedy returns to Davenport's to celebrate our progress!
Starting with Stonewall and Judy Garland, Melissa Young will follow the Gay Rights timeline, performing the music of the world's most loved gay icons and matching them to significant moments in gay history, ending at the Equal Marriage fight of today. Music of Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, and many more, along with stories of the movement told with passion and exuberance.
Nick Sula is at the piano, and Daryl Nitz directs.
At Davenport's Piano Bar. $15, 2 drink minimum. Make your reservations today!
Melissa Young's tour of the gay rights movement through song and comedy returns to Davenport's to celebrate our progress!
Starting with Stonewall and Judy Garland, Melissa Young will follow the Gay Rights timeline, performing the music of the world's most loved gay icons and matching them to significant moments in gay history, ending at the Equal Marriage fight of today. Music of Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, and many more, along with stories of the movement told with passion and exuberance.
Nick Sula is at the piano, and Daryl Nitz directs.
At Davenport's Piano Bar. $15, 2 drink minimum. Make your reservations today!
Cross Over to the Cabaret Side
Friday, September 26 & Saturday, September 27 at 8:00pm
Bob Dylan, Garth Brooks AND Adele have that song in common?
The Bee Gees wrote that "country" song?
The writer didn't really even like his own song? Yet he still wanted Liza or Cher to record it? Neither of them did, but it still ended up a huge multi-chart hit for...?
Join Cheryl Szucsits and me, along with special guest Scott Gryder at Davenport's Piano Bar this weekend to find out the answers to these and other burning questions you didn't even know you had about crossover hits encompassing genres from country to pop to rock and more!
Click HERE to make reservations now!
Bob Dylan, Garth Brooks AND Adele have that song in common?
The Bee Gees wrote that "country" song?
The writer didn't really even like his own song? Yet he still wanted Liza or Cher to record it? Neither of them did, but it still ended up a huge multi-chart hit for...?
Join Cheryl Szucsits and me, along with special guest Scott Gryder at Davenport's Piano Bar this weekend to find out the answers to these and other burning questions you didn't even know you had about crossover hits encompassing genres from country to pop to rock and more!
Click HERE to make reservations now!
Feelin' Groovy: Songs of a New Generation
Monday, September 22 at 7:30pm
Chicago Cabaret Professionals presents Musical Mondays at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater
Performing hits of the 60s and 70s, this show features some of Chicago's finest cabaret performers led by musical director Beckie Menzie and director Laura Freeman. Performers include John Michael Coppolla, Laura Freeman, Beckie Menzie, Tom Michael, Marianne Murphy Orland, Tom Orland, With a Twist (Paul Motondo, Kevin Bishop, Steve Kimbrough and Nick Sula) and Melissa Young.
And I’ll be playing piano, synth, percussion, and even singing harmony!
Get tickets HERE!
Chicago Cabaret Professionals presents Musical Mondays at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater
Performing hits of the 60s and 70s, this show features some of Chicago's finest cabaret performers led by musical director Beckie Menzie and director Laura Freeman. Performers include John Michael Coppolla, Laura Freeman, Beckie Menzie, Tom Michael, Marianne Murphy Orland, Tom Orland, With a Twist (Paul Motondo, Kevin Bishop, Steve Kimbrough and Nick Sula) and Melissa Young.
And I’ll be playing piano, synth, percussion, and even singing harmony!
Get tickets HERE!
SIMPLY SCOTTY returning to Davenport's
Saturday, September 13 at 8:00pm
With Scott Gryder at the mic, and me at the piano, we'll be entertaining once again in the front room at Davenport's Piano Bar!
No cover charge, no reservations, no muss, no fuss - just pure entertainment!
Guest singers are always welcome, bring a song to sing!
With Scott Gryder at the mic, and me at the piano, we'll be entertaining once again in the front room at Davenport's Piano Bar!
No cover charge, no reservations, no muss, no fuss - just pure entertainment!
Guest singers are always welcome, bring a song to sing!
