Laura Nyro Tribute Arrives Off-Broadway

Oct. 3, 2010 - PRLog -- Mimi Cohen presents “To Carry On...” a one-woman tribute to the life and music of Laura Nyro. Mimi is a fixture in the New York Cabaret scene who studied with actress Julie Halston (Hairspray, Gyspy), singers Margaret Whiting and Chris Calloway (Cab Calloway’s daughter), and Second City founder, Paul Sills. The characters in the play are comprised of the real people in and around Laura’s life, such as her parents and managers, David Geffen and Artie Mogull. The show runs November 17-26 at the Cherry Pit Theatre.

This Off-Broadway show is directed by Gretchen Cryer, who is best known for starring in and writing the book and lyrics for the 1978 Joseph Papp-produced “I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It On The Road.”  Jeffrey Klitz, the conductor for Broadway’s “Guys And Dolls,” is the Musical Director.

2010 saw Laura Nyro nominated to the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame and inducted to the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.  While the Bronx-born Laura Nyro did not experience huge commercial success, she was extremely influential.  She was managed by David Geffen, signed by Clive Davis, produced by Gamble & Huff and Gary Katz (Steely Dan). She recorded with Labelle and opened for Bob Dylan.  Her songs were covered by the 5th Dimension; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Peter Paul & Mary; Three Dog Night; and Barbra Streisand.  People such as Sandra Bernhard, Bette Midler, Todd Rundgren, Joni Mitchell, Suzanne Vega, and Jackson Browne call themselves fans of the music.  Laura recorded ten studio albums (one released posthumously) and six live albums. In 1969, three songs she wrote were in the Billboard Top Ten in the same week.  Laura Nyro died of ovarian cancer at the age of 49 in 1997 - the disease also claimed her mother’s life at that age.

To Carry On...
November 17-26
The Cherry Pit Theatre, 155 Bank Street (bet Washington & West Streets)
212 989 2020

$20/$15 for groups of four and larger
Nov 17-26 (dark on Thanksgiving)
Wed-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2p & 8p; Sun, 3p

http://MimiCohen.net for ticket information

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A former music industry publicist who founded his own shop in 1996. Used to work with Queen Latifah and Coolio, now he has Joe SixPack. Still entertainment heavy, clients are in music, film, theater, books, and small biz.