Disbelief /Thankful/ Angry/ Blessed

George and I drove around the city yesterday running one million errands....We went all over the city...the east side of the city...because I decided that Yonge street was a bit like the great wall of China...and going to the other side of the city was just a stupid idea.
As we drove all over the east side you could not go one block without seeing a cop, a cop car, a cop on a horse, a cop with a shield...it was really amazing. And a bit scary. I have really only ever seen that on TV.
That is a lucky thing.
As we drove home George talked about how G20's are notorious for having violence of all sorts surrounding them.
I said, "Maybe we will be peaceful."
He said, "Maybe."
At about 3:30pm today, after hearing one million sirens go by our front door (Richmond and Sherbourne) , I turned on CP24 and it was with great sadness, and some fear, that I watched that police cruiser burn.
Why?
Why.
Why would anyone go to such great lengths to plan and execute such a cowardly act.
Endangering hundreds of people.
There were hundreds of peaceful protesters in Toronto for this G20 thing-ie...it is weird that after today I totally forgot about the actual summit...that world leaders are symbolically getting together to try and solve some of the worlds woes.
At least I think that is what they are doing...I am not all political...most of you know that.
But what I do know is that a number of people, cowardly people, came to Toronto to put our police force in a dangerous position...people who work to keep us safe and who have families, to cause local business' a lot of damage, to put our city's citizens in danger, to cause senseless violence...all the while hiding behind a mask, a crowd and black clothing.
Then after they enact this stupid plan they then quickly change their clothes and try to blend in with the tourists?
Just cowardly.
Horribly cowardly.
And stupid.
It made me angry....which made me angry. Do you know what I mean?
These people have enough anger for all of us.
And stupidity.
I also had a moment when I felt blessed that I felt outraged...instead of feeling like this was something that was possible everyday in my life...in my town.
I guess I have that to be thankful for...at least it made me see that cowardly acts like that don't happen here everyday. That today, sadly and blessedly, was the first time tear gas was used in Toronto.
I thank the police, the OPP, the RCMP and all the emergency workers who have taken care of us today and will continue to take care of us through the night and into tomorrow.

OH YA!!! I have a cabaret on July 10th @ the Young Centre!

So ALL!!!
In the interest of keeping everything in line and order...like a good virgo...or control freak...use whatever words you want...I have neglected to mention that I am doing a new cabaret...yes, a new cabaret at the Young Centre on July 10th at 10:00pm as part of the 13 week Garland Series they are doing...
I am excited!
I have asked one of my fave up and coming accompanists to play with me...his name is Chris Tsujiuchi...two words... Fie-erce....and because I love that wooden drum thing that Jamie plays...and Jamie for that matter.... we will be percussed by Jamie Drake.
I have decided to call it...and it is more in my head than anything else...because it sounds a bit lordy..."In Between"...I am in between NY and Scotland...I am in between musical theatre and pop...I am in between deciding to stay here in Toronto and moving my dog and pony show somewhere else...
So, with Chris and Jamie I will be doing a whole new set....half musical theatre and half pop/rock/R and B/Funk...and the way I hear it....which is always...at the very least, maybe...interesting.
It is a beautiful 80 seat venue...and I would love to have you there... here is the link!
This is it for lord knows how long!! So come out and let us celebrate World Domination and then I am off to Scotland!!

http://www.youngcentre.ca/productions/10_season/cabaret_series.html

And for interest sake, okay...and maybe so it will bring you to the Young Centre... here are all of the fabu notices I got from NY!!

But first here is a link to my latest YOUTUBE video....
A DISCO LOVE STORY @ Joe's Pub NYC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti04tJ8tyGA

"Not only was this show a complete and utter triumph on all counts, but serves as testament to the fact that a chanteuse as riveting and brilliant as Matthews proved on this night should wholeheartedly be welcomed to New York and elsewhere with unabashedly open arms."
Andrew Martin, Nitelifeexchange

“Sharron is one of those rare performers that comes along once in a while and
gets notices in a downtown club and builds a loyal following a la Bette Midler.”
Magda Katz, Broadway After Dark

“Comedic Songbird”
Time Out New York (and recommended critic's pick!)

“Sharron Matthews covers Bohemian Rhapsody and somehow this was surprising in a set of great surprises!”
@Joe’s Pub on Twitter


Here are the full copies of both awesome reviews!

Sharron Matthews, Superstar?? Very Possibly, YES!!
By Andrew Martin

Sharron_MatthewsThe simple truth is, one has to hand it to a performer for having the gargantuan chutzpah to appear in a major club, in a major city where she's almost a complete unknown, and bill herself as a superstar. So it goes with Canadian cabaret artist Sharron Matthews. And if her show at Joe's Pub had ever faltered, just for a blessed minute, the outcome would have been unconscionable. It is, therefore, a joy to report that not only was this show a complete and utter triumph on all counts, but serves as testament to the fact that a chanteuse as riveting and brilliant as Matthews proved on this night should wholeheartedly be welcomed to New York and elsewhere with unabashedly open arms.

With her show, Sharron Matthews, Superstar: The World Domination Tour 2010, the lady wholeheartedly shatters each and every rule heretofore established by New York's cabaret hierarchy, to blissfully unending result, and is almost completely guaranteed to continue to cause a fabulous impact and catch the eye.

Aided gloriously by musical director Wayne Gwillim, from the moment Matthews takes her position at the microphone while decked out in an antique strapless pink prom dress, every single member of the audience is in her clutches. She chooses to rely on a program of music most largely comprised of pop hits of the last forty years, mixed and "mashed-up" as she tells us, which makes for some very interesting combinations to say the least. An opening medley of "I Was Made for Loving You" by Kiss is coupled with Britney Spears's "Circus" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, and this merely sets the tone for what follows, a coupling of "Tainted Love" and "Slave 4 U." Sheila E.'s "The Glamorous Life" is merged with "Paparazzi" by Lady GaGa, then trumped further with "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Material Girl." But Matthews is as home with a ballad as an uptempo, evidenced completely with her rendering of "Creep" by Radiohead. This is equally displayed to the maximum with Tanya Tucker's "Delta Dawn" and "Brandy" by Looking Glass, and by the end of the evening when she's pouring all possible heart and soul in "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, she's got us firmly under her skin and herself under ours.

Her patter is equally notable; at times unspeakably vulgar but never so much as to make her anything less than endearing, she touches on subjects as meaningless as Britney Spears to the teenage heartbreak of having a crush and being the last girl at the high school dance (punctuated beautifully with a medley of "Beth" by Kiss, "Babe" and "Come Sail Away" by Styx, and "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin). As if none of this was enough, she goes so far as to cadge a fried shrimp off of the plate of a patron seated nearby and wash it down with his glass of water, which was so natural as to prove ovational. In point of fact, the show is one part Midler at the Continental Baths circa 1971, one part Sharon McNight at the outset of her brilliant career and one largest part completely unable to categorize, other than to say that cabaret in the city hasn't ever encountered anything like Matthews before or since, and she simply must make her presence more widely known within a very short time.

She'll be shortly appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, but in the meantime, this humble reporter could not more strongly urge potential audiences to keep an eye out for Sharron Matthews. She's as dazzling and dizzying as a homemade honeybun.


Sharron Mathews Debut at Joe's Pub (Broadway After Dark)

The Canadian cabaret artist Sharron Matthews made her New York City appearance last Saturday night at Joe's pub. What a debut it was. Sharron took the stage wearing a pink tutu like halter prom dress With 60's style white heels. She is a is a full-figured lady with an amazing full-sized voice. She is a pinch of Ethel Merman and Bette Midler. Her show is deliciously campy and her interpretation of a song is unique and wonderful. Sharron Matthews's personality and talent really shines as she sails through some of the contemporary hits of the 80's. When she combines Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever" with Madonna's "Material Girl" she is able to recreate the original sound of both artists. Her voice is so great that she leaves her audience wanting to hear more. Joe's Pub had a full house full of adoring fans that knew her from Canadian Cabaret. She turned the room into a private party. I felt as if she had a personal relationship to everyone in the audience. Sharron is one of those rare performers that comes along once in a while and gets notices in a downtown club and builds a loyal following a la Bette Midler.

Notices, Review, Videos FROM SHARRON MATTHEWS SUPERSTAR:WORLD DOMINATION TOUR 2010

HOLY HANNAH!!! The trip to NY was a success on so many levels!!! I learned, I saw, I sang! And I wanted to put all of the notices and videos in the same place for all to see!
Thanks to the many supporters and friends from all across North America who have made this tour a reality!

Sharron Matthews Superstar: World Domination Tour 2010 @ Joe's Pub NEW YORK CITY!!!

"Not only was this show a complete and utter triumph on all counts, but serves as testament to the fact that a chanteuse as riveting and brilliant as Matthews proved on this night should wholeheartedly be welcomed to New York and elsewhere with unabashedly open arms."

Andrew Martin, Nitelifeexchange

“Sharron is one of those rare performers that comes along once in a while and gets notices in a downtown club and builds a loyal following a la Bette Midler.”
Magda Katz, Broadway After Dark

“Comedic Songbird” Time Out New York (and recommended critic's pick!)

“Sharron Matthews covers Bohemian Rhapsody and somehow this was surprising in a set of great surprises!”
@Joe’s Pub on Twitter


Here are the full copies of both awesome reviews!

Sharron Matthews, Superstar?? Very Possibly, YES!!

By Andrew Martin

The simple truth is, one has to hand it to a performer for having the gargantuan chutzpah to appear in a major club, in a major city where she's almost a complete unknown, and bill herself as a superstar. So it goes with Canadian cabaret artist Sharron Matthews. And if her show at Joe's Pub had ever faltered, just for a blessed minute, the outcome would have been unconscionable. It is, therefore, a joy to report that not only was this show a complete and utter triumph on all counts, but serves as testament to the fact that a chanteuse as riveting and brilliant as Matthews proved on this night should wholeheartedly be welcomed to New York and elsewhere with unabashedly open arms. With her show, Sharron Matthews, Superstar: The World Domination Tour 2010, the lady wholeheartedly shatters each and every rule heretofore established by New York's cabaret hierarchy, to blissfully unending result, and is almost completely guaranteed to continue to cause a fabulous impact and catch the eye. Aided gloriously by musical director Wayne Gwillim, from the moment Matthews takes her position at the microphone while decked out in an antique strapless pink prom dress, every single member of the audience is in her clutches. She chooses to rely on a program of music most largely comprised of pop hits of the last forty years, mixed and "mashed-up" as she tells us, which makes for some very interesting combinations to say the least. An opening medley of "I Was Made for Loving You" by Kiss is coupled with Britney Spears's "Circus" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, and this merely sets the tone for what follows, a coupling of "Tainted Love" and "Slave 4 U." Sheila E.'s "The Glamorous Life" is merged with "Paparazzi" by Lady GaGa, then trumped further with "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Material Girl." But Matthews is as home with a ballad as an uptempo, evidenced completely with her rendering of "Creep" by Radiohead. This is equally displayed to the maximum with Tanya Tucker's "Delta Dawn" and "Brandy" by Looking Glass, and by the end of the evening when she's pouring all possible heart and soul in "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, she's got us firmly under her skin and herself under ours. Her patter is equally notable; at times unspeakably vulgar but never so much as to make her anything less than endearing, she touches on subjects as meaningless as Britney Spears to the teenage heartbreak of having a crush and being the last girl at the high school dance (punctuated beautifully with a medley of "Beth" by Kiss, "Babe" and "Come Sail Away" by Styx, and "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin). As if none of this was enough, she goes so far as to cadge a fried shrimp off of the plate of a patron seated nearby and wash it down with his glass of water, which was so natural as to prove ovational. In point of fact, the show is one part Midler at the Continental Baths circa 1971, one part Sharon McNight at the outset of her brilliant career and one largest part completely unable to categorize, other than to say that cabaret in the city hasn't ever encountered anything like Matthews before or since, and she simply must make her presence more widely known within a very short time. She'll be shortly appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, but in the meantime, this humble reporter could not more strongly urge potential audiences to keep an eye out for Sharron Matthews. She's as dazzling and dizzying as a homemade honeybun. Sharron Mathews Debut at Joe's Pub (Broadway After Dark) The Canadian cabaret artist Sharron Matthews made her New York City appearance last Saturday night at Joe's pub. What a debut it was. Sharron took the stage wearing a pink tutu like halter prom dress With 60's style white heels. She is a is a full-figured lady with an amazing full-sized voice. She is a pinch of Ethel Merman and Bette Midler. Her show is deliciously campy and her interpretation of a song is unique and wonderful. Sharron Matthews's personality and talent really shines as she sails through some of the contemporary hits of the 80's. When she combines Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever" with Madonna's "Material Girl" she is able to recreate the original sound of both artists. Her voice is so great that she leaves her audience wanting to hear more. Joe's Pub had a full house full of adoring fans that knew her from Canadian Cabaret. She turned the room into a private party. I felt as if she had a personal relationship to everyone in the audience. Sharron is one of those rare performers that comes along once in a while and gets notices in a downtown club and builds a loyal following a la Bette Midler. - MAGDA KATZ And here are some clips from my Youtube Page!!! CREEP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-fHFp0co58 Diamonds Are Forever/Material Girl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C97c1A0Ul9o Glamourous Life /Paparazzi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP0wXyqi5LY NEXT STOP?!?!?! THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL!! From August 16th to August 28th, for the 13 shows "Sharron Matthews Superstar: World Domination Tour 2010" will be at the Surgeon's Hall @theSpaceUK at 21:05 (to be specific) everyday go here to check it out!!! http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/musicals-operas/sharron-matthews-superstar-world-domination-tour-2010

Do you wanna know what Sharron is up to now? www.sharronmatthews .com Or join her Facebook Group "The Sharron Matthews Experience" Or, if that wasn't enough... Check out her youtube Channel www.youtube.com/SharronPartyGirl

Luminato WORLD DOMINATION!

If being on a friken' jumbotron isn't super duper WORLD DOMINATION I don't know WHAT IS!!!

THRILLED this week to be a part of Luminato!!

So thrilled!
Like this kinda thrilled...


Thank you Chris Lorway for asking...
Hosting at Yonge Dundas Square was
"Off the Hook" as the young people say!

And I hosted with the fabu Shawn Hitchens...


Wanna see?


And remember...if you are keeping score....
It is WEEK 25.
Take a look back....scroll thru my blogs....
And see that ALL IS ON SCHEDULE....
MWAH HHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
(That is my World Domination laugh.)
Thanks to Kaila for the shots!!

Sharron went to NY and made sweet sweet love to It!!

Sharron Matthews Superstar: World Domination Tour 2010

On May 31st to June 6th, Week 23 of World Domination, after 22 weeks of planning, sweat and tears....
Sharron Matthews,
an independant Canadian performing gal,
took New York!!!
(and made sweet sweet love to it!)

And it was fabulous and challenging work people! I spent all day at meetings, at interviews, at my computer in whatever Starbucks I could find Wi Fi in! Then I would plan my night with my PR man, Donald Schaffer and I would put on one of fabulous Fashion Crimes dresses and off I would go.

During that week I sang in every cabaret room in New York City, promoting my shows !!!

1 .The legendary Birdland @ Jim Caruso’s Cast Party!

(This is a picture of me and Jim!)

2. Don’t Tell Mama’s
3. The Duplex
4. Laurie Beechman Theatre @ After Party
5. The Metropolitan Room @ Metro Jam
6. The Iguana

And I also sang in a ton of small piano bars!
Anywhere I could go to drum up an audience!
The response was amazing...I got so many business cards and email address I didn’t know what to do....oh yes I did...went to Starbucks the next day and sent them my info!!
I spent from 9:30pm to about 3:00am out singing...and meeting amazing people!
The community could not have been more welcoming!
And during the day.....

I did radio.... Seth Rudetsky’s FAMOUS Live on Broadway show on Sirius FM!

Where I met SOON TO BE TONY WINNER the lovely and super kind Katie Finneran!



This is me and she and Seth!

I did interviews....
GETTING TO KNOW A GODDESS/SHARRON MATTHEWS

By Daryl Glenn (Nitelifeexchange.com)
Although the NY Cabaret community may not yet be aware of Sharron Matthews, she intends to fix that right quickly! This terrifically warm, funny and talented lady has just landed in our fair town on the second stop of her Madonna- inspired World Domination Tour, and I had the good fortune to share an hour with her upstairs at the Iguana Café, as preparations for the evening's entertainment (2010 MAC Award-winning variety show Wednesday Nights at Iguana) were swirling around us.... BWW Interviews: Sharron Matthews Debuts at Joe's Pub 6/5 & 6/6
by Kelly Cameron

SharRon Matthews is getting ready to take over the world CABARET STYLE! Well-known in Canada as one of the country's greatest Cabaret artists, Sharron has been wowing Toronto audiences with her unique Cabaret evenings and amazing vocal styling for years, and now she is taking her show on the road for her World Domination tour! Sharron landed in NYC on Monday and plays her first gigs at Joe's Pub this weekend!....


And I worked!!
And it PAID OFF!
By the time show time came around, after all my support team arrived in New York City ....

(This is George, my husband, Derrick, my co producer, myself and Wayne, my accompanist outside of The Public Theatre where Joe’s Pub is!)

...I was a RECOMMENDED Critic’s PIC in Time Out New York,
(They called me a “Comedic Songbird”, love it!)
A RECOMMENDED PICK by Cabaret Hotline and there was a huge buzz!

Both nights at Joe’s Pub were packed...PACKED!!!
Let me say it again! An unknown Canadian cabaret gal packed TWO nights at Joe’s Pub!!!
WHAT?!?!?!
There were Broadway producers, cabaret performers, broadway performers, people who had seen me during the week of promo, and people who just love to come to Joe’s Pub.
And the response was amazing!
Both nights had huge standing ovations!
Here is a link to a clip of the Sunday night show....see for yourself....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-fHFp0co58
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP0wXyqi5LY
I can tell you without a word of a lie...that this was one of the best weeks of my life!
And the reviews are rolling in....

Sharron Matthew's Debut at Joe's Pub (Broadway After Dark)

The Canadian cabaret artist Sharron Matthews made her New York City appearance last Saturday night at Joe's pub. What a debut it was. Sharron took the stage wearing a pink tutu like halter prom dress With 60's style white heels. She is a is a full-figured lady with an amazing full-sized voice. She is a pinch of Ethel Merman and Bette Midler. Her show is deliciously campy and her interpretation of a song is unique and wonderful. Sharron Matthews's personality and talent really shines as she sails through some of the contemporary hits of the 80's. When she combines Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever" with Madonna's "Material Girl" she is able to recreate the original sound of both artists. Her voice is so great that she leaves her audience wanting to hear more. Joe's Pub had a full house full of adoring fans that knew her from Canadian Cabaret. She turned the room into a private party. I felt as if she had a personal relationship to everyone in the audience. Sharron is one of those rare performers that comes along once in a while and gets notices in a downtown club and builds a loyal following a la Bette Midler.

- MAGDA KATZA


OWOWOWOWOWOWOWIEEEEE!!!!!!
I feel like I did a good job of representing our great country.
New York knows that we have an industry up here in Canada!
My experiences will be passed on to the young people of the community, many of whom got on buses, trains and planes and came to NY to be a part of this.
Really.
These young people could see themselves doing this...I could see it in their eyes...which is one of the major goals of this project!
I learned so much during that one week...about the NY community, about cabaret, I talked with amazing artists and saw their work.
I accomplished EVERYTHING that I set out to do!
And I cam in $140.00 underfreakin' budget!
All that I have learned will be taken with me to Edinburgh...which is just two months away!
I have raised just under $22,000.00.
I need $8000.00 more to fulfill my budgetary goal for the World Domination tour of $30,000.00!
I am so close!!
With great hope I am also searching, and I truly believe that I can find, a development donor, who will help me fund the great amount of time and effort that this amazing project takes and has taken.
I also hope that you read this, watch the clips that are attached and see the work I am doing and results I am having!!
You can go to my blog and see the day by day journal I kept there and on Facebook about the amazing week...it was followed by many, many people who believe!!
Become my Facebook FRIEND and here is the blog!!!
http://sharrmatthews.blogspot.com/
or check out my website!
http://www.sharronmatthews.com
It am in earnest, I believe in what I do.
And the results are astounding!
Become a part of Sharron’s Army!
Please help me realize my goal!
Thank you so much for reading these emails...if you do not want to donate or already have I thank you either way and you can stop here!!!
OR
If you are all moved by the NY journey and wanna still donate...
You can call Buddies in Bad Times @ #416 975 8555 and donate by credit card or you can go to Buddies @ 12 Alexander Street from Tuesday to Saturday between Noon and 5:00pm and do it by cash, cheque or credit card.
* Please just make sure you tell them it is for Sharron Matthews
Or you can send a cheque to me @
101-90 Sherbourne Street
Toronto ON M5A 2R1....
or email me at
me@sharronmatthews.com
All my love and thanks for your help.
Sharron

Oh yes....and after the show I cam backstage and found this....

This is Wayne....he is my friend and accompanist....HE IS AWESOME!!

HERE are some fun shots of the week and the people who came down!!!

Home again and LIFE continues to get more and more exciting....

I was sitting here trying to process the fabulous week that was...then...I had to move on people!!!
There is tooooooo much to do....so many things to see!!!
Tomorrow night at Dundas Square, as part of Luminato....yes, I am that fancy this week.... the fabulous Shawn Hitchens and I will be hosting....

It is gonna be a panic....I have the PERFECT FASHION CRIMES outfit...they set me up as usual...oh lord, they always do!!! Come in your fave 80's wear and win a prize...I don't know what it is...but I am sure it is amazing!
Side Bar: I had to do a radio plug for Luminato this morn at 7:20am...WHAT THE?!?! I had to go into the bathroom as I live in an open concept loft...and Georgie's Mom is visiting...I didn't want to wake anyone...if anyone tells you how glamorous the theatre is...picture me on the can talking about Madonna...magic.
AND all this week I am rehearsing for...ready?!?!
A new musical by an amazing composer / lyricist team....Colleen Dauncey and Akiva Romer-Segal! The cast is uber amazing....the young and talented Sara Farb, Recent Dora nominee and Toxic Avenger...the dreamy Evan Smith and recent Dora nominated euphonium player and my husband, George Masswohl...there is a band...oh it will be loverly...as that slutty Eliza Doolittle says

Here is a poster with the info...it is next Monday June 21st and Tuesday June 22nd at Bread and Circus...get your tickets now...it is bound to be sold out!!!
And also this week Sirius Radio (which you can get for a month for free on your computer or Iphone...freakin' Iphone...my blackberry seems like an Atari compared to the Iphone...What was I saying...oh ya!!! This week there is are rebroadcasts of Live on Sirius Radio during which I sang with and was interviewed by Seth Rudetsky!!! And sat and chatted and had fun with....TONY WINNER KATIE FINNERAN!!

Yes, this is me and her....she were so nice... so nice.
If you didn't get to hear my big Live on Broadway debut it is on AGAIN!!! Tuesday at 7:00am and Wednesday @ noon!!
Go to http://www.sirius.com/onbroadway for details!!!
Oh my god so many things...
And I am excited to announce that I am part of the 13 Week Garland Cabaret Series at the Young Centre...I am lovingly calling it...in my mind anyway...In Between...in between NY and Scotland...in between so many things right now...that sounds lordy but it is true.
It is late night, 10:00pm at the Garland Cabaret at the Young Centre on Saturday July 10th.

http://www.youngcentre.ca/productions/10_season/cabaret_series.htm
Go here to check it out and get the details...it is a small theatre so book ahead.
I would love to tell you about the amazingness that was NY and sing some new songs...I am gonna have some new people accompanying me...yes, I said people....it will be a special and singular night, I think.
That also sounds lordy...come on down!!!

My VERY FIRST NY REVIEW!!!

Hey All!
Here is the link to my first review!!!
How effing cool!!!
And there is some footage too!!!

Checks it!!!

http://www.broadwayafterdark.com/Katz.php#SharronMatthews

I am on the same page as Mitzi Fricken' Gaynor....

Sirius RADIO Live on Broadway Seth Rudetsky's show!!!AMAHZING!

Hey All!
I just listened to myself...how conceited...on Live On Broadway!! I taped it last week whilst in NY!!!
You can get Sirius Radio FREE for one month...I did and it was pretty easy to do!! It was neat to listen to and I KICKED ass on Showtune Showdown!!! The encore presentations are Sunday at 11:00pm, Tuesday at 7:00am and Wednesday at noon!!!
http://www.sirius.com/onbroadway

Day 7 and the night it had to end!!! AND ENDED BIG!!!

I am sitting in front of gate 52 at the Newark airport.
I am looking am looking at a plane that is going to Portugal and am intrigued.
And then I think of this....

What a last day....
We woke late after I discovered a “running around NY late at night celebrating opening night” injury... just a scrape...but for the life of me I have NO idea where I got it.

Gross, right?
No matter what I do for the rest of my life...and my plan is to do as many more cool things as the universe allows...nothing will ever top my first night at Joe’s....

The last one was taking a drink after I ate the shrimp....these photos were taken by John Maher....thank you JOHN!!!
I had my second night work cut out for me people.
We started the day meeting Sara Farb, Mickey G and James Levesque for brunch.

It was very nice except for the child who seemed to be tempting the fates standing behind me in his booth with his maple syrup covered hands dangerously close to my naturally curly and naturally red hair.

We went back and slept a couple hours.
My thoughts were full of challenge and nerves...the night had been the best of my life...how could this be better....what do you think the answer is?
It won’t....it will be different.
That is what I kept breathing in and out.
I got there early and really sat in that dressing room...and I thought...I am at the freaking ublic theatre...in an awesome dressing room...with my name on the door...and I am the only person here....breathe it in.

I got into a whole new FC outfit and got ready to do my thing...Wayne was equally as unsure of what was to come....
The audience was...PACKED.
PACKED!!!

There were some Showboater’s; Richie McCall, Michael Scott, Brigid Brady...and National touring Les Mis-ers; Nettie Harrington, Jason Reiff...
And there was freaking SANDRA CALDWELL AND TERESA TOVA AND GILLIAN TOOKE...and for the record Gillian was in her “Sharron’s Army” TSHIRT!
The fantastic Grant Ramsay and Tim Hughes...Gail Hakala and her mom Elizabeth...Erika Santilana...Sam Strasfeld....the beautiful Sara Farb and the famous Jeigh Madjus....Carly freakin’ Street....Elenna Mosoff...SO MANY!
Bruce DEAN was there!
I know I am missing a ton of people...but it was staggering...then there was a ton of people that the lovely John Austin from up in TO sent...and then there were a BUNCH of people that I didn’t know...at all....
And Barbra...she had come the night before...and she brought 4 people back with her!
It WAS A FREAK SHOW of fabulousness....and there was my sweet sweet George...god I love him...he has the video camera...and the camera...what the eff would I do without him?
It was a great show.
Second nights are challenging, let us be honest....but it still went swimmingly.
I got a great response...I exited to a standing O...I say it again....that sounds conceited..but I wanna honour what happened..and I exited to one of the waitresses screaming that I “KILLED IT!”

And when I came back to the dressing room I saw this....

Life will never be the same....wow...Wayne...that

is a rack.
What an amazing night.
What an amazing journey people.
I think the most gratifying moment I had...there were many, do not get me wrong...but when I came into Joe’s the second night and saw the same bar staff and they said “YEAH!!! You are back!!! You are our favourite.”
They see a lot of things...and that made me smile...and they wanted to give me drinks after...
I always think if you really wanna get a true feeling of how it went...sit with the bar staff.
I ended up with them for a while.
Then I felt...spent...thrilled...a bit bereft that it was over...I feel a lot of things.
I did have the dream that someone would see my show and PUT ME THE EFF ON BROADWAY!
You know I did.
But WAIT A MINUTE I played two nights...two grand nights at Joe’s Pub. I met so many people...a bunch of reviewers...came....I really felt a part of the community!
And, thank god, they got me.
And had my dear Canadians with my all the way....
After the show Derrick, Wayne, George and I walked out the front doors and I made us all stop and think and then we took these pics of our first outting to the Public Theater as participating artists....yah.

I feel so weepy.
Not at all like I thought I would.
We went to get a bite as I had had nothing since the beginning of the night....RAY’S PIZZA BYOTCHES!!! One of my fave things....
And then D, W and G and I met Carly, Teresa, Gillian, Elenna and had the worse glass of wine I have ever tasted...but it was still sweet.

IT IS NOT DONE!
We were supposed to meet Grant and Tim at Marie’s but after sitting with the wait staff at Joe’s it was a bit late...we were late...and we missed them...I gotta text GRANT!!!
DO NOT HATE ME!!!
Marie’s Crisis Cafe is one of my fave places in NY.

It was pretty empty.
But there was a great player and an older lady ...and after ALL of us sat around the banquet the lady started to sing “Everything Must Change”...it was stirring and thought provoking...and just perfect...a perfect NY moment...and there I was with all of these wonderful friends...
We asked her to sing again...and she did...
Then the man behind the piano, who was fabulous by the by, chatted with us and asked Wayne and I if we would like to do a tune...I HAVE NEVER seen another piano player, who was not working at the Cafe...behind the piano...it was magic....and we did the one song that I had to cut both shows due to time constraints (read: I talked too much in my show) “Hanging By a Thread”....it was awesome...Wayne and I played Joe’s AND Marie’s in one night...

What a way to almost end our night.
ALMOST THERE!!
I made everyone come with me, it is 3:00 am not, to Manitus, a 24 hour restaurant in the village and we ate and laughed.

That, by the way, is George's new photo pose.
God, I laughed while I was in NY.
I felt the goodwill and support of my friends....the thrill of victory and the wood burning moments of working it out.
The melancholy of a job finished.
Oh my god...I sound all freaking Farley Mowat right now.
I have NEVER worked harder in my life.
I am spent.
I am.......
At the end of the night Carly, George and I watched the sun come up on Broadway....just like from The Producers.
So NY!

Here is what was Twittered during my show last night from the management at Joe’s Pub......
@JoesPubNYC
Sharron Matthews covers Bohemian Rhapsody and somehow this was surprising in a set of great surprises


And this is from Magda Katz, a reviewer from Broadwayafterdark.comwho came Saturday night...

The Canadian cabaret artist Sharron Matthews made her New York City appearance last Saturday night at Joe’s pub. What a debut it was. Sharron took the stage wearing a pink tutu like halter prom dress With 60’s style white heels. She is a is a full-figured lady with an amazingfull-sized voice. She is a pinchof Ethel Merman and Bette Midler. Her show is deliciously campy and her interpretation of a song is unique and wonderful. Sharron Matthews’s personality and talent really shines as she sails through some of the contemporary hits of the 80’s. When she combines Shirley Bassey’s “Diamonds Are Forever” with Madonna’s “Material Girl” she is able to recreate the original sound of both artists. Her voice is so great that she leaves her audience wanting to hear more. Joe’s Pubhad a full house full of adoring fans that knew her from Canadian Cabaret. She turned the room into a private party. I felt as if she had a personal relationship to everyone in the audience. Sharron is one of thoserare performers that comes along once in a while and gets notices in a downtown club and builds a loyal following a la Bette Midler.

Holy Crapbags!!! YAY!!! YAY!!! YAY!!!

My Cabaret Debut in NY!!! REally!!!

What do you say?
WHAT THE EFF do you say?
How do I describe it without totally sounding....hm.
First of all....I could not be more tired and am going back to sleep asap!!!
But I wanted to get it out there....
Last night was...without a doubt...one of the most amazing nights of my life...
When we got to Joe's for the soundcheck I was nervous...not over the top...but a bit nervous...okay...I was a bit "my bowels feel untrustworthy...". That is just honesty folks.
Then we saw the awesome...and I do mean awesome...dressing room....

The walls are covered with very lovely drawings and pictures of people who played the Pub.
Judy Collins, John Lithgow, Carly Simon....and this one right beside my chair...

Um....yah. Wowie!!!
I mean, really.
And then I started to get...flowers!
The Blackman sisters....all the way in London England sent a beautiful bouquet....and then it turned out that my sweet doggies, Cassie and Tyson sent us flowers...I think that they must have had a hard time talking on the phone...because the note said they were from Cathy and Tyson. The humans who are loving them up while we are here must be giving them a lot of leeway.
Then into the room.
It truly is fabulous....truly....it is the best mix of the Gladstone and Tallulah's....and there is an AMAZING sound and lighting crew (Kevin and Jeff)....
At dinner George and Derrick insisted that I eat...I ate a little and then I felt all pukey.
Back to the theatre....show time came so bloody fast...SOOO fast....
After describing my gig to Helena the stage manager, it was pretty much time to go...donning my sweet, pink, FC dress with a flower on it as big as my head...and putting on a pair of high heels that a drag queen would say "Damn girl, those are high!" to...I went out to say hi to everyone...that is one of my fave parts...there were tons of people I didn't know...old and young...who had read about it on the Joe's site or from their mailing list of 150, 000....staggering, I know.
It was an amazing house.....
Constance and Sasha came down from TO, as did, Bradley, Devon Tullock (already there, but that counts!)...the same can be said for Leah Oster, Jennifer Stewart, Angela Wright, Michael Gianfrancesco, James Levesque... Paul and Chris came down from Montreal!!!
And then there were all the NY people I have known...Kim Lindsay, Dathan Williams and his partner Parker, Lorna Hampson, Tyley Ross, Eric Robertson and his wife Linda, John Maher, Shane Bland and his wife Dale, Lexie Gallant, Whitney Webster, Pete Kaiser!!
This list goes on!
And my dear PR dude Don invited a lot of folks....and there were, as I said, a ton of new people....it was packed!
And then I got the sign that it was time...and I started.
And I felt it right from the first moment....it was gonna be a great night.
They were with me at every turn...Wayne was flawless.
People were eating through the whole show and a guy right in front had a shrimp salad...so I had a piece of shrimp...during the show...and washed it down with his whole drink.
And he smiled throughout!
I ran a bit long so I had to cut 2 songs...I fucking talk too much...and let the audience pick the last song...
When I bowed...it was like that very first cabaret I did at J.J.'s on church street....I am gonna say it...it is gonna sound conceited...but I wanna say it and share it with you all...judge me if you will...but know that it comes from celebrating all the hard work beforehand ....I got two standing ovations.
On my NY cabaret debut...at Joe's Pub.
It was just so special....and we went out to celebrate after!!
Don't worry...I don't work tonight until 9:30pm...I am good.....
I love you guys!!!!!
Thanks to George, Wayne, Derrick and Donald for making the night happen!