The St. Louis Cabaret Conference returns. Save the Dates!

FACULTY BIOS

Tim SChall - Artistic director/producer

Tim recently performed on stage at Lincoln Center during the 2019 New York Cabaret Convention’s salute to composer Frank Loesser. Tim has been called “a consummate cabaret performer” by Cabaret Scenes Magazine. He is a singer with over a dozen solo shows to his credit. KDHX St. Louis refers to his performances as “madly entertaining”. He has headlined his shows at the prestigious St. Louis venues The Sheldon Concert Hall, The Bistro at Grand Center, Gaslight Cabaret Festival, among many other clubs and performing arts centers. Regionally/nationally he has performed in Colorado, Iowa aand at Davenports (Chicago), Geist Cabaret (Santa Fe), in addition to venues in Boston, Colorado, Iowa and Washington DC. St. Louis’ Riverfront Times says of his cabaret work, “expect great things”.

Tim is co-founder of The St. Louis Cabaret Conference and is solely responsible for choosing faculty, curriculum and students. Under Schall’s guidance The St. Louis Cabaret Conference has developed into one of the top song performance training programs in the country with a renowned, award winning guest faculty that attracts more than 30 singers each year from all over the nation. Additionally, he has taught numerous Advanced Performance classes and directed nearly 30 full length cabaret shows and showcases for various singers, including Tony nominee Lara Teeter’s acclaimed New York cabaret debut at 54 Below in 2014.

Tim has served as adjunct faculty at Webster University teaching their Cabaret Styles Performance class to seniors in the University's Musical Theater Conservatory. Schall is also the Executive Director of The Cabaret Project of St. Louis (TCP), a non-profit with a mission to support, develop and sustain the art of cabaret. Under the banner of TCP, Schall serves as has presented such talents as Christine Ebersole, Ann Hampton Callaway, Faith Prince, Marilyn Maye, Billy Stritch, Jason Graae, Liz Callaway, Andrea Marcovicci, Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock. Cabaret Scenes Magazine highlighted his work as a cabaret force in a 2009 feature article. Tim owns and operates a private vocal performance studio in St. Louis.

A veteran actor, he was nominated for a St. Louis Theater Circle Award as Outstanding Supporting Actor for his performance in The Normal Heart. He has appeared with multiple theaters in St. Louis and Chicago. He has sung with both the Chicago and St. Louis Symphony Choruses and was a soloist with Webster University’s Opera Scenes evening in 2015. He is a Missouri Arts Council Touring Artist and has performed and taught song performance workshops throughout the state.  www.timschall.com

“Tim Schall sings with a voice like honey, a heart filled with emotion and a mind that knows how to tell a story. That’s the cabaret triple crown.” — Cabaret legend Amanda McBroom

FACULTY

CHRISTOPHER DENNY

CHRISTOPHER DENNY has served as musical director, arranger and pianist for such theater, cabaret and opera luminaries as Karen Mason, Julie Wilson, Brent Barrett, Gregg Edelman, David Campbell, Tammy Grimes, Andrea Marcovicci, Lauren Bacall, Dorothy Loudon, Judy Kaye, Kaye Ballard, Jeff Harnar, Steven Brinberg and Tommy Femia.  He has earned two Back Stage Bistro Awards and four Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) Awards for Outstanding Musical Direction. His thirty-year career has taken him to virtually all of the major venues in New York and throughout the U.S., notably including Carnegie Hall, the New York Pops as well as to Barcelona’s great opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, to Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Mexico, Paris and London’s West End. He produced the recording sessions of Placido Domingo for Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar- winning musical film, Moulin Rouge.

Denny was musical director for following theatrical works: Norman Mathews’ musical, You Might As Well Live, starring Karen Mason, in the New York Music Theater Festival;  the New York premiere of Bob Merrill’s, The Prince of Grand Street; Barry Kleinbort’s hit revue, Big City Rhythm; The Songs of Kurt Weill, starring Kitty Carlisle Hart and many others.

As a private vocal coach, he has worked well-established stars, including Boyd Gaines, Ethan Hawke, John Cameron Mitchell, Melissa Errico, Anthony Rapp, T.R. Knight, Jack Noseworthy, Austin Pendleton, among many others. His teaching credits includes serving on the faculty for professional French musical theater performers in Paris, under the auspices of the French organization, giving master classes and individual coaching to the B.F.A. students at the University of Indiana (Bloomington),  seven years on the faculty of Perry-Mansfield in Steamboat Springs, CO; The Cabaret Conference at Yale University; The Cabaret Symposium at Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center in Waterford, CT. His work can be heard on about 30 CD’s of performers including David Campbell, Brett Barrett and Karen Mason, among many others.“Prodigiously gifted and versatile pianist” — Stephen Holden, New York Times

JEFF HARNAR

“The most important male cabaret singer since Michael Feinstein”  - New York Times

Jeff Harnar is a multi Award-winning New York cabaret and recording artist who is known for his critically acclaimed engagements at The Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room; Feinstein's at The Regency; The Metropolitan Room and most recently at Birdland and Iridium. His Carnegie Hall appearances include both the Cole Porter and Noel Coward Centennial Galas. He appeared at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall in a sold-out solo concert and most recently he was Michael Feinstein's special guest in his Jule Styne tribute at Carnegie's Zankel Hall.  Jeff is the recipient of 3 Manhattan Association of Cabaret (MAC) Awards and 3 Back Stage Bistro Awards, including the recent MAC award winning Sondheim show, ANOTHER HUNDRED PEOPLE, with K.T. Sullivan,

His television appearances include CBS THIS MORNING; "THE 1959 BROADWAY SONGBOOK" (PBS) and as the singing narrator of "GERSHWIN ON ICE" starring Dorothy Hamill (A&E),  He is perhaps best recognized for his signature "theme" shows. In collaboration with Director Sara Louise Lazarus and Musical Director Alex Rybeck, including he created "THE 1959 BROADWAY SONGBOOK," "BECAUSE OF YOU: 50'S GOLD," "A COLLECTIVE CY: Jeff Harnar sings CY COLEMAN," "CARRIED AWAY: Jeff Harnar sings COMDEN & GREEN,"  and GERSHWIN'S HOLLYWOOD," Jeff has brought these shows to major rooms for his New York appearances and Performing Arts Centers across the nation, as well as to London, Paris and Oslo. 

He has appeared in The Mabel Mercer Foundation's Annual Cabaret Convention 21 times at both The Town Hall and Lincoln Center's Rose Hall often hosting entire evenings. Jeff has also appeared 14 times in the prestigious "Lyrics & Lyricists" concerts at The 92nd Street Y.  From 2006-2008, Jeff was the Artistic Director and Host for three seasons of "Jeff Harnar presents THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK IN LONDON" at The Jermyn Street Theatre and at Pizza on The Park. In 2008 he was also Artistic Director for "The Lyrics & Lyricists" series at The 92nd Street Y expanding his one-man version of "THE 1959 BROADWAY SONGBOOK" to a five-person revue, featuring Sally Mayes, David Burnham, Sarah Uriarte Berry and Special Guest Donna McKechnie. The show was subsequently produced Off Broadway at 59e59 Theatres as a four-person revue featuring Klea Blackhurst and Anna Bergman. Jeff is also an acclaimed cabaret director guiding award winning performers such as Tovah Feldshuh and Celia Burke in successful solo efforts. www.jeffharnar.com

MARILYN MAYE

“She’s the real deal, the surviving artist of the American popular singer” — Rex Reed, The New York Observer

Marilyn Maye is a cultural and musical treasure. Her entire life has been committed to the art of song performance. After working as a professional singer since she was 15 years old, she was “discovered” by Steve Allen who heard her during her eleven-year engagement at the Colony in Kansas City. He presented her various times on his national television show. From those appearances came an RCA recording contract. Perhaps the simplest Marilyn Maye accolade came in a single line as she finished one of her record setting 76 appearances on The Tonight Show. Turning to his nightly audience of millions, Johnny Carson said, “And that, young singers, is the way it’s done.”

Marilyn’s great career includes multiple recordings, countless club/concert appearances and leading theatrical roles. Ella Fitzgerald called her one of the greatest singers she knew. The Houston Chronicle says Marilyn is “A national treasure” and her recording of Too Late Now is enshrined alongside recordings by Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland in the Smithsonian Museum’s collection of the Best Performers of the Best Compositions of the 20th Century. After appearing in the 2006 New York Cabaret Convention, Marilyn’s career exploded all over again and she is currently enjoying bookings and rave reviews throughout the country. She is currently the toast of the New York nightclub, concert and cabaret world with regular appearances at venues including The Metropolitan Room, Birdland, Feinstein’s 54 Below and Iridium Jazz Club. Her performances are filled with adoring fans and seasoned performers who are there to see “how it’s done”. Marilyn’s master classes in New York have waiting lists and she regularly guides singers through the creation of their solo shows. www.marilynmaye.com

Faith Prince

“[Prince] reminds us how musicals can kidnap an audience’s empathy to the point that nothing exists but the song being sung.” — Ben Brantley, New York Times

Faith has been dazzling Broadway audiences since winning the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance as “Ms. Adelaide” in Guys and Dolls. In 2008, she was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Catered Affair.  Other Broadway credits include The Little Mermaid, Bells Are Ringing (Tony, DD, OCC noms), Nick & Nora (OCC Award), Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (Tony, DD noms), Little Me, The Dead, and Noises Off. She also starred in the world premiere of Terrence McNally’s Unusual Acts of Devotion. Most recently, Faith starred in the national tour of the Broadway hit Billy Elliott.

Faith’s television appearances include Modern Family, Chicago Justice, Angel From Hell and her recurring roles on Melissa and Joey, Lifetime’s hit series Drop Dead Diva as Brooke Elliott’s mother, “Elaine.” , Showtime's Huff starring as “Kelly Knippers," the love interest of Oliver Platt, and five seasons on Spin City. Other television credits include A Gifted Man, Happy Endings, Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, Faith, House, Medium, Sweet Potato Queens, Monk, and more.  Film credits include Our Very Own, Picture Perfect, Dave, and My Father the Hero.

Faith works often with the Boston Pops, Utah Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, and Philly Pops, and recently starred in the Orlando Philharmonic’s concert version of Sweeney Todd. Faith toured her show Moving On in Australia to rave reviews, and also toured in Over the Rainbow, a concert celebrating the centennial of Harold Arlen.  Faith’s album, Total Faith, was recorded at the Royal Room in the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and will be released soon. Her award winning album, A Leap Of Faith, was recorded at Joe's Pub and is available on DRG records.
http://faith-prince.com/wordpress

KAREN MASON

Karen "has few peers when it comes to ripping the roof off with her amazing voice that knows no bounds!" - TheatreScene.net

She is a ten-time MAC Award winner (Manhattan Assoc. of Cabaret and Clubs), including the MAC Award for Major Female Vocalist of the Year for six consecutive years. She has won the 2006 Nightlife Award for Major Female Vocalist and has three Bistro Awards.

 Karen is equally known for her work on Broadway where she garnered rave reviews starring as "The Queen of Hearts" in WONDERLAND, originated the role of "Tanya" on in Abba's MAMMA MIA! (a 2002 Drama Desk nomination as Best Actress). Karen also performed the role of "Norma Desmond" in SUNSET BOULEVARD, to critical acclaim and standing ovations on Broadway and in Los Angeles for three years. Other Broadway credits include HAIRSPRAY, JEROME ROBBINS' BROADWAY, CARNIVAL (another Drama Desk nomination), plus featured roles in TORCH SONG TRILOGY; and PLAY ME A COUNTRY SONG. Off Broadway Karen won the Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND, and starred in her own show KAREN MASON SINGS BROADWAY, BEATLES AND BRIAN. Television appearances include the hit dramas ED and LAW & ORDER: SVU. Film credits include SLEEPING DOGS LIE and A CHORUS LINE.

 As a concert artist, Karen has headlined major concert, cabaret and symphony venues including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Feinstein's at The Regency, Rainbow & Stars, the Algonquin, Arci' Place, The Supper Club and The Ballroom in NYC; The Plush Room in San Francisco; and Davenport's in Chicago. She has shared concert stages with Michael Feinstein, Jerry Herman, Chita Rivera, Luciano Pavarotti, Rosemary Clooney, Liza Minnelli, and John Kander & Fred Ebb, among others.  Her highly acclaimed recordings include her newest single, IT'S ABOUT TIME, written by Paul Rolnick and Shelly Markham; her 2009 MAC Award-winning Right Here/ Right Now, 2005's The Sweetest of Nights, the MAC Award-winning When The Sun Comes Out, as well as three other CDs: Christmas! Christmas! Christmas, and Not So Simply Broadway.

ALEX RYBECK

“Alex Rybeck is one of the top music directors working in cabaret today.” — Michael Miyazaki, Cabaret Update, DCCabaret.org

Alex is a pianist, composer, arranger well known for his work in theater, cabaret and recordings. Alex has served as the music director, accompanist and arranger for Broadway stars Liz Callaway, Ann Hampton Callaway, Marni Nixon, Faith Prince, Jason Graae, Tommy Tune, Lee Roy Reams and many others. He is a multiple MAC award winner and one of the top cabaret and concert music directors, accompanists, & arrangers in New York.  His accompanying/arranging credits can be heard on numerous CD’s: “Sibling Revelry” (Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway); three solo albums by Liz Callaway; five solo albums by Jeff Harnar; “Leap of Faith” (Faith Prince); “Try to Remember” (Rita Gardner), among others. Alex’s Broadway credits include: Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, Tommy Tune’s Grand Hotel and the hit revival of Damn Yankees. Alex conducted the New York workshop and San Diego premiere of Burt Bacharach’s What The World Needs Now.  He is a graduate of Oberlin College and New York University. Alex taught for 6 years at the Cabaret Conference at Yale and for over 10 years at the St. Louis Cabaret Conference.

DAVID PEARL

David Pearl regularly plays for Marilyn Maye’s master classes and private coachings in New York City. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree cum laude from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. He has performed throughout the United States, in Canada, Russia and Japan, and was awarded grants from the New York State Council on the Arts to perform solo piano recitals. He has lived and worked as a pianist, arranger, and composer in New York City since 1985.

His recent CD recordings include Chapter 4, with vocalist Hadiza, I Love You Too Much, with vocalist Elly Kouri, and Scythian Suite, a collection of piano four-hands music recorded with Rubi Miyachi. Other successful collaborations include CD recordings with Raymond Mase (Trumpet In Our Time) and Toby Hanks (Sonata). He previously toured with vocalist Connie James in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego and Miami, and at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He recorded with the pop, jazz, blues artist, Suede, and performed with her for many years in venues up and down the east coast. He has performed and recorded with singers and instrumentalists in a wide variety of musical styles, including jazz, classical, rock, folk, and tango, and performs in many of New York's premiere venues (Joe's Pub, Symphony Space, The Cutting Room, Rainbow Room, Café Sabarsky). He has been a guest performer and lecturer at Middlebury College and led performance workshops at Brandeis University.

An author of books for musicians, he wrote Piano Exercises for Dummies, The Jazz Piano Collection, 100 Blues Lessons, Bach 'n' Roll, Color Your Chords, The Art of Billy Strayhorn, The Art of Steely Dan, and Learn to Play Classic Rock Piano Techniques from the Masters.  David performs regularly in New York City, playing solo piano and with a variety of ensembles. Check his Music Page on Facebook for updates.